New Zealand March 2026.

The shots below are in and around Auckland

Auckland waterfront taken from Maungauika, and extinct volcano overlooking the area.

Auckland waterfront taken from Maungauika, and extinct volcano overlooking the area.

Auckland waterfront taken from Maungauika, and extinct volcano overlooking the area.

Flying over the Rotorua area on New Zealand's north island. Lots of hills, lakes and volcanic caverns. We've been so busy there I have had almost zero time to review any of the tons of photos taken this past week.

Volcanic air

Volcanic air Crater-3150036.jpg

Lake near Rotorua 3150028-.jpg

Spent the day on Waiheke Island which is about a 40 minute ferry ride from Auckland. The island is stunning. I could spend weeks there but i would never be able to do justice to the beauty. This shot is at a lovely winery which has a hilltop overlooking one of the islands many bays. The wine at Goldie Estate was excellent. OM 1 mk II and the 12-40mm F2.8 pro lens. The 12-40mm lens is my go to choice for most landscapes and seascapes. The second shot is of Oneroa Bay on the same Island.

Goldie Estate Vinyard on Waiheke 3138520 LN-.jpg

Oneroa Bay 3130025-.jpg

Have not had much of a chance to do any birding of significance but that should change this week. The Pukeko (first two shots) is quite the beautiful birdie. It is also of significance here in New Zealand to both indigenous and non-indigenous folks. Lovely looking bird. These were taken with the OM 5 mark ii and the 40-150mm Olympus f4 pro lens.

The third shot is of the Pied Cormorant a very different looking bird from the ones on Amelia Island.

Auckland has a must-see acquarium which has, among other things, about 70 penguins. The shots here are of two King Penguins and then one Gentoo Penguin. Neither are native to the Island.

Australian Swamphen-3170195 cropped.jpeg

Australian Swamphen-3170312.jpg

Little Pied Cormorant Lake Rotoiti-3159221.jpg

King Penguins-3118362.jpg

Gentoo Penguin-3118255.jpg