A Memorable Journey Through New Zealand’s North Island With Hasselblad Xpan II
A Memorable Journey Through New Zealand's North Island With Hasselblad Xpan II
Diary
A Memorable Journey Through New Zealand’s North Island With Hasselblad Xpan II
New Zealand has always been a dream destination of mine, and I am thrilled to share with you the highlights of my recent trip to the North Island. From the bustling city of Auckland to the captivating Waitomo Caves, this adventure was packed full of unforgettable experiences.
Auckland: Oysters, Hikes, and City Views
Our journey began in Auckland, where we indulged in the freshest oysters at Davenport. To reach this charming seaside suburb, we took a scenic ferry ride from the city centre. Before our gastronomic treat, we hiked to Signal Hill, where we were rewarded with stunning views of the Auckland skyline. I captured the striking cityscape with my Makina 67 and Hasselblad Xpan II cameras.
Waitomo Caves: An Underground Wonderland
Next, we ventured to the Waitomo Caves, home to the largest glow worm population in the Southern Hemisphere. The mesmerising glow worm displays were an unforgettable sight, and I couldn’t help but marvel at the beauty of the natural world.
Cambridge & Hobbiton: A Step into Middle Earth
Our trip wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the famous Hobbiton movie set in Cambridge. The guided tour was phenomenal, providing us with fascinating insights into how the iconic scenes from The Lord Of the Rings and The Hobbit were brought to life.
Rotorua, Taupo, and a Shaky Encounter
During our stay in Rotorua and Taupo, we encountered an unexpected challenge: I got diarrhoea after drinking tap water, a mistake I had previously made in Singapore. Despite this setback, we enjoyed our time in both cities. However, our adventures took a dramatic turn when we experienced a 4.7 magnitude earthquake in Taupo. Thankfully, we were unharmed, but the event left a lasting impression.
Wellington: Culinary Delights and Coffee Culture
Our North Island journey concluded in Wellington, where we savoured delicious dishes at High Water Eatery and sipped expertly crafted coffee at Pour and Twist. The city’s thriving food and coffee scene left a lasting impression on our taste buds.
While I didn’t shoot as many rolls of film as I would have liked, I am eager to share my panoramic shots from the stunning South Island in an upcoming post. Stay tuned for more breathtaking landscapes and unforgettable experiences from our New Zealand adventure!
All photos are shot with my Hasselblad Xpan II. For film choice, I have used Kodak Tri-X, Kodak 250D Vision 3 5207 and Fujifilm Velvia 100.
Have you been to New Zealand’s North Island? Share your favourite memories and travel tips in the comments below!
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I just got back from New Zealand (northern Island) less than a month ago. The picture with your partner sitting at the cafe in Auckland is so good and so cinematic, a word so much used in today’s photography but here the light, her glaze, the panoramic field of the X-Pan and the Vision 250D all played very well together. Well done.
Thank you so much! Stay tuned. I will be posting the South Island post soon.