Remarkable Queenstown

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The Remarkables is a remarkable set of mountain ranges that dominate the mountane terrain of Queenstown. And one of the best places to appreciate this vista is from atop the Skyline Gondola. An endless blue sky punctuated with clouds drawn by a paintbrush reflects on the glistening waters of Lake Wakatipu. Rising up from it's long coastline are the Remarkables on one side, and towering mountain peaks on the other. This is the amazing setting for Queenstown, an unforgettable adventure destination.

Queenstown

Otago, New Zealand

Shooting for the Trees

The blue lake glistened in the morning sun. The signs of fall seemed far away - warm conditions, bluebird skies, a sunny disposition and green meadows, but the golden leaves on the nearby trees gave away the season I was in. I wandered around, hoping to find the famous willow tree, and after asking a few locals, I was pointed in the right direction. And when I arrived, I found the crooked, precariously balanced tree rising out of the soggy shoreline, sprouting a frazzled few leaves on the last of their lives.

The famous Wanaka Willow has made many appearances on many travel brochures highlighting the beauties of New Zealand. And so, when it was my own turn to visit and pay home, I was sorely disappointed. The low water levels of the lake meant that the tree was no longer a denizen of the lake, but of the shallow shore nearby. While that was great for the tree, it's photographic appeal had certainly come down.

Nevertheless, I scouted around for opportunities and captured a few images, including this starburst image

Wanaka
Otago New Zealand