OT: New Zealand

I spent the later part of October in New Zealand, Richie exchanged places with me . This was our second trip to NZ, the first in 2007 we spent 75% of the time on the South Island, this trip was 100% on the North island.

Weather was a little variable, some rain, cloudy, some sun; but we made the most of it. The North Island is not as spectacular as the South, but is still very beautiful and most definitely worth the time to explore. We also stopped in Sydney, those images I am yet to process.

I'll post 3 quite different images below, to show the diversity of the North Island, the rest can be viewed on my website New Zealand Images here

For anyone interested I also have a brief day by day account (text only) on my blog page, along with a map - HERE

All images taken with Canon 5Dmkii and 24-105mmL, CF tripod.
1st image is Whangarei Falls.

Cathedral Cove, Coromandel.

Mount Ngauruhoe, Tongariro National Park (aka Mount Doom)

Welcome back Nick. Nice set. Always enjoy seeing the northern region. Looks like you did not take enough images though. Probably need to go back some day and take care of that problem.

Mount Doom is my favorite, you really captured the overall atmosphere.

Lovely images Nick. Glad to have you back.

Nice collection of images Nick. #2 is just amazing! I enjoyed the Redwoods as well.

Great set of photos, Nick I especially liked Cathedral Cove and the 2nd comp of Tawhai Falls. So which island did you like best?

Hi Don, hard to pick between the 2 Islands. I did really like Tongariro National Park, Hawkes Bay, and the West side of Northland on the North Island though. The North Island has "similar" scenery to my native Great Britain (except for the Volcanic areas of course), so based purely on the Wow and different factor, South Island edges ahead with Milford Sound, Glaciers, and the Wild West Coast.

Some beautiful country you had to traipse around!
I'm rather fond of your Takapu Gannet Colony series. What a uniquely beautiful bird!

Great stuff Nick. I love Mount Doom and the Takapu Gannet Colony shots. From your photos I can tell you had a great time. Welcome back.

The Takapu Gannet Colony images are fascinating. Thanks for sharing.

Yeah, the Gannet Colony stuff is very cool--nice series, Nick!

Beautiful! I like the 2nd falls shot and the one you posted here, the best. They are all very nice though. Would love to visit there someday.

Beautiful images! Looks like you had a great trip!

Sweet set of photos! I really like the ones you posted here, as well as the Gannet shots (interesting how they are arranged so neatly!). I also like Hills and Kawhia Harbour a lot.

You managed some really excellent photos on your trip with a wide variety. All beautiful shots.