ABOVE: The crazy rock sculptures that characterize the drive up to Duffers Saddle give way, as you drive down toward the Nevis River Valley, to sharp-looking strata and this incredible rock dam, built by nature out of giant blocks across a deep gorge.
Amy and Guy flew into Queenstown the day before all tourists were required to self-isolate. Seasoned travelers, video bloggers, and photographers, they were ready for adventure as soon as they stepped off the plane from Auckland and I was excited to share my passion for film with some like-minded folks from across the world.
We had already been in contact, so when I picked them up it was with supplies of disinfectant and wipes in hand for them to carry on their New Zealand journey.
IT MAY BE A WHILE BEFORE WE CAN SHARE THE BEAUTY AND MAGNIFICENCE OF THE QUEENSTOWN LAKES AND CENTRAL OTAGO WITH YOU IN PERSON, BUT WE WILL CONTINUE TO BRING IT TO YOU ONLINE. KEEP AN EYE OUT FOR US ON FACEBOOK AND INSTAGRAM AND LOOK FOR OUR NEW VIDEOS ON YOUTUBE.
ABOVE: As the last tour for the foreseeable future, and with photographers who are also filmmakers it was time to explore an area I hadn’t really tackled before.
With the news of the Pandemic worsening by the day, I had the feeling this could be the last photography tour for some time. Guy and Amy had requested that I find a great location to photograph at sunset. I decided on “The Nevis” as our destination. The following day, my guests would be heading down to Doubtful Sound where they would experience craggy mountains, waterfalls, and deep green rainforest. “The Nevis” is the opposite. It’s a dry, sparse and stark landscape, 1000 metres above sea level, populated only by sheep and rabbits.
ABOVE: Amy shoots video to mark reaching Duffer’s Saddle, the highest point on a public road in New Zealand.
Across a gorge, behind the the remnant cottages of the old Nevis gold mining township, the forces of nature have built a massive dam wall from giant blocks. Many times his geological feature has fired my imagination, but the light or conditions haven’t been suitable for caturing it from above. Here, in warm afternoon light at the beginning of autumn, this part of the landscape was perfectly lit.
ABOVE: Guy is making the most of the road as a leading line snaking down into the Nevis Valley.
ABOVE: Looking east from Duffers Saddle, the views are of spectacular ranges, each further away, softer and bluer than the last. The Old Woman Range with the St Bathans range behind.
