“I had the pleasure of meeting some good friends in New Zealand last spring for four weeks of epic tramping around the North Island. I fell in love with the country, and it is by far the most beautiful place I have ever been. After a four day trip around the Tongariro Northern Circut, one of the group fell lame with a toe injury, which rendered a trip through Whirinaki impossible. I decided to rent my own vehicle for a few days and explore for myself, as I had heard from a hut warden at Mangetepopo that Whirinaki was not to be missed. And she was correct. I spend a quick two days in Whirinaki, in complete awe at the gigantic podocarp trees, and stunned by the songs of the birds which echoed through the grand cathedral. I met some possum hating locals, and some rain hating europeans. I even managed to go out at night to find some glow-worms, with great success. This picture encompasses everything that two days was for me. The sheer bliss of being in a lush, green, paradise…such a long way from home.” - Karsten
Backpack brand: ARC’TERYX
Backpack model and capacity: Bora 50, 50L
The location where you took the picture: Whirinaki Forest Park, North Island, New Zealand
Trip Length: In Whirinaki, 2. In New Zealand, 24.
More pictures at: http://www.karstosis.com
Thanks to Karsten Klawitter.
Should Karsten win our New Zealand photo contest?
See full resolution picture here.
“We quit our jobs to live and travel in New Zealand for 9 months. Mt. Angelus was one of the highlights.” - Ben
Backpack brand: REI
Backpack model and capacity: Venus
The location where you took the picture: Nelson Lakes National Park, New Zealand
Trip Length: 2 days trip, part of 9 months in New Zealand
More pictures at: http://www.wanderaround.com/
Thanks to Ben Ridge, the photographer.
Should Ben win our New Zealand photo contest?
“This was one of the hightlights of 5 months traveling through NZ. Awesome!” - Martin
Backpack brand: Jack Wolfskin
Backpack model and capacity: Agadir 2, 65+10l
The location where you took the picture: Kepler Track, Fiordlands, New Zealand
Trip Length: 4 days
More pictures at: http://nightflight.terminal-eins.de
Thanks to Martin Stratmann.
Should Mark win our New Zealand photo contest?
” Ball Pass is a classic 2-day transalpine tramp right under the towering icefalls of Mt Cook. Amazing views and hiking. Take an ice axe and crampons, and be prepared for a long, steep climb!” - Mark
Backpack brand: Cactus
Backpack model and capacity: Deepwinter (65l)
The location where you took the picture: Ball Pass, Mt Cook, New Zealand
Trip Length: 2 days
More pictures at: http://www.highlux.co.nz/
Thanks to Mark Watson.
Should Mark win our New Zealand photo contest?
“The Routeburn track was an amazing hike. Day 1 we spent hiking up through the rainforest to Routeburn Flats and then on up to Routeburn Falls. It rained for most of the day but it cleared up right on sunset, an amazing rainbow appeared in the valley, the view from the falls was amazing. Day 2 we spent hiking up through the alpine meadows to Conical Hill, we then descended to down to Mackenzie Lake. Day 3 was a downhill trek to the end of the hike. All in all, a tough hike but amazingly beautiful, great views and scenery, would do it again in a flash.” - Jeremy
Backpack brand: Jeremy had a Macpac, the others had Kathmandu
Backpack model and capacity: Unknown model, 50L
The location where you took the picture: Harris Lake, Routeburn Track, South Island, New Zealand
Trip Length: The hike lasted 3 days but they were in New Zealand for 2 weeks.
More pictures at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/iamjeremy/365763464/
Thanks to Jeremy Greive.
Should Jeremy win our New Zealand photo contest?
“Five friend on an adventure through New Zealand. We decided to walk the Tongariro Crossing in what seemed like the worst possible weather, but it didn’t start out that way. 27 miles in a little over 24 hours. We screamed at the top of our lungs when the Skotel Hotel came into sight. Our feet were sore and our backs ached, but we didn’t care…we had made the crossing!” - John
Backpack brand: Kelty
Backpack model and capacity: Red Cloud 5600
The location where you took the picture: Tongariro National Park, New Zealand
Trip Length: 15 days
More pictures at: http://www.flickr.com/relic
Thanks to John Mundy.
Should John win our New Zealand photo contest?
