Letter from Des Paroz
Eight Days in the Taupo Volcanic Zone – Days 6 and 7
After the strenuous climb of Ruapehu we decided to take the next two days more easily in preparation for the 19.4 km Tongariro Alpine Crossing, which was scheduled for Day 8. Accordingly, since the weather looked like remaining good for the next three says, we opted to explore the area to the south of Mt Ruapehu on Day 6 and go canoeing on the Whanganui River on day 7.
Eight Days in the Taupo Volcanic Zone – Day 8: Tongariro Crossing
Today we would achieve the main objective of our trip to New Zealand: to walk the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. Renowned as one of the great day walks in New Zealand, this 19.4 km track traverses steep volcanic terrain and climbs upwards through 800 metres vertically then down through 1050 metres of what promised to be quite the spectacular scenery, we booked on the first bus to leave Discovery Village and, accordingly, we arrived at the start of the walk at the Mangatepopo car park by 6.30 a.m.
Eight Days in the Taupo Volcanic Zone – Day 4: Tongariro
Today’s objective was the Tongariro National Park, where we would spend the rest of the time on this trip. But first we had to drive to Turangi and go to the Visitors’ Centre to gain email access, check the weather forecast for the alpine areas and arrange accommodation for the next two nights. (We had pre-booked accommodation for our last three nights as we planned to meet friends who were arriving from Australia in time to join us for the Tongariro Alpine Crossing on our last day in the area.)
Eight Days in the Taupo Volcanic Zone – Day 5: Mount Ruapehu
After a chilly night we arose to a frosty morning and assembled a quick breakfast in order to get up to the Iwikau Village car park in the Whakapapa Ski Area where we would meet our guide, Mike Fox. We had been instructed to bring lunch, wet weather gear, hats, sunscreen and plenty of water. We also brought our walking sticks and cameras.
Eight Days in the Taupo Volcanic Zone – Day 2: Rotorua
When you mention New Zealand’s thermal regions, the first name to come to mind is Rotorua. Often described as ‘Sulphur City’ the area is dotted with thermal springs which contain boiling cauldrons of water, pungent gas and steam emissions and bubbling mud pools – as well as the occasional thrusting geyser.
Eight Days in the Taupo Volcanic Zone – Day 3: Thermal Areas
Today’s plan was to visit two thermal areas and end the day camping on the shore of Lake Taupo, en route to the Tongariro National Park, which was the main focus of our trip. After starting our day with a swim in the Waikite thermal pool and packing the camper van, we headed directly for Wai-O-Tapu, which was only a couple of kilometres away. Our aim was to be on site for the ‘performance’ of the Lady Knox geyser, which erupts daily at 10.15 a.m.
Eight Days in the Taupo Volcanic Zone – Day 1: White Island
Like many Australians, this year my partner and I have decided to holiday close to home and, having a long-standing interest in geology, we thought a trip to New Zealand’s thermal regions would provide us with some great picture-taking opportunities and, at the same time, provide a chance to explore some radically unfamiliar landforms.
Depth of Field
We investigate why digital camera lenses have more depth of field than 35mm lenses – and how it affects your photography.
Dynamic Range Explained
I had recently been challenged by shooting some high-contrast scenes with my digital camera (with mixed results) and this prompted me to research the subject of Dynamic Range as it relates to both film and digital imaging generally. I also have a flatbed scanner and a film scanner, so the subject has been lurking in the back of my mind for some time.
