Moria Gate, limestone formation in Oparara Valley near Karamea, Kahurangi National Park, Buller Region, West Coast, New Zealand

Many tourists make a mistake of not taking on the northern part of the West Coast. Often, they would travel as far north as Westport, but leaving out Karamea area.
And that’s a mistake as this region is one of marvels the West Coast has on offer.
Oparara Valley is famous for its lush green rainforest and beautiful orange-brown tannin stained Oparara River but particularly for its famous limestone arches and caves.
One of the easily accessed caves is Moria Gate with Oparara River flowing through it.
The arch itself offers endless photo opportunities but using slow shutter speed enables us to capture wonderful reflections of the cave shapes reflecting into the slowly flowing river.

This is a very easy, short walk from the carpark and everyone visiting this are should come and enjoy tranquility of this wonderful location.
Not like in the where sadly, as far as you can see, there is always a pine grove in a view, spoiling these beautiful Sounds. Luckily some great work is being done to eradicate this trees from these hills where they don’t belong.
In Whanganui however, no pines at all. You’re surrounded only by native coastal forest just like what it was hundreds of years ago. …and that’s something we must treasure dearly.

Moria Gate, limestone formation in Oparara Valley near Karamea, Kahurangi National Park, Buller Region, West Coast, New Zealand

Thank you and Enjoy!

Photo Tours through fascinating New Zealand

We’re introducing our new product – Photographic Tours.

We have prepared 4 kinds of tours to chose from, each at different lengths to suit variety of clients. And of course, tailor made tours are available as well.

Being based on the spectacular, colourful and diverse wild West Coast of the South Island in New Zealand, which is by large part under UNESCO protection, we feel our tours should reflect that.
The West Coast region is a pure gem in overall breathtaking landscapes of a whole New Zealand but it is its overwhelming variety of sceneries, this 600km long stretch of land sandwiched between Tasman Sea and almost 4,000m high Southern Alps, offers to keen traveler/photographer to savour.
This is one of reasons why 3 of our tours are largely taking place in this magnificent corner of the World, giving options of magic sceneries to photograph in.

From 3.5 days through 4.5days, 10 days and up to 15 days long premium trip, our trips are available to wide range of clients.

For more info, please visit our site at: New Zealand Photo Tours

We sincerely look forward to welcoming you on our precious West Coast!

Saxon River on Heaphy Track - Kahurangi National Park, Nelson Region, New Zealand

Saxon River originates in Gouland Downs and is not a big river at this point but from a photographical point of view – it’s a beauty. Amazing brown colours of tea like waters which even taste like tea, running through juicy green, densely moss cloaked trees and rocks make for a great photograph. I was lucky that it was very fine drizzle on an overcast day, which allowed me to render colours and detail of this bush scene nicely….amazing spot!