Romantic Anniversary Adventures
One of the first things Simon noticed when he met Pavneet and Simran was how absolutely amazing they looked. As a photographer, it’s such a treat to work with people who have put so much effort into their outfits, even more so when the colours they’ve chosen will work so incredibly well within Te Taiao (The Environment).
2 years ago, Paveneet and Simran honeymooned here in Wai-Tāhuna (Queenstown). They were blown away with the beauty of the place we’re lucky enough to call home, choosing to return to celebrate their 2nd wedding anniversary. Paveneet came across our ‘Top and Back’ tour and thought this would be a unique experience and fantastic way for them to celebrate their 2nd wedding anniversary.
We stopped briefly by the lake at Wilson Bay to begin the tour and welcome our manuhiri (visitors) to this place. It is of utmost importance to us to pay respect to the Atua (Supreme Ancestors), Te Taiao & Mana Whenua (the indigenous people (Māori) who have historic and territorial rights over the land) as soon as possible on any of our adventures.
Living here and always exploring we get to know the feel of the place and how other manuhiri enjoy different destinations. We’ve come to understand that the popularity of Bob’s Cove is increasing at an incredible rate, so arriving there early to beat the crowds was something we planned and got just right.
The track that gently meanders down the hillside from the car park to the lake shore goes through some incredible native bush. You get to immerse yourself in Te Kåhere (Native Forrest), a wide range of trees, shrubs and birds. As we paid the beautiful call of Korimako (The Bell Bird) filled the air, adding the most incredible atmosphere. As the light poured through the canopy it created opportunities to capture photographs and to slow down and truly become immersed with all this place has to offer.
Reaching the shore of Whakatipu-Wai-Māori (Lake Wakatipu), the stillness and calm is impossible to ignore, providing the perfect opportunity to enjoy a gentle stroll. The beach at Bob’s Cove is one of pebbles, many of which are perfectly shaped skimming stones. Who doesn't love seeing how many skips you can achieve across beautifully flat water?
The road to Glenorchy has to be one of the most beautiful roads in the world. It gently meanders along the lake shore offering breathtaking views the entire way. There are a multitude of places we can quickly stop to experience different vistas and create even more beautiful photographs.
Whilst we do our best to take our manuhiri to quiet spots and immerse them in Te Taiao, we also understand that making a quick stop at Mrs.Wolleys to peruse their collection of uniquely Kiwi treasures always goes down well.
The Wharf at Glenorchy is a truly iconic photo destination. We know the place well, so even at the height of summer, we’ll be able to work alongside you to create beautiful images not full of other people. The wharf itself offers an incredible vantage point of the surrounding mauka (mountains).
As part of your authenticAs Top and Back Adventure, we provide a light lunch for you to enjoy and keep your energy levels up. On this incredibly stunning day, Diamond Lake provided the most incredible destination for a romantic picnic for two. Cirrus clouds were beginning to form across the beautiful blue sky reflecting off the surface of the calm lake which is home to many Black Swans and Paradise Ducks. Just so incredibly beautiful.
We headed further North, with a quick stop off at the Paradise sign, to then cross a few streams, which in places were deeper than expected but our trusty Land Rover JAS had no issues whatsoever traversing. The road winds through ancient trees, the light breaking through the canopy illuminating the thriving forest floor, adding to the atmosphere.
Our final stop for the day is below Pikirakatahi (Mount Earnslaw), next to a beautiful stream and Beach Forest. It’s ever so quiet out here. You can stand next to the water and lose yourself in the noise it makes as it ventures down from the slopes of the mauka towards Te Awa Whakatipu (The Dart River).
Just as were preparing ourselves to head back, a very curious Kakaruai (South Island Robin), popped out of the bush to come and say farewell. What a day.
