Tips & tricks for getting the most out of your Rakiura photography adventure
Photography options
It doesn’t matter if you are a mobile phone photographer or professional there are many wonderful things to point your lens at… often it is hard to choose where to focus. So, here are a few thoughts about what you can do on the island.
Bird photography
Most bird photography opportunities are relatively close to the photographer. If you are going to Ulva Island to photograph then consider a mid-length lens that will allow you to photograph in dark (forest) conditions. A number of the native birds that you will see are ‘fast and darty’ (not a technical term) so being able to pick up a speedy Mohua (yellowhead) or tiny Titipounamu (Rifleman) requires being able to point and click fast. But don’t worry, they often give you a few chances!
If you are looking to capture a spectacular kotare (kingfisher) diving into the water then a longer lens may be better - again, you can get relatively close to the birds.
My go-to for forest bird photography is my trusty f 2.8, 70-200mm lens but as the saying goes the best lens is the one that you have with you.
Pelagic bird and mammal photography
The operators that we recommend all use vessels that enable you to get close to the action. Soaring albatross, fluttering shearwaters and aggressive skuas all come close to the vessel. You generally don’t need a longer lens, my go-to on the back of a boat is a 100-500mm lens although, at times, that is too long. The trick with back of the boat photography is not to change your lens too often.
A water-proof cover for your camera is a good idea but equally you can keep a mini travel towel at hand to keep away most of the moisture. A gentle wipe over of the camera body with clean water is a must when you get back to Greenvale after a day of adventure.
If you want to get out on the water then we recommend either Rakiura Charters or Ulva Island Ferry and Water Taxi.
Landscape photography
There are some picturesque bays within walking distance all of which provide stunning foreground opportunities at sunrise and sunset. If you are using a camera and require it we have tripods available for you to use.
Guided or go-it-alone?
You do not need a guide to visit places like Ulva Island, however, we recommend it - the local guides are truly amazing and can recognise the sub-audible tweet of a riflemen or the particular rustle of a kiwi. If you want to be positioned in the best place to grab that once in a life-time image then go with a guide. On Ulva Island we recommend Ulva’s Guided Walks, you won’t regret it!
Astrophotography
The night sky above Rakiura Stewart Island can be truly breath-taking. A dark sky that allows the universe to reveal itself and, on occasion, we are awed by a display of aurora australis.
There are a few places that we recommend for night-sky photography and definitely recommend packing a wide-angle, wide aperture lens if you have one (also, depending upon the time of year, a woollen hat and gloves!).