The Fleeting One
When kea stomp on the roof just before the alarm, when the sunrise catches like fire from one cloud to the next slowly growing in intensity, when the wind holds its breath for 30 seconds and then “SNAP” the light goes out behind grey clouds like the flipping of a switch. That’s when you know this moment was meant to be, in all its fleeting grandeur.
Thank you, Murchison Mountains for letting me spend four days in your special hidden valleys and on your wind-swept tops.
Gateway to the Tasman Sea
Spectacular rock formations on Wharariki Beach
Fiordland Skyline
Milford Sound's skyline ridge: I couldn't let the jaw-dropping views lull me into thinking this was any kind of "walk-in-the-park" - with sheer drops on either side and tangled scrub and boulders to push through it was anything but. Although, it may just be the most stunning place I've ever woken up to.
Tararua Range
A vivid sunset as seen from the approach to Kime Hut in the Tararuas.
Milford Isolation
A fresh dusting of snow on Mackinnon Pass kicks off a series of winter storms that transform this landscape from summer's plenty to a silent frozen wonderland.
The clearest of skies after the hardest of climbs
Remote camp above Lake Barra in South Westland
Magic Waters
I have stumbled across the most magical waters on earth. What else can I say? The Clinton River in winter afternoon light is divine.
Sunset Stroll
The day's tramp to Kime Hut in the Tararuas ends with a brilliant winter sunset.
Autumn Magic
Te Anau in late autumn is a mix of storm and color, grey monotony of low cloud, and the occasional exquisite bright day that feels like summer. Here’s a shot from a particularly magic morning of fresh snow and vibrant light as seen from the yacht club. What a beautiful town perched on the water’s edge!
Where Ice Meets Abyss
The expanse of ice lies like icing on a cake - swirly luminescent and creamy until it breaks with remarkable sharpness at the edge of a precipice, falling away into chasms, cliffs, and chalky waterfalls roaring with meltwater.
Mist in the Eglinton
Morning light play on the mists of the Eglinton Valley has always been one of my favorite things about driving the Milford Road on a fine day. This time I decided to stop and take it all in with a camera-in-hand wander.
Clinton Valley Forest Magic
Low-angle light rays of a clear winter afternoon filter through vibrant beech forest.
Kea of the Southern Alps
Biting winds, fresh snow, and inquisitive kea on the summit of Avalanche Peak in Arthur's Pass National Park
Kahurangi - Cloaks of the Sky
Moonrise as seen from the summit of Mount Gibbs
Dawn of the Dragon
Panorama of sunrise over Anatoki Peak, the Dragon's Teeth, and Mount Douglas in Kahurangi National Park
Moonlight over the Mountain
Sunrise on Mount Hart as seen from the frost hollow of Lake Mintaro
Icefield Texture and Drama Up Close
The Way of the Land
Sunrise over the Southern Alps of Aotearoa as seen from the West Peak of Mount Campbell
Paparoa Magic
Townson Tarn at dawn as seen from a high camp on the Buckland Peaks
Mountains of the Sea
A wild sunset over Golden Bay as seen from the headlands of Abel Tasman National Park.
Camp on Cascade Peak
A Painting of Light on the Clinton River
The afternoon light of a winter's day illuminates the turquoise depths of the Clinton River.
Autumn Roam
High camp in the Earl Mountains of Fiordland National Park
Kepler Panorama
A beautiful autumn sunrise after fresh snow as seen from the shores of Lake Te Anau.
Lake Mackenzie - vertical
Golden clouds just after dawn
A First on Mackinnon Pass
My first morning spent atop Mackinnon Pass did not disappoint despite a few sprinkles of rain and threatening clouds. I watched the sun filter through from behind Mount Balloon with the company of a single kea perched beside me.
Edge of Spring - High Above Lake Greaney
A magic sunset over an ocean of cloud and the lake basin of Greaney with spring snow still clinging to the high mountains.
Water-Carved Fiordland
Mesmerizing tarns upon lakes upon fiords as seen from the ridge of Tamatea Peak
Change of Perspective
When running back and forth over a muddy trail I know well it’s important to remind myself to look up and appreciate my surroundings. Just look at this magic place! Life out here certainly isn’t always easy but stepping back and looking through the camera lens helps me put it all into perspective.
The Rhythm of Morning
Late summer alpine gardens in Arthur's Pass National Park
Ata Whenua - Black and White
Icy Beauty in the Lord Valley
This morning after struggling to put on wet gear and after crossing knee-deep icy blue water I climbed in the deep shade of huge mountains so complete that my hands still shook with cold and my toes felt numb in my boots as I took in the scene around me. I felt simultaneously uncomfortable and elated by the beauty around me. Looking back I wouldn’t change anything about this moment as treading the edge of my comfort zone forced me to be present in an undeniable way.
Where Light, Color, and Cloud Collide
A stormy morning flight over the West Arm of Lake Manapouri as another week away in the hills begins.
Lonely Lake Brilliance
Lord Valley Panorama
Ridgeline to Mills Peak
Juxtaposition
Celmisia gardens juxtaposed against the rugged and raw landscape of glacial scouring. Such contrast captured my attention and wonder in this wild place. On one side vibrant life and on the other upheaval and tumult. Both exist to create this mountain environment that is so captivating.
Clarity of the Storm
A golden morning after a stormy night on Mount Wakefield in Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park
Light Beneath
Sunset above the Barker Hut in Arthur's Pass National Park
Inspiration Found
The historic Almer Hut on a rocky outcrop overlooking the neve of Franz Josef Glacier high in the Southern Alps under a clear night sky.
A Granite Wonderland
An impressive dawn as seen from the Buckland Peaks in late autumn.
Coldwater Dawn
Jetty in Lake Rotoiti in Nelson Lakes National Park
A Morning of Color over "Shipwreck Cove"
Okia Headland - Otago Peninsula
Waimakariri Wonder
A journey to the headwaters of this mighty river in Arthur's Pass National Park
Water of Fiordland
Greet the Day
A sunrise to remember over Lake Wanaka as seen from Roys Peak.
Evening Calm at Adelaide Tarn
A remote tarn in the heart of Kahurangi National Park.
Purple Eve
Alpenglow on Aoraki as seen from the Hooker River