Queenstown & Dunedin

Two week summer getaway

By Hilton Luke

February 13^th, 2025

Lakeside maisonette on Lake Wakatipu

This has been my favourite Airbnb yet—a simple cabin, perched 25m above the lake, with a perfectly framed window looking over Lake Wakatipu and towards the Remarkables, Cecil Peak and Walter Peak.

The air was fresh, sounds of the lake lapping at the shores, its surface shimmering. It was the perfect way to start the new year.

Isolated and private.

Mornings at the cabin started slow, but evenings were my favourite.

After a long day of exploring and eating, I'd set the camera up, launch the drone, and wait for the mountains, clouds and sky to put on a show.

Sunrise and sunsets

Sunset.

Sunrise.

TSS Earnslaw made regular trips from Queenstown, past Cecil Peak, and onwards to Walter Peak.

TSS Earnslaw making its final tour of the day.

Midday timelapse.

Skippers Canyon

Driving into Skippers Canyon felt like stepping into another world. The road was narrow and winding, hugging the cliffs with sharp drop-offs that made me feel uneasy. But the views were worth it—rugged mountains, deep gorges, and the Shotover River below.

My guide was knowledgeable, sharing stories of the gold rush days and pointing out the best photography spots along the way. Every turn in the road revealed something new, from jagged rock formations to hidden valleys bathed in golden light.

Gorilla Rock.

Once we reached the canyon floor, the real magic began. We stopped at several lookout points where I could set up my camera, capturing the contrast between the bright blue sky and the earthy tones of the rock.

Shotover River.

By the time we started heading back, the light had changed, giving the canyon a whole new look. The rising temperature brought a slight haze over the hills, softening the rugged edges.

The tour was the perfect mix of adventure, history, and photography, and I left with not just great pictures, but a deep appreciation for this wild and remote place. If you love photography and dramatic landscapes, this half day tour of Skippers Canyon tour is an absolute must.