When people think of New Zealand, they often envision Milford Sound, Queenstown, Hobbiton, Auckland or Lake Matheson. What’s often overlooked are the lands just west of Christchurch, New Zealand’s second largest city. Heck, I often get the feeling that people overlook Christchurch as a starting point for their Middle Earth adventure. I was just driving back from New Zealand’s West Coast to Christchurch when I stumbled upon the Korowai-Torlesse Tussocklands Park (that’s a mouthful). I had heard a lot of great things about the Arthur’s Pass National Park, but had heard nothing about the Porter’s Pass or the park I mentioned above. The Porter’s Pass is actually the third highest point on the South Island’s extensive highway network and is even a bit higher than the better known Arthur’s Pass. The famous TranzAlpine train from Christchurch to Greymouth actually rolls through this area of New Zealand, but in my experience there aren’t that many images of this area.
Needless to say it was a pleasant surprise stumbling upon this undisturbed area with almost no one to be seen for miles. Oh how I wish I had spent more time photographing this area of New Zealand. As I was driving through the area was just full of light, shadow, fast moving clouds, castle hills, and acres upon acres of New Zealand ranches. Ideal place for a landscape photographer like myself.
On a side note: I don’t know how New Zealand is maintaining such smooth roads here considering there isn’t much traffic at all:
I’m hoping I’ll have a full trip report out on my most recent trip to Middle Earth pretty soon. 2017 was a very busy year for me and so far 2018 has been crazier, which has really translated to me falling behind on my blog posts. Excuses aside, I wanted to share these awesome locations with you guys as soon as I got the pictures edited. I’m really suffering from what I call New Zealand Withdrawal Syndrome right now. I just want to daydream right now and not write this post…..
Before reading the new novel Birnam Wood
I wanted to see where that area is on a map. Having traveled much of New Zealand, I certainly agree with your assessment. My favorite area was around Lake Wanaka. I just wanted to comment on your statement that you wished you lived closer. I’m sure you fully realize though, that if it was closer, your experience would be totally different. It would be swarming with tourists and the very thing that makes New Zealand so unique and spectacular would be marred forever. Happy travels!