Limestone formations north western Waikato - Lord of the Rings filming location

For more than 20 years on my many many work related trips between Auckland and Wellington I flew relativity low (perhaps 10,000 feet) over an interesting looking set of limestone formations in the north western Waikato.

I thought I would go and have a look at this area, the easiest access is from Port Waikato and along a short stretch of unseal road. Below is the GPS log file from my camera and an arrow indicating the general location of the formations. Unfortunately the very low sun angle resulted in much area of deep shade.

I did continue on a long, slow but very scenic route as indicated - very low traffic, no mobile phone coverage - if you go take a paper map and be willing to get your car dirty, not suitable for camper vans.

Some filming for the Lord of the Rings movie was carried out in this area - the location for "WeatherTop" - see here Lord of the Rings Wiki

Beach at Port Waikato

Beach to the south of the mouth of the Waikato River

Black iron sand with the characteristic beautiful reflective qualities.

Waikato River Bridge at Tuakau

Built in 1933 at a cost of $48,000 this 230 metre span replaced a wooden bridge built in 1902 when one of its spans collapsed in 1929. 

The Waikato is New Zealand longest river at a length of 425km - there is a very good explanation here Wikipedia

Hunua Falls

Incredibly accessible the Hunua Falls sits on the edge of the Hunua Regional Park. Less than one hour in the off-peak from the Auckland CBD and reached via a pleasant drive east of Papakura.

Very much in the shade this time of year and also not so busy - incredibly dangerous for swimmers who don't know what they are doing - people have drowned here as it is 19m deep under the falls with hidden obstructions and foamy fresh water offering limited buoyancy.

Constant fresh water mist equals lovely moss

Rangitoto Island as seen from North Head - mid winter

Photos taken from the beautiful walk around North Head at dead low tide.

(Canon 5D4 - 11 stop ND filters,  f18,  63 seconds,  ISO 50,  24mm) 

Wenderholm black and whites

One of my favourite photo places - Wenderholm Regional Park. Take a lunch and a drink and spend time in the estuary, on the beach or amongst the beautiful trees - aways something beautiful to inspire - hence my "go too" place for a mental boost.

Mid winter low sun at Muriwai

Lake Pukaki

Wedding photos at Muriwai

Always the popular location for wedding photo's even for the hardiest of souls - maybe it sounded like a good idea while planning six months ago in the Auckland heat.

Congratulations to this bare footed bride and intrepid photographer in the freezing cold with a pretty decent wind blowing - and on an incoming tide.

Note to photographer - there is a reason fishermen using this location wear life jackets.

Mid winter at Muriwai

Muriwai in mid-winter with very heavy sea spray

Lower Nihotupu Dam - Waitakere Ranges