The Peninsula

A Day for Reflection

Mirror Images

Otago Peninsula

May 2010. Ajr

Shiver Me Timbers!

I wonder how many people have ground their cars to a halt outside this crazy little house and sheds at Otakou on Otago Peninsula, near Dunedin? I know I did - and with a lingering sense of disbelief, I raised my camera to try and capture some of the madness of it all. If nothing else, you'd have to say it's a labour of love - collecting all that drift wood off the beach and then assembling it into this rather wonderful example of Kiwi visual insanity.

And Speaking of Wildlife ........

New Zealand Sea Lions

Photographed at Porpoise Bay (top) in the Catlins

and Sandfly Bay on Otago Peninsula May 2010. Ajr

More from Otago Peninsula

Three more views on Otago Peninsula on an idyllic May day.

The skies were blue, the waters still, the reflections perfect. May 2010. Ajr

Otago Peninsula - Three Views

Otago Peninsula on a fine day has got to be one of the most impressive places in New Zealand - and not just for the renowned ecotourism operations and the abundance of wildlife that lives there. The geographic features are equally beautiful - mirror clear harbour waters; long stretches of golden beaches and not a soul in sight; quaint harbour settlements; tortured trees bent over by the winds......I love it all. I spent all day yesterday driving around the peninsula, visiting assorted tourism operations, wandering beaches, photographing birds and boats. The weather couldn't have been better and by the time I had finished, I had more photos than I could poke a stick at. These are three, taken earlier in the morning on the coastal road on the way out. www.dunedinnz.com

Big Bird

Dunedin Airport. August 2008. Ajr

This royal albatross was an unexpected surprise inside the Dunedin Airport terminal. Suspended above the stairwell it serves as a pretty reminder that Dunedin's Taiaroa Head on Otago Peninsula, is home to the only mainland colony of royal albatross in the world. You can find out more about these spectacular birds by visiting The Royal Albatross Centre - or its website: www.albatross.org.nz