Non UK New Zealand, where to start?

[David Woodyatt]

I have an impromptu visit to New Zealand to change my visa over in a few weeks. I will be there for 7 days and driving in a self contained camper van. I arrive in Christchurch and leave from Auckland. So far my only plans are to head south to lake Tekapo for one maybe 2 nights then down to Lake Wanaka. Milford sounds will be to far south for this trip I think and I'd rather so it with my fiancee at a later date. I know I will have lots of driving but I'm fine with that. The whole week is a unplanned trip so I'm happy to just take photos at my own pace. I'm more a landscape/astrophotographer so early mornings and late nights are the plan.

Can anyone give me any other advice for locations more towards the north?

 

[boogie 16]

One night stay in Tekapo is enough, but go to the little church for a dawn shot, its within a few hundred yards of the center of the village and is at the edge of the lake. this is also good for a night shot of the milky way if its a clear night then drive up to the mount John observatory for more stunning views, its only 15 min drive. Then you must go down to the lookout point at lake pukaki, if its a clear day the views of mount cook over the blue lake are mind blowing. You will enjoy the drive to and from Christchurch as well.

 

[dan_yell]

I echo @boogie 16 - i didn't get those shots at the time, but if i were to go now then I would. You certainly have a whirlwind trip ahead of you. We loved lake Wanaka, would love to live there - pricey! Mount Cook takes a pretty picture, and Lake Matherson. Hokitika is cute. In regards to the north island, i found the landscape less inspiring (in the areas i went anyway) Taupo also has a lake, Hobbiton is cool, although when i went they were near the end of the rebuild for the The Hobbit movies, think it's a bit more of a fully formed experience now so cant comment on that - but the rolling hills around this area might be something to shoot.