Queenstown is a magical place and it’s a popular place for travellers all around the world, the drastic mountain tops, turquoise waters and small town feels make it a perfect backdrop for that special occasion photos, weddings, elopements, and engagements are this township’s specialty and I think it a perfect spot to escape and celebrate all in one. Queenstown is a quaint small alpine town surrounded by stunning mountains and right on the water of the third biggest lake in New Zealand which is the colour of the sky, if not bluer. With breathtaking views around every corner, you can absolutely understand people wanting their wedding photos taken here. I may be slightly biased because I’ve been lucky enough to photograph couples dream photos here for the last 4 years, but it truly is a special place. 

Because Queenstown is in demand as a wedding destination, there’s some important wedding prep. Organisation is key. I’d recommend contacting your photographer at least 6 months in advance. Using local photographers to Queenstown/Wanaka region is the best bet to avoid any travel hassles that could arise. Along with organisation comes research, google wedding photographers Queenstown and look at Instagram. Check out their gallery because all photographers have a different way of shooting and their own unique style. When picking your wedding photographer, go with the persons gallery/portfolio you love. You should be able to see yourself in their photos. 

Destination weddings in Queenstown means getting married at one of the local vineyards or flying up to a mountain top and looking over Queenstown. If you are getting married in Queenstown and having a full day wedding, I would recommend picking a venue that has variety. This way, your ceremony, bridal party photos, couple photos and ceremony shots will have the opportunity to be taken in different locations. Having a bit of variety in scenery can make all the difference to make it feel like it wasn’t all taken in the same spot. If you are eloping, my absolute favourite spot is flying up to the local mountain Cecil Peak at the Ledge. It’s this flat rocky location on local mountain that has some of the most insane views you have probably ever seen. One way you are looking back over the lake at Queenstown with Ben Lomond mountain in the background and then other direction is an endless mountain range leading down Glenorchy way. 

A few Q&As you might have about wedding photography and my style. 

WHATS YOUR STYLE?

I love the natural candid approach, which captures the true essence of your day. The more natural the better, this way the photos don’t ever look over posed. Destination weddings are more about capturing the moments in between and I love getting photos of that small laugh between you as you think no one is watching.

WHAT PACKAGES DO YOU OFFER?

I offer a full range of packages from an 2 hour elopement package to a full 10 hour wedding shoot. Get in touch for my full package list.

DO YOU CHARGE A TRAVEL FEE IF MY WEDDING IS OUT OF THE AREA?

I don’t charge an extra travel fee for places within 45 minutes of Queenstown.

CAN WE GIVE YOU A LIST OF SPECIFIC SHOTS WE WOULD LIKE?

Absolutely, if you have a specific must have shot, I’m more than happy to accommodate. There is one thing to keep in mind though, no two weddings will look the same even if they were shot at the same venue. It all relies on light, details, colour scheme. So if you have a photo for reference just keep in mind it won’t ever look identical but I will do my best to make it unique to you and your wedding. 

Queenstown New Zealand is my ultimate destination wedding recommendation. 

Check out my portfolio elopements and weddings in Queenstown.

<p>The post Eloping Queenstown and destination weddings first appeared on Krista May Photography.</p>

Milford Sound

Have you heard of the 8^th wonder of the world? It’s right in New Zealand backyard, the most beautiful place in New Zealand. As far as Queenstown activities goes, this is only a hop, skip and a jump from Queenstown and the best place to visit in New Zealand. 

How to get there?

Even though Milford Sound is a stones throw away from Queenstown because it is surrounded by mountains, the journey is a windy road that takes about 4 hours to get there by car. My top recommendations for transport to Milford Sound are:

• Making a weekend of it and hiring a Jucy Van and camping along the way to get the most out of the journey. Stopping in Te Anau and camping right on Milford Sound’s front door. There’s endless hikes to conquer and wild views to witness.
  
  
• Put your feet up and relax as someone else takes the wheel, catching a coach from Queenstown to Milford may be one of the most relaxing and scenic routes you take. This gives you optimal time to take in the scenery as your driver fills you with exciting info about the Fiordland National Park around you and have a cheeky nap on the way home after sensory overload for the day. There’s also an option to get the coach from Te Anau to Milford Sound if you are already on your way.
  
  
• This Milford Sound tour is my absolutely favourite route option. For those of you that get car sick or have a jammed packed schedule and can’t give up a whole day. You can catch a scenic flight from Queenstown to Milford Sound, get the boat tour and then fly back to Queenstown. Save time and energy and see the world from a birds eye view. 

What to do in Milford Sound? 

So you might think there’s noting else to do besides sip your morning coffee cruising amongst giants on the Milford day cruise but there’s much, much more. 

• Milford Sound day cruise: This is my favourite thing to do in the Fiordland, I’ve done it many times and I’ll continue to go back because nothing quite prepares you for how vast and dramatic this landscape really is until you are standing on a boat right under the cliff faces, feeling very small but in a good way. You will drive by sheer vertical cliffs and float so close to waterfalls, you’ll have basically went swimming.  You venture the whole way through the fiord until you get to the entrance where the fiord meets the sea. Just in draw dropping beauty. To top it off, you also get lunch and a look inside the underwater observatory. For Milford Sound Day Cruise Deals check out my favourites.

• The Milford track which is one of New Zealand Great Walks. This is a 4 day adventure that is for the those seeking exile in nature. For more info DOC has you covered.

• If standing near waterfalls isn’t enough and you want more after your Milford Sound cruise, you can kayak to them. Paddle your way past Milford’s iconic permanent waterfall Bowen Falls. 

Milford Sound is playground for all ages. You just have to get out and explore it. Pick your route and pack your bags because there’s not time like the present. For more things to do around Queenstown check out my top 6 deals in Queenstown.

<p>The post Visit the 8th wonder of the world – Milford Sound first appeared on Krista May Photography.</p>

TIME: 4.5 hours one way
DISTANCE: 12.81km one way
LEVEL: Experienced

WHY LAKE ANGELUS HUT?

What do you look for when looking for a hike or a mountain to conquer? Does it need to have trees, steep sections, flat sections, gravel road, off-road, bush bashing, lakes or huts? My go-to combination is a beautiful hut with a side of tarns. That’s the ultimate combo in my opinion and if you think the same, keep reading! 

ANGELUS HUT TRACKS AND ROUTES

Nelson Lakes National Park is in the South Island of New Zealand, at the northern end of the Southern Alps and it has been hiding a treat, and that treat is called Angelus Hut. The best of the Nelson Lakes walks. There are a few different routes you can take to get here but the track I went with was the Robert Ridge to Lake Angelus Hut Route. I wanted to be on the ridge the whole time and take in as much of the scenery from height as I could. It’s a personal preference but for me I’d rather do the hard grind right off the bat and then endure the slow and steady incline rather than a flat path finishing in a steep ascend. I’m a hard and fast hiker so on the long tramps I really have to pace myself. So let me be the one to tell you, PACE YOURSELF. Take in the views, take breaks, explore the huts along the way and truly experience the journey because it is just as good as the destination. The Robert Route to Lake Angelus Hut path starts with a leg burner, gaining elevation quickly with every calf-crushing step. So be prepared to wipe those beads of sweat dripping down the brow – unless you are one of those people that are lucky enough to not sweat. I’m not one of those people. So, with sweaty backs, brows and bodies we slowly but steadily made our way up the steepest section of our journey, trying to distract ourselves from how heavy our bags were with a mind game of hangman. Yes, I said hangman. Let me tell you, it’s way harder playing when you have to keep all the letters you’ve said in your head rather than on paper. But working the mind muscles while we were working the body muscles made the time pass a little quicker and if you need a new hiking game. Give it a go. TIP: It’s not too bad to keep track of things when you pick words that are 5 letters or less.

 

TIME TO RELAX, AT RELAX SHELTER

After the steepest part of your hike, you have a chance to relax for a mini break at the Relax Shelter and soak in some history of the area and mountain itself which is quite interesting. But seriously though, when you get there RELAX, your little tired legs will need it for the rest of the journey. This is a super popular hike, especially the Robert Ridge Route, but it’s important to note this is a summer route as it is quite exposed in areas and you would need proper training to attempt this in winter. But because it is the best summer route to take, you’ll see a few other hikers along the way but anyone who is game enough to attempt this stunning hike is worthy of its path. From the Relax Hut it is a pretty easy-going trail but long trail with a wide-open area and because of the wide path it is quite exposed so plan your lunch breaks. We stopped for lunch about halfway through and had to duck behind some big boulders to get some coverage from the raging wind. People with long hair can relate when I say, trying to eat while your hair is slapping you in the face and getting a piece of hair with every bite may be the most annoying thing on the planet. So, find some shelter and eat your lunch in peace, because no one likes being hangry. The weather in the mountains is unpredictable, and if you hike you already know this, but if you don’t then always be prepared and bring appropriate clothing for all conditions on exposed ridges like this. It may be summer but I can feel like winter within seconds. Also, wind chill can make it feel like winter and it can be brutal. The only time I’ve ever bailed on a hike before was because it was 80-100k winds and I had to crouch down to avoid LITERALLY getting blown over but this is a story for another time.

HALFWAY TO ANGELUS HUT

After lunch it’s a warming feeling to know we are halfway to Lake Angelus Hut but also kind of daunting to think that what we have already done, we have to do again. Luckily this really is the easy end of the hike. There still are some exposed sections, a little bit of scrambling and some uneasy rock underfoot but the orange markers along the trail will really be your saving grace. They are placed perfectly that it would be near impossible to lose your way. So, keep those eyes peeled. How do you feel about false peaks? Because I have strong feelings of hate towards them, so here’s me warning you: There are false hills and you will think Angelus Hut is over the next one about 4 times, so you can’t say I didn’t warn you. Try to enjoy the journey as much as the destination and you’ll never be falsely deceived by these misleading peaks that will crush your soul just a little. To help distract the mind the 360-degree views of epic scenery and occasional crystal blue tarns will feed your eyes and your soul for long enough to get you through. Once you pass the route leading off to the right heading towards Speargrass hut you are getting close. Make sure you have a route mapped out on topo map or on your phone because you always want to make sure you are on track. There’s a sign that says 30 mins to Lake Angelus Hut but honestly, 90% of it is downhill so it’s a sight for sore eyes and it’s more like 15 mins than 30.

 

SEEING LAKE ANGELUS HUT

I don’t think there is a better feeling in the world than seeing a hut after you’ve been walking for hours. That moment of relief is just pure joy. It was a pretty full hut when we arrived but it is a paid hut so you know you’ll have a comfy space (anything is comfy when you’ve walked 12km to get there) waiting for you. I’m glad we set off early because it was nice knowing we had a bit of time before sunset to chill out and, of course being a photographer, obviously leaving enough time to go gallivanting out in the mountains. So knowing I had a few hours before golden hour just to chill really gave me the second wind I needed. Also, plenty of time to feed the belly because again, no one likes being hangry. We took off our shoes and boiled up some water to dig into our Back Country Meals as my stomach was growling. Mushroom Bolognaise hits different when you’ve worked for it, knowing I’ll also dig into my Back Country Brownie after my sunset mission. If you have the energy I really recommend going for a little exploration around the tarns and even up to Angelus Peak if you are game. If another 7km return sounds like a nightmare to you, stick to the couple of hundred meters to visit the Hinapouri Tarns from above and if you genuinely feel that the hut is the most you can do in one day, don’t be disappointed because it’s so incredibly beautiful at the hut you don’t need to go anywhere to get the best seat in the house when the sun starts to set. So, get in early and just enjoy the whole time there because it’s a tough hike and this view is your reward. We ventured out across the valley to the Hinapouri tarns from above and it did not disappoint. I spent a few years in Canada and this whole place gives you north American big mountain vibes and I LOVED IT! I decided this was the best spot to witness the sun say goodbye one last time, because I knew in the morning I would spend it around the tarns right outside the hut. I captured a few photos here and then headed back to the warm hut to dig into some much-needed sugar, wine and card games. (Wine is a must on all overnight hikes) A hard earned Back Country meal & an epic morning inversion layer

GETTING UP FOR A SUNRISE SHOOT

Now being a photographer, you know I get up for sunrise on every hike NO MATTER WHAT because you never know when mother nature is going to praise you with a show, and boy oh boy am I glad I woke up this morning. Now, when I say I wake up for sunrise every hike, I do but I also go back to bed pretty quickly if it’s not really putting on a show and that’s kind of what I did this morning. My alarm went out and I rolled out of bed with one eye closed and grabbed my camera, went outside and didn’t really see much going on. So, I crawled my tired body back into my warm cosy bed and some shut-eye for another 10 minutes. My first mistake was not peeing when I was up originally but I can’t sleep when I need to pee and this huts toilet are outside. So back off I went to the bathroom and just as I was approaching the toilets, I saw this INSANE inversion happening on the other side of the mountain behind the toilets. So I RAN back inside to get my camera gear, trust me nothing wakes me up faster than a beautiful sunrise. Wide-eyed and out of breath, I ran passed the bathrooms and over the hill to soak in those beautiful rays reflecting off the cloud inversion. A cloud inversion or temperature inversion is when the normal temperature distribution of air – warm at the bottom, colder as you go up – becomes inverted or flipped upside down. This means you have a cold layer of air trapped at ground level, overlain by warm air making the clouds sit low in the valley, covering the floor but exposing the mountains above. After running around all morning like a headless chicken shooting, I eventually made my way back to the hut to gear up for the journey home, starting with food! My favourite thing after photography! If you are doing a hike in the Nelson Lakes region, this is the one to do. Happy hiking.

If you are after more adventures in the South Island check out of of my top 5 hikes. Sefton Bivvy

Read more at Back Country Cuisine Adventure Blog

<p>The post Angelus Hut – The best hike in Nelson Lakes NP first appeared on Krista May Photography.</p>

TIME: 3-5 hours from Mount Cook Village to the hut one way
DISTANCE: 9.5km return
LEVEL: Experienced

Queenstown to Mount Cook 

If you haven’t heard of it, don’t beat yourself up because neither had I until a fellow photographer had mentioned the tales of an extravagant adventure with steep cliffs, exposed rock faces, no path and a gruelling ascent. You would probably think this would be enough to deter me or anyone else from wanting to attempt this, but I like a challenge. The thought of a lesser-known hut with chances of fewer people, clear skies, sleeping under a glacier and views to make birds jealous was too good to let this opportunity pass me by. So, with bags packed, camera charged and car snacks within reach, I made the journey from Queenstown to Mount Cook.

Think of the most beautiful drive you’ve done and times that by three because for the three hours you spend in the car the time compresses to feel like about thirty minutes. I was treated to distracting views out every window, lakes bluer than the sky (and if you go at the right time) fields of lupins enticing you to run through them and get your Instagram hat on. Once you Mount Cook you’ll understand. It’s a drive I’ve done many times and a drive I’ll do any time. On arrival, we checked into the DOC centre to let them know our intentions for our overnight hike (safety first). It’s always safe to check in when you can because DOC also has weather reports on hikes and you want to be prepared for any adventure you plan on taking. No question is too silly when it comes to keeping safe and being smart in the mountains. Checking in for me was also an advantage because it’s only a 4-person bivvy (more like 3) and, as I was hoping to stay in the hut, I was tad disappointed when the ranger informed me there was a group in front of me. So I decided to take my tent just in case (again safety first). 

New Zealand’s Hooker Valley en route to Sefton Bivvy 

Hooker Valley track to Sefton Bivvy route 

The path you take is the one along the Hooker Valley track and, if you haven’t done that one either, it’s like a two-for-one deal because Hooker Valley Track IS A MUST! I could tell you why but that’s a story for another time, and if you do Sefton there will be no explanation needed but its a great walk. I would allow 3-5 hours to reach the summit of Sefton Bivvy, depending on your fitness level and how many times you stop for photos, which I am very guilty of. It can vary but leaving yourself an ample amount of time means you get to enjoy the journey, an uphill journey at that.

So down the road we go along one of the most rewarding hikes already, and just as you reach the new set of toilets near the Hooker Hut you head left off the path and through the bushes. Make sure you check the path to follow before you go, and have screenshots in case you don’t get service. The DOC has a great map that shows the exact route. There are cairns along the way to help guide you but be vigilant because those little suckers blend in and you really do need to stay on track for this mission. We got lucky enough that the cairns were still there and hadn’t washed away. With a few breaks in between, we managed to get high enough up the rock scramble before you head left into the mountain again and start to see a track in the grass. Stick to this! It will be your new best friend for the next couple of hours.

Mount Cook views 

So I’m going to be blatantly honest with you, this is a grind and it is steep. In fact, one of the steepest hikes I’ve done, and I hike a lot! So don’t let your ego get bruised when you have to stop every 10m because the incline is vertical. You aren’t the only one, this one will challenge the body and the mind. Through the steep, strenuous, slow ride to the summit, you’ll be welcomed with the best views in Mount Cook National Park. Looking over the glacial rivers leading into the lakes and a valley of mountains that seem to go for days. Make sure you take something that can take pictures on or make sure you stop to take in those mental images impressed on the brain forever.

There are a few areas of exposed sections so I suggest only attempting this if you are an experienced hiker and or climber that is used to this kind of climbing on all fours. The first time you see this bright orange bivvy peaking over the side of the cliff is the most welcoming view when your legs have turned to jelly. It gives you that second wind of energy which is enough to get you the rest of the way to the Sefton Bivvy. From this point it does get easier, but don’t relax too much because you’ll need all the willpower you can muster to make that final stretch. At last, the bright orange tiny dot has turned into a life-size cabin. This is your moment to let it sink in that you have just made it to the oldest hut in Mount Cook and you can finally drop that bulky bag and take a breath of fresh air. YOU DID IT! A hike in Mount Cook that is well worth the reward.

Sefton Bivvy dwarfed by the Mount Cook National Park landscape 

THE GEAR FOR MY SEFTON BIVVY HIKE 

1. Water Back Country Cuisine meals for dinner and dessert
2. Back Country Cuisine Iced Mocha for that breakfast buzz
3. Snacks (obviously, no hike is complete without them)
4. Warm clothes (even in summer it can be fresh)
5. Good hiking shoes
6. Sleeping bag
7. Sleeping mat
8. Tent (just in case)
9. Camera/phone camera Screenshots of the route, either from topo map or from the DOC Centre
10. A check-in at the Mount Cook DOC centre for conditions update and to let them know your intentions

    Also, it shouldn’t need to be said but please pack out what you pack in. This means take all rubbish with you, leave only footprints, and leave the area better than you found it if you can! Still to this day, Sefton Bivvy is one of my favourite hikes. Mount Cook is a place that just keeps on giving. As long as you leave the mountains better than you found them, they will treat you with welcoming arms.

Also published on the Back Country Cuisine website.
https://backcountrycuisine.co.nz/adventure-blog/sefton-bivvy-a-hike-to-trump-them-all

If you are after more South Island adventures, check out my favourite hike in the Aspiring National Park.

<p>The post Mount Cook’s #1 hut: Sefton Bivvy your new favourite hike first appeared on Krista May Photography.</p>

Do you like bang for your buck? If you said yes, keep reading. If not keep reading because we all know everyone likes a bang for their buck. That bang being insane views and your buck being little effort. 

I’m not going to lie, it sadly took me 3 years to get around to doing this Wanaka hike, because we leave the best for last right? I find the longer I’m in NZ the more hikes get added to my long list of must dos and so the original ones seem to get lost. With the borders still being shut it’s given me a prime opportunity to get back into ticking those OG hikes off the list and hence the deep dive into my notes where I store all must do hiking list. 

So if you are looking for things to do in Wanaka, then add Rob Roy Glacier to your list. The Mount Aspiring National Park is truely a sight for sore eyes.

GLACIERS

If you love glaciers, waterfalls and epic views, then you have come to the right place. Rob Roy glacier hike is here to give you all the serotonin you need. If you are sitting there thinking there’s no way you are going to convince me to hike for 8 hours uphill, don’t zone out just yet. You may find this will become your new favourite hike. 

Can you commit 1.5 hours of your life? Because with it being one of the easier hikes around Wanaka you won’t regret making the effort. You start your journey in Mount Aspiring national park, parking at Raspberry flat carpark. To find the exact trailhead go to the DOC site for Roy Roy Glacier. Its roughly 400m in elevation gain, which for epic views, you can admit, it’s not that much. With blue water rivers and beautiful green forests keeping you distracted enough to forget about the uphill action your legs are doing its not long until your enter a valley of what I like to call dreams. You’ll understand when you see it for yourself.

So here’s what you need to know.

It’s 10k return, 450m elevation gain, roughly 4 hours return. You’ll need water and snacks (always). If needed it’s by a river so you could fill up from the glacial fed river but its best to take some anyway. 

Convinced? If I haven’t convinced you to do the easiest hike for how high the reward is, then you can probably confirm hiking isn’t for you! 

So if you’ve had enough and still haven’t added this to your hiking list, then you can check out now because if you are after a little bit extra for the day, there is a few detours which I highly recommend. Once you get to the end of the track, at the look out point, you can walk down to the river and head right where you’ll find yourself walking towards a big glacier. The closer you get the more you’ll feel the cool breeze of the wind blowing through the crevasse of the mountains and here you’ll be close to some magnificent waterfalls.

If you fancy getting numb feet and think you can handle the pain, you can actually cross the river (at some points where the water is low and only if it hasn’t been raining. Be careful and do your own research and judgment call on making this decision. #safetyfirst) for me the water was barely up to my knees and while I was grinding my teeth through the sharp cold pains of the fresh glacial water, it was worth it for the 2 second on uncomfortable pain. If you have the whole day and you’ve made the effort to get here, my motto in life is you may as well. So you may as well go on that extra little adventure and make the most out of your day.

For more hiking goodies in the South Island of NZ check out Sefton Bivvy in the Mount Cook National Park

<p>The post THE BEST GO TO HIKE IN MT ASPIRING NATIONAL PARK first appeared on Krista May Photography.</p>