NEW ZEALAND ADVENTURES - ON TOP OF THE WORLD

Our final night in Queenstown was definitely a special one. We took the Skylie Gondala to the top of the Ben Lomand Scenic Reserve and dined at the Skyline Buffet Restaurant. This is a must for anyone visiting Queenstown.
The gondala takes you high above the city to a variety of activities, including luge, mountain biking and I believe bungee jumping. Oh and of course the 5 star buffet dinner. The best we've had!

Godalas, Queenstown NZ © Rachel Pitt

This location also offers you same of the most breathtaking views in the world.
You can make your way up to the viewing platform at any time of the day until late at night. There were what looked to be a number of semi-pro photographers up there at the same time I was. I guess the $20 gondala ride is worth it though, even if you don't part take in any of the other activities.

I snuck a few quick frames in before dinner, as this was something to behold. A great end to great adventure. I will definitely be back there on day sooner rather than later.

The piece of land jutting out from the left of screen is actually Queenstown golf course. I could think of much worse places to swing a club.

Of the frames I captured, I liked this one the best. See what you think.

Catchya.
Josh :)

Atop Queenstown, NZ © Josh Pitt

NEW ZEALAND ADVENTURES - JET BOATING

Jet boating is very much a part of the extreme adventure cuture of Queenstown and on our way to check in to our hotel we spotted the jet boats carving up the Shotover River, which is located about 10 mintues from the centre of Queenstown. These boats take you on a ride through the Shotover River Canyons at up to 85km/h (51mi/h) in, at times, 10cm (4in) of water.

Shotover River Jet Boating © Rachel Pitt

Shotover Jet Boating © Rachel Pitt

 Whilst this was quite interesting to watch. I have to admit the whipering, turquiose coloured waters had originally caught my attention from atop the high river overpass. I knew I just had to get down there and shoot it.

Heading down to get the shot © Rachel Pitt

There were many layers to be had in this frame and I knew that I needed to watch out for oncoming jet boats whilst I was composing it.
Movement in the water was key, not to mention some other foreground subject to add some other interest. Plus I had the forest on other side of the stream demanding attention too. I snapped a number of exposures and I have included my favourite below. At only a 1.6 sec shutted speed, you can see just how quickly the water was moving. The finished image has a much more serene atmosphere than what was true when shooting the image. Especially when dodging the spray of drifting Jet boats.
I hope you like it.

Catchya
Josh :)

Shotover River, NZ © Josh Pitt

NEW ZEALAND 1, 2, 3

Queenstown, New Zealand

Just relaxing at the foot of Mount Cook New Zealand, three days into a 10 day trip. There is not much to say but...WOW! From the moment you fly over, enroute to the airport, you know its going to be special.
I've had a few firsts on this trip - FREE airport luggage trolleys for one. Australia can learn a lot from the kiwis. I got stung by a bee driving while driving 100km/h down a NZ country road - it flogged! Not to mention the worst hayfever ever, I couldn't even go out in the fields - it was hideous. But I survived and have shot some imagery I am really happy with. Hopefully a few photos that are a little different to the norm. I have just included a quick sampler of one I snapped in Queenstown.

Our first night was spent in Queenstown, which we will revisit later in the trip. This allowed me to have a quick look around before we commenced our self drive holiday. First stop was the amazing Lake Tekapo, located about 5 hours north of Queenstown. This beautiful sleepy town has an array to amazing colours that will take your breathe away. In a way it almost seems like the colours are all wrong. The lakes are an extraordinary shade of turquoise, the mountains an stunning tone of greens and golds. These colours I have never seen before, it really was a awe-inspiring moment.
Lake Tekapo also has the beautiful Mount John, which we spent some time upon taking in the remarkable views of the township, lake and country fields. More of the images to come.    

Currently, I'm sitting here at our hotel room hoping the clouds will part from atop Mount Cook so I can get some shooting in tomorrow on one of the trails. Fingers crossed!

Just had a look at the al a carte menu and I love a good steak as much as the next person, but NZ$69 for a 250g rib eye is insane. This place is a little fancy. Though we are looking forward to our gourmet buffet though for $62 each, pretty insane in itself, but not too many options in Mt Cook. This better be good.

Keep an eye on my facebook for more updates and some finished images in the coming weeks.

Catch ya
Josh :)