Luca Calderone

A wave of glacier water about to hit the camera with NZ's tallest mountain (Aoraki/Mount Cook 3,724 m) sticking out in the background.

a large mountain covered in snow next to a forest

Another shot captured along the Hooker Valley track in Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park. I'm always impressed by the number of glaciers that surround this trail.

a waterfall with a large amount of water coming out of it

This long-exposure photo was taken at Maruia Falls, near Murchison in New Zealand's South Island. It would be a great quiet spot to relax while listening to the calming sound of water, if it weren't for the sandflies that swarm the place.

a woman standing on top of a mountain looking at a lake

I have been planning to take my parents to do the Tongariro Crossing for so long, but I was also slightly concerned about their level of fitness. It turns out that I completely underestimated their competitiveness. They both absolutely nailed it, their only worry being overtaken by a 'slower group' of people. I also loved the fact that they really enjoyed the overall experience and were stunned by the natural beauty of the national park, just like I was every single time I've done this hike.

a tree with moss growing on it in front of a mountain

The west coast of the South Island is notorious for its high rainfall, and Milford Sound is no exception. Milford Sound is the wettest inhabited place in New Zealand, and one of the wettest places in the world! The result, an amazingly lush and dense rainforest. where everything is covered in moss and nature simply thrive in this untouched environment.

a very tall mountain with some clouds in the air

Driving to Milford Sound feels like getting lost in the wilderness of millennia-old untouched rainforest, greeted by breathtaking views of mountains, expansive grassy valleys, lakes, streams, and more. Just beyond the rustic one-way tunnel, the scenery becomes truly incredible. Waterfalls cascade down steep rocky walls, and snowy mountain peaks and glaciers come into view. It's also one of the rare spots where the iconic Keas love to hang around. Milford Sound is genuinely unique, and the journey along the road to reach it is equally remarkable.

a large body of water surrounded by mountains

Hiking up to the hill facing Tasman Glacier you are presented with this stunning view of Aoraki National Park.

Pokohino Bay is an absolute hidden gem located in the Coromandel Peninsula. One of the highlights of this beach is the magical cave nestled at the edge of the bay. Exploring the cave is a great experience, inside, you'll hear the soothing sound of waves echoing through the cavern. It's a great place to unwind, enjoy the beauty of nature, and maybe even discover some interesting marine life in the tide.

This is to share some of the first shots of the moon I took with my new zoom lens.