Category: New Zealand

Bridging Into Videography

For years I have had a keen interest in photography. I’ve never been shown how to use a camera or had any lessons and everything I do is purely experimental. Photography for me is essentially a hobby.

The idea of developing my skills into film has always been an ambition. Though, previously I had a misconception of the time, skills and technology needed to produce good quality films, which in turn inhibited my aspirations.

While Ashleigh and I lived our experiences in New Zealand, we captured moments with a GoPro Hero 4. This was a gift that we requested from both our parents after realising the camera’s potential when travelling in Fiji. The GoPro bridged the gaps between photography and film for me. That misconception of the technology needed to produce good videography was diminished. The camera is so easy and simply to use and the equipment far exceeds my needs.

I produced this short film with the footage we both collected over our time in New Zealand. As you’ll see, the country is beautiful and we were spoiled with landscapes and experiences to use for material. The video was fairly simple to put together with the use of ‘GoPro Studio’ on my Mac. This is definitely the first of many for me.

Music: Luck & Love by Let’s Buy Happiness

 

Our Time In New Zealand

New Zealand made an unprecedented impression on the lives of Ashleigh and I.

We thought we knew what to expect from the country, which gave us great expectations when planning our trip. However, our expectations were exceeded. The more time we spent living in Wanaka and travelling the length of the islands, the more we grew to appreciate the environment around us.

We made friends, settled in jobs and slipped into behaviours and routines. Suddenly, ‘a few months’ turned into a year. Then before we knew it, we were into the second year. We divided our time between working, socialising and travelling the regions.

When our time was up at the end of year two, it was too early.

What’s your alarm?

It’s a tough call.

I’ve ruined countless amounts of good songs as they slip from hero to zero in my ears shortly after I set them as my wake-up call.

The sound of rock and snow avalanches at a close but safe distance from your tent… now that’s got to be one you don’t get sick of. Especially when you peel back your tent door and witness the spectacle for yourself.

Mt. Cook National Park.

Mt. Cook National Park

It is fair to say that driving around New Zealand’s South Island is amazing. However, when you drive to Mt. Cook Village, it’s more than amazing. There are few superlatives that will do this road justice, not to mention the hiking and camping to be done when you get there.

 

Doubtful Sound

AMAZING!

I have to search through superlatives to find words that come remotely close to describing Fiordland and Doubtful Sound.

Words, Pictures, actions… nothing does this place justice. You simply have to experience it in person to understand how breathtaking it really is.

We visited Fiordland overnight with Real Journey’s. The dorms were comfortable and the food was brilliant. This was all a bonus though, I was there for the famous scenery.

GLENORCHY&PARADISE

 

After spending a night in Queenstown for my birthday we woke up to a bluebird day and had a spontaneous trip out to Glenorchy and Paradise. We had already been out this way in the summer, however the clouds rolled in and ruined the views into Mt. Aspiring National Park. I was determined to return one day – this day was a belter with clear skies and plenty white stuff on the peaks.

Heading out of Queenstown along the banks of Lake Wakatipu, the road to Glenorchy is a dancer! You’ll experience epic views of the water, hills, mountains and white stuff. Keep your eyes on the road though, you get the feeling some wanderlust travellers loose concentration on the winding, twisting and narrowing stretches. When you get to Glenorchy, keep going there’s more. Follow the signs for Paradise.

Around these parts of New Zealand, you’re able to get your fix of Lord of the Rings/ Hobbit locations such as the Forest of Middle Earth. We even spotted a couple of class-acts running around the woods dressed as Hobbits.