South Island ~ Central Otago/Otago Region

[Kathy Harcom]

Hi,

I am travelling over to South Island in a couple of weeks to stay for around about 9 months. My husband is taking up a job in Queenstown and we will be staying in Arrowtown.

I was wondering if there are any APUG'ers in the area?

Also, photography suppliers, I know Photo & Video International in Christchurch are great, but wondered if anyone can recommend anywhere else.

Just one more question this is a bit of a long shot but, does anyone know of a community darkroom in Central Otago/Otago?

Many thanks!

 

[roteague]

Hi Kathy,

I was just in Central Otago a couple of weeks ago. I spent time in both Queenstown and Arrowtown (both have grown a lot in the past 5 years). I haven't heard of anything like you are looking for, however, I could suggest that you contact the Aoraki Polytechnic in Dunedin - I met one of their photography instructors at Aoraki Mt. Cook a few weeks ago.

 

[Kathy Harcom]

Hey Robert!

Thanks for your message. Shame I missed you, I didn't get here until 21st Oct.
Good idea about the Polytechnic in Dunedin, though it is a long run from here. There might be a possibility a little closer, but I am yet to check it out.

I haven't met any photographers yet! but plenty of other interesting and friendly people.

I hope you enjoyed your trip...and the weather was kind. It has been beautiful since we got here, though as yet I haven't shot much film...I must improve!

Thanks again

Kathy

 

[colrehogan]

Get out the infrared, Kathy! It's that time of year down there. Wish I was there!

 

[roteague]

Yes, I'm sorry I missed you as well. You are in quite a beautiful area. If you get a chance, go into Central Otago and visit St. Bathans. It is an old gold mining town, but the most famous feature of the town is Blue Lake (it is actually the remains of mining activity).

Robert

Hey Robert!

Thanks for your message. Shame I missed you, I didn't get here until 21st Oct.
Good idea about the Polytechnic in Dunedin, though it is a long run from here. There might be a possibility a little closer, but I am yet to check it out.

I haven't met any photographers yet! but plenty of other interesting and friendly people.

I hope you enjoyed your trip...and the weather was kind. It has been beautiful since we got here, though as yet I haven't shot much film...I must improve!

Thanks again

Kathy

 

[Kathy Harcom]

Get out the infrared, Kathy! It's that time of year down there. Wish I was there!

That sounds like a good plan Diane!!! The spring foliage is just gorgeous at the moment.

Kathy

 

[Kathy Harcom]

Yes, I'm sorry I missed you as well. You are in quite a beautiful area. If you get a chance, go into Central Otago and visit St. Bathans. It is an old gold mining town, but the most famous feature of the town is Blue Lake (it is actually the remains of mining activity).

Robert

Yes, you are right it is a lovely area.

Last time I was over I started photographing the Old Chinese gold mining settlement in Arrowtown, but I didn't manage to complete it and so plan on working on that.

So, thank you for the info on St. Bathans I am sure I will find it interesting, I shall make a point of finding it!

Kathy

 

[roteague]

Yes, you are right it is a lovely area.

Last time I was over I started photographing the Old Chinese gold mining settlement in Arrowtown, but I didn't manage to complete it and so plan on working on that.

So, thank you for the info on St. Bathans I am sure I will find it interesting, I shall make a point of finding it!

Kathy

It isn't hard to find. First go to Alexandra, then take Highway 85 towards Ranfurly. There is a loop road into St. Bathans; one part starts near the community of Becks (it is sealed), but if you go to the unsealed part, a few km up the road from there, you will find a real nice set of clay cliffs near the river. Here is a map of the area you can download: http://www.newzealand.com/travel/li...068D45A629=0&bcsi_scan_filename=l46331_23.pdf

Also, don't forget to have a beer or two at the Vulcan Hotel.

 

[Kathy Harcom]

Thanks for the directions, map and also the tip about the cliffs...well and the Vulcan! I'll be looking out for that

Kathy

 

[roteague]

That link I provided seems to be broken. Try this: http://www.newzealand.com/travel/library/l46331_23.pdf

It looks like a big file, so unless you have broadband you may not want to download it.

 

[roteague]

Another thought. As you are driving to Alexandra, the highway follows along the Kawarau River. On this section of the highway there is an old mining area - it looks like a tourist spot - with a number of restored buildings, which is worth looking at. There is parking lot along the road, and a hanging bridge crossing the river that you need to walk across to reach it. Good for a couple of hours.

 

[John McCallum]

Hi Kathy,
Great to hear you've made to NZ (sorry I'm a little slow to the celebrations).
Arrowtown, I sincerely believe is one of the most beautiful towns in the country. There is a great deal of material to photograph in the area - hope you enjoy the stay. Looks like you'll see the best of the seasons over the 9 months.

Re suppliers, personally I've found Photo & Video to be the best. They seem to have the most comprehensive range and competitive prices, other than the importers and distributors that supply them - Euroco in Grey Lynn, Auckland.

Best, John.

Hi,

I am travelling over to South Island in a couple of weeks to stay for around about 9 months. My husband is taking up a job in Queenstown and we will be staying in Arrowtown.

I was wondering if there are any APUG'ers in the area?

Also, photography suppliers, I know Photo & Video International in Christchurch are great, but wondered if anyone can recommend anywhere else.

Just one more question this is a bit of a long shot but, does anyone know of a community darkroom in Central Otago/Otago?

Many thanks!

 

[Kathy Harcom]

Another thought. As you are driving to Alexandra, the highway follows along the Kawarau River. On this section of the highway there is an old mining area - it looks like a tourist spot - with a number of restored buildings, which is worth looking at. There is parking lot along the road, and a hanging bridge crossing the river that you need to walk across to reach it. Good for a couple of hours.

Thanks for the updated link. Having done a little research about St. Bathans, it just seems to be a really fascinating place. I shall also check out the Kawarau river area. Thanks again

 

[Kathy Harcom]

Hi Kathy,
Great to hear you've made to NZ (sorry I'm a little slow to the celebrations).
Arrowtown, I sincerely believe is one of the most beautiful towns in the country. There is a great deal of material to photograph in the area - hope you enjoy the stay. Looks like you'll see the best of the seasons over the 9 months.

Re suppliers, personally I've found Photo & Video to be the best. They seem to have the most comprehensive range and competitive prices, other than the importers and distributors that supply them - Euroco in Grey Lynn, Auckland.

Best, John.

Hi John!

Thanks for your good wishes.

Good to hear your thoughts as well. We are really enjoying Arrowtown, it was one of the places I was captivated with when we visited before...but it also has hidden depths and gems, which we are gradually discovering!

Thanks also for the advice/info about P&V & Euroco.

 

[ian leeden]

Hi Kathy,

I`m moving to Central Otago at the beginning of December... I`ll be at Roxburgh, which is still some way from Arrowtown but I`m often photographing around the Arrowtown, Queenstown region and would be pleased to meet up with you sometime. If you want to PM me I`ll give you my address and phone #.
Cheers, Ian

 

[roteague]

Ian, sorry I didn't make it down to Port Chalmers on my recent trip. My friend near Alexandra called and asked me to come to her house for dinner. I did manage to get some really good images of Moeraki Boulders at sunrise and I also had dinner at Fleur's Place (thanks for the fantastic recommendation) - first place I ever ate where the dinner/drink orders were taken on a wireless PalmPilot.

 

[Kathy Harcom]

Hi Kathy,

I`m moving to Central Otago at the beginning of December... I`ll be at Roxburgh, which is still some way from Arrowtown but I`m often photographing around the Arrowtown, Queenstown region and would be pleased to meet up with you sometime. If you want to PM me I`ll give you my address and phone #.
Cheers, Ian

Thanks Ian....I have PM'd you

 

[Kathy Harcom]

I I did manage to get some really good images of Moeraki Boulders at sunrise and I also had dinner at Fleur's Place (thanks for the fantastic recommendation) - first place I ever ate where the dinner/drink orders were taken on a wireless PalmPilot.

Ooh I shall note that down for reference. Always good to know a good place for a meal ...thanks guys

 

[roteague]

Ooh I shall note that down for reference. Always good to know a good place for a meal ...thanks guys

Hi Kathy,

Fleur's Place is in Moeraki village, about 20km north of Palmerston on the coast (It would be over 250 km from the Queenstown/Arrowtown area, but worth the trip). The village is a few km off the main highway so you need to watch for the signs - the turnoff is about 2 or 3 km from Moeraki Boulders, so if you pass the Boulders you have missed the village.

Moeraki Boulders is a great place to visit, great landscapes. When you turn off the main highway, the road branches to the left; this is to a private restaurant/tourist center, with beach access (they ask for $2) and is only a short walk from there to the boulders themselves. If you continue straight instead of turning, you come to a Department of Conservation park/picnic ground. From there the walk is about .5 km to the boulders.

 

[claytume]

Robert

you know more about the South Island than I do!

Clayton

 

[roteague]

Robert

you know more about the South Island than I do!

Clayton

I doubt that; I was there just about a month ago, so the memory is pretty fresh. However, I do have a pretty good memory for places, and Central Otago is one of my favorite places in NZ.

 

[Kathy Harcom]

Hi Kathy,

Fleur's Place is in Moeraki village, about 20km north of Palmerston on the coast (It would be over 250 km from the Queenstown/Arrowtown area, but worth the trip). The village is a few km off the main highway so you need to watch for the signs - the turnoff is about 2 or 3 km from Moeraki Boulders, so if you pass the Boulders you have missed the village.

Moeraki Boulders is a great place to visit, great landscapes. When you turn off the main highway, the road branches to the left; this is to a private restaurant/tourist center, with beach access (they ask for $2) and is only a short walk from there to the boulders themselves. If you continue straight instead of turning, you come to a Department of Conservation park/picnic ground. From there the walk is about .5 km to the boulders.

Thanks Robert!
I love the boulders and did visit them on my previous trip, and took quite a few pictures....which are hopefully going to be used soon by a well known company But I would love to go again, as the light was a little harsh, and I am sure I could do better. Fleurs place though, and the village, we completely missed, so it is great to have that info, so thanks.

 

[roteague]

I love the boulders and did visit them on my previous trip, and took quite a few pictures....which are hopefully going to be used soon by a well known company

Wonderful!!! I shot a few 4x5 transparencies there last month, but haven't processed them yet. I'll have to get busy ....

 

[roteague]

I was just thinking, if you can swing it, be at the Moeraki village late in the afternoon. One of the people at Fluer's Place told me the boats come back every afternoon to unload - that is where the restaurant also get their fish.

Here is a quick snap I took from the second floor dining area of the restaurant of the boat harbour - shot through a glass window, just a snap.

 

[Kathy Harcom]

I was just thinking, if you can swing it, be at the Moeraki village late in the afternoon. One of the people at Fluer's Place told me the boats come back every afternoon to unload - that is where the restaurant also get their fish.

Here is a quick snap I took from the second floor dining area of the restaurant of the boat harbour - shot through a glass window, just a snap.

Thanks Robert, sounds like a good plan.