The Henley Cheese factory though Autumn and Winter

I have been taking images of the Henley Cheese Factory for a good few months now. Every time I visit there is something new to appreciate. It’s like saying hello to an old friend and enjoying a new and engaging story about their life. In this update I want to highlight 3 images.

This is an image I took around 5am in the morning when it was still dark. The night sky was clear and the moon was beaming bright over the landscape. Apart from the background light trails of cars on State Highway 1, the image has the appearence of a bright sunny day.

Henley Cheese Factory by moonlight.

In this next image a thick shroud of fog envelopes the factory. The calmness of this scene with its glass like reflection was very relaxing. When you take the time to slow down and connect with an environment like this it can be really rewarding.

Henley Cheese factory in fog.

The image below was taken during a morning sunrise. The grass is covered in a rather biting frost. On chilly days like this I look forward to grabbing a coffee afterwards.

A frosty morning at the Henley Cheese Factory

Infrared Black and White.

When I started this ‘study’ of the Henley Cheese Factory I wasn’t sure how the journey would evolve. Currently I am consistently photographing the building from about the same perspective. I could change it up, but I find there is comfort in familiarity of form and composition, so for now, I’ll just keep on keeping on. Thanks for stopping by and reading this small blog.

Scenic walks in Dunedin: Mt Cargill to The Organ Pipes

Getting There:

Mt Cargill is an easy 10 minute drive from the central city. Access is gained via Cowan Rd, be careful to dodge the pot holes on the ungraded road. The starting point of the walk is beside the signal tower and is 676m in elevation. There is a poorly sign-posted parking area just prior to the summit, but I always drive past it and park up under the signal tower.

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View from Mt Cargill out beyond Butters Peak to the Otago Harbour and Otago Peninsula.

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View from start of walk from Mt Cargill to Organ Pipes. Plenty of haze in the air on this warm sunny day in Dunedin.

The walk:

The walking track starts near the signal tower and is easy to follow. Follow the path toward Butters Peak. Butters Peak is an excellent place to stop, but as I was returning the same way I decided to visit it on the way back. Just keep walking past Butters Peak. I have been spending a bit of time in the Catlins recently so have been a bit spoilt with stunning rainforest bush. The bush on this walk is not on the same level, rather more dry and spindly in character. After about 30 minutes walk you will arrive at the Organ Pipes

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The distinctive Organ Pipes of Dunedin.

The Organ Pipes are a fascinating geological feature, and are fun rocks to climb over. Scramble up them and find some good spots to enjoy the view and take a break from the hectic pace of the world.

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Organ Pipes, Dunedin, NZ.

Organ Pipes, Dunedin, NZ.

The walk back is more or less slightly uphill. So, stopping at Butters peak for a breather is highly recommended. The views from Butters Peak are sensational and I rate this location as one of my favourite places in Dunedin.

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View of Blue Skin Bay and Karitane from Butters Peak.

View of Otago Harbour and the Otago Peninsula from Butters Peak.

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View from Butters Peak to the Otago Peninsula.

Butters Peak rock formation.

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View from Butters Peak to Mt Cargill and the signal tower where the walk started.

The walk back to Mt Cargill takes about 20 minutes and is mostly uphill. I just like to think of it as a nice bit of exercise.

Handsome looking steps are part of the last push to reach the summit of Mt Cargill.

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Back to the start again, Mt Cargill signal tower.

The Mt Cargill to Organ Pipe walk is a nice way to spend a couple of hours in Dunedin. Another great day out in Dunedin.

Discover the Sinclair Wetlands

GETTING THERE

Travelling to the Sinclair Wetlands is easy from Dunedin as they are well sign posted on SH1 with two turn-offs north or south of the location. If you are traveling south from Dunedin you can take the Henley-Berwick Rd turnoff and perhaps stop off at the Waipori Pump station for a picture of the old boat houses at the waterside.

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Boat Houses - Waipori Pump Station.

If you are traveling north from Milton, turn off at the Ewing Phosphate Building, also wroth a picture. In spring you can enjoy the Daffodils. I am not sure how long the building has been tagged for, but it does break my heart that someone would deface such a beautiful old building.

Ewing Phosphate Building.

THE SINCLAIR WETLANDS

I had not learnt anything about the wetlands before my visit. I would suggest taking snacks and plenty of water as the stroll isn’t strenuous at all but it is good exercise. As the ‘wetlands’ name suggests there is plenty of water about.

Sinclair Wetlands

Sinclair Wetlands

Elevated pathway - Sinclair Wetlands.

Sinclair Wetlands

The Sinclair Wetlands stretch on and on. I was amazed at the size of the eco-system. There is also a huge native tree planting initiative taking place alongside development of new lookouts and areas of interest.

Native tree planting - Sinclair Wetlands.

Native trees line the track. - Sinclair Wetlands.

The wetlands are well marked out and there are a few places of interest to visit, the best advice I have is to follow your nose and see what happens.

Bird hide - Sinclair Wetlands.

Historic Water Pump - Sinclair Wetlands.

My visit of the Sinclair Wetlands took me about 7000 steps, I do recommend gumboots and thick socks. Plus the wetlands are exposed to the elements so hat and jacket wouldn’t go amiss on cooler days. The Sinclair Wetlands are a fantastic expression of love for the environment. Without doubt I’ll be back again for another visit.

HEADING HOME

I never hesitate to stop the car for a picture opportunity. Here is a lush Spring scene of the South Island in New Zealand.

Springtime in New Zealand.

Dunedin Landscape Photography: St Clair Beach

Getting There

St Clair Beach is easily one of the most popular destinations for locals and visitors alike to enjoy a swim, stroll or a coffee in one of the lovely seaside esplanade cafes. It is less than 10 minutes drive from the centre of Dunedin city, Access to the St Clair Esplanade and the beach is via Victoria road. There is plenty of free parking along the waterfront.

A cafe and surf shop on the corner of the St Clair Esplanade.

The main reason many landscape photographers flock to St Clair beach is to photograph the old set of piles that were originally designed to help stop erosion on the beach. In 2015 a huge set of king tides pulverised the poles which had numbered beyond twenty, now only a few remain.

St Clair Poles 2015 New Years Day.

St Clair Poles July 2015. King tides decimate the poles and suck the sand from the beach exposing rocks and pebbles.

St Clair Poles as they look today.

Pink hues from the sunset match the flowers in the foreground of this image, I placed the famous poles in the background to give context to the location.

A moody start to the day on St Clair beach.

Summary

It would be a shame to visit Dunedin and not visit St Clair beach, even if it were only to stroll along the Esplanade. However the spot tends to get lovely sunrises and sunsets so is well worth a trip out with your camera.

Trev Hill is a professional photographer based in Dunedin.