Storm Over Lake Wakatipu

Storm over Lake Wakatipu

While driving to Glenorchy, I stopped at one of the lookouts overlooking Lake Wakatipu. The surrounding mountains were partially shrouded in dark, stormy clouds, creating a moody and atmospheric scene. The wind from a passing distant storm whipped up over the deep blue-green hues of the lake. The interplay between the stormy sky and the rugged mountain terrain added to the sense of drama and natural beauty in the image. For the life of me, I couldn’t decide if I was happy I was driving into it or not!

Diamond Lake

Diamond Lake

This delightful scene I discovered on my way to Paradise and yes, here in New Zealand there really is a place called that. It’s located on the eastern shoreline of the Dart River at the head of Lake Wakatipu. If you’re heading to Paradise (I like being able to write that), before you get there you’ll pass Diamond Lake, a popular camping and fishing spot and a true gem of a conversation area. Actually, I spent hours there. I only stopped for a look and I ended up walking along tracks and watching all sorts of wildlife. I even went for a swim in the lake. 

Glenorchy Lagoon

Glenorchy Lagoon & Boardwalk

Isn’t this an outstanding spot for a place to sit and watch the world go by? It’s part of the Glenorchy Lagoon/Boardwalk which crosses wetlands that are full of bird life and surrounded by stunning mountain ranges. The track twists, turns and loops around with multiple starting and finishing points. In addition, it’s completely flat and a really easy walk which makes it perfect for a family outing. In the summer the lagoon is still, warm and full of colour whereas in the winter the mountain ranges are covered in snow and the air has a bracing chill, making it equally delightful.        

Glenorchy and Mt Bonpland

Mt Bonpland  – Buy 

The town of Glenorchy at the head of Lake Wakatipu is an amazing place. If you’re keen to get up early you’ll see some outstanding sunrises and in the evenings the sunsets are just as good. Add to that, in the warm summer months the dusks are long and the lake is splendid. It’s also a great access point for the Routeburn Track and the Paradise Valley.

The Glenorchy Pier

The Glenorchy Pier – Buy 

A few years back now, I stayed a few nights in the tiny South Island town of Glenorchy. One morning, waking up early I snuck out for a walk as dawn was starting to break over the lake and the surrounding mountains. I made my way down to the pier at the lakefront as heavy clouds started to clear over the mountains and sunlight started to hit the hills high above the lake. If there’s one thing that is guaranteed to make you feel insignificant, it’s watching the earth wake-up while being encircled in mountain peaks when you’re the only one around.

Glenorchy

Glenorchy Walkway – Buy 

A few years ago I stayed in Glenorchy for almost a week, it was quite delightful. In fact, I was greatly taken by the whole area. I’ve been there many times and every time it doesn’t fail to disappoint. One of the truly magic places to visit is the Glenorchy Walkway with its views of Mt Earnslaw, Mt Alfred and the surrounding ranges. The boardwalk traverses the wetlands just north of Glenorchy and is filled native birds that call the lagoon home. It’s very splendid.

Glenorchy Mountain Range At Dawn

Glenorchy mountain range at dawn – Buy 

There really is something wonderful about places and locations around Queenstown, once you venture out of the traffic in the main shopping area that is.

This is a sunrise that I shot one morning while I was in Glenorchy. The bright dramatic light and colour in the clouds didn’t last long and was localised to one specific section of the mountain tops as the sun’s rays escaped through some thick cloud to dance across and through the face of these mountains.

Dwan In Glenorchy

Glenorchy Mountain Peaks – Buy 

A few years back, I stayed a few nights in the tiny South Island town of Glenorchy. One morning, waking up early I snuck out for a walk as dawn was starting to break. I made my way down to the pier at the lakefront and savoured the splendor of the colours that surrounded me. If there’s one thing that is guaranteed to make you feel insignificant, it’s watching the earth wake-up while being encircled in mountain peaks. Only gradually did dawn on me that I was the only one around.

The Sugerloaf & The Routeburn Track

The Routeburn Track – Buy

I decided, impulsively, to walk a section of the Routeburn Track. However, being neither prepared or dressed for such an undertaking, it was when I reached a swing bridge over Sugerloaf Stream that I reconsidered my options. Looking at my watch and discovering the afternoon was quickly disappearing, I made a few quick calculations. Deciding that I’d gone far enough to earn a beer at the nearest pub, I started the walk back.