Balancing an epic road trip with some photography on the side is always a challenge. Recently, I decided to accept the challenge on my trip to New Zealand I. As I am not a professional photographer, I couldn’t justify the cost associated with a typical “photography” centric trip. Therefore, flexibility was the name of the game! Although some sunsets and sunrises were a possibility, the privilege of waiting for the correct light or better conditions was not. Having said that I took opportunities as they arose and am pretty happy with the results.
The trip started in Wellington, then we headed to the west coast and then down to Stewart Island for a couple of days. Upon returning to the mainland, a long drive brought us up to Kaikoura before catching the ferry to the North Island and ultimately ending up in Auckland. It was a fair bit of driving, yes, but the scenery of this fantastic country made it easy. The islands have it all; natural wilderness, green pastures, little country towns, dynamic cities, snow capped mountains and rugged coastlines. Whatever you’re after, New Zealand has it. True I would’ve loved more photography time, but that was the challenge that was set. Given the limitations, I am happy overall with the images. I was given just a preview of what NZ has to offer and it is exciting. So many opportunities and yet so little time. Looks like I don’t need to find a reason to head back.
Safe travels and happy shooting.
Rob Gubiani