My first try at the Milky Way in New Zealand

Hi,


So this is my first time shooting the Milky Way in New Zealand. I just want to say: you guys have it easy! Just kidding, sort of...

Never have I seen the Milky Way appear so clearly at the back of my camera. I am used to shooting it in Alsace, France, so light pollution is everywhere... I've always been wondering how you guys managed to get so many colors and details but it’s right there!

I slept in the van at Marfells Beach Camp, south of Picton; got up at 11 p.m. to go to the bathroom and was left speechless and misty-eyed when I looked up. I couldn't believe my eyes!
I got up again at 3 a.m. to actually shoot it. Man, what a fantastic night! Let me tell you, I'll remember it for a very long time. Now I can't wait to experience it again as I keep moving South.

Again, if you're out there, would love to meet up to shoot the night sky together.

2nd version of the first image (more photos to create this pano)

Nice shots! Yes, we are a bit spoiled down South
Have you captured the Magellanic Clouds yet? They are early evening objects at present.

S.R.M. wrote in post #18840559
Nice shots! Yes, we are a bit spoiled down South
Have you captured the Magellanic Clouds yet? They are early evening objects at present.

Thanks. Indeed you are spoiled !

I did but I'm not happy with the result. I sort of rushed through it towards the end so the composition (among other things) sucks. But I was very surprised to see them so clearly. Also, I didn't think it was actually that big!

Amazing images Virginie!!

Well worth getting out of bed for. Well done, I am envious.

Wow, great shots. We are heading to NZ in next February. Any suggestions on places to see.

So far I've been blown away by the valley at Mt Sunday Summit (if you can drive on gravel road with rental cars?) and Milford Road/Sound. Two of my absolute favorite moments. 24 hours spent in the first, 48 hours in the second. Two places I didn't want to leave.

The entire country is breathtaking. The road to Glenorchy, Lake Tekapo, Pukaki, the road along the coast south to reach Kaikoura... If you can hike Peak Hill (also gravel road to get there), the view is absolutely gorgeous (even if you don't go all the way to the top)!

I haven't seen much of the North Island yet but I got tears when coming across Whangapoua Beach (I was speechless!) and the hike to the top of Mount Maunganui is definitely worth it on a beautiful day.

Here's where I've been so far : MAP. There's so much left to explore and I can't wait to go to the West Coast.

Thanks so much, we are in a small self contained motorhome for 5 weeks that we can take on gravel roads. We pick up on the south Island
Thanks for the suggestions. How long did you spend exploring the south island.

I arrived on the South Island on April 2nd. Still a lot to explore here! But the advantage is that I have a lot of time.