Colleen Logan: A Summer Road Trip Through New Zealand’s South Island
I don’t think any of us really knew what we were getting into when we packed up the car and set off across New Zealand’s South Island. But then again, that’s part of the thrill, isn’t it? As a photographer from the Canadian Rockies, I’m no stranger to breathtaking landscapes, but nothing quite prepared me for the way New Zealand’s rugged coastlines, vast plains, and towering peaks would stir something deep in my soul.
Together with my partner, Matt Chung, and our good friend, Ken Hagen, we escaped the deep freeze of a Canadian winter for a sun-soaked summer road trip through one of the most stunning places on earth.
We’re all creatives, and we share a love for both the outdoors and the process of capturing it through a lens. New Zealand, with its diverse landscapes and endless horizons, felt like the perfect place to fuel our creative spirits and escape into the wild.
Our days were filled with laughter, gas station snacks, and of course, a few missed turns (thanks, Ken). This is the story of our unforgettable road trip, full of incredible moments, misadventures, and a few hundred photos to remember it all by.
Sleeping at Mueller Hut: A Night Among the Peaks
Our first big stop was Mueller Hut, high above Mount Cook, with some of the most jaw-dropping alpine views in all of New Zealand. The hike starts right at the base of Mount Cook and climbs about 2,000 steps until you finally reach the iconic red hut at the top. Honestly, I knew this one would be a challenge. The terrain is tough, the winds can be brutal, and your body really starts to feel the climb as the time goes on.
Since we were staying the night in the mountains, I had to be really thoughtful about what I packed. Every pound and every inch of space counts in the backcountry and, with all the necessary gear for the hike and overnight stay, there isn’t room for anything extra. ProMaster’s Rugged SD Cards were essential for this portion of the trip. The SD cards are built to withstand extreme conditions, so I never once had to worry about my memory cards failing or bringing backup cards, despite the dust, moisture, and cold temperatures. The durability of these cards allowed me to pack more minimally and shoot with confidence, knowing my footage and images were safely stored.
Lupin Superbloom: Dreamland at Lake Pukaki
For just a few weeks, during the early summer months in New Zealand, the lupins bloom in the thousands, creating an explosion of purple, pink, and blue flowers across the western coast of the South Island. It’s hard to describe how it feels to walk through fields of them, the soft, vibrant colors against the backdrop of rugged mountains and clear blue lake. The only word that comes to mind is like walking through a “dreamscape.” After a few days of intense hiking, we decided to give our legs a break and spend a day immersed in the flowers, letting the beauty of it all slow us down.
We weren’t just there to soak it all in, though. As photographers and filmmakers, we were itching to capture the magic of this brief yearly event. So, we pulled out the Key Grip tripod, planning to shoot some time-lapses and video sequences. One of the best things about the Key Grip is how incredibly lightweight it is. Even with the rolling hills and uneven terrain, it was a breeze to move around and reposition without too much effort. That was crucial, especially in a field of delicate lupins. We didn’t want to disturb the flowers, and the tripod’s compact design let us set up shots, all the while leaving no trace.
As the sun moved across the sky, we worked together to capture the changing light—the way it shifted and played off the flowers’ petals, making them glow at certain angles. The Key Grip’s fluid movement was perfect for getting smooth, cinematic video footage, allowing us to follow the natural flow of the light and the flowers without any jerky movements. It really helped elevate our work, both for the stills and the video, giving us the flexibility we needed in the field.
Nelson Lakes National Park: The Most Dangerous Hike in All of New Zealand
Next up on our adventure was one of the most challenging hikes of the trip: the trek to Angelus Hut in Nelson Lakes National Park. Now, this one is notorious. It’s often listed as one of the most dangerous hikes in New Zealand due to the number of Search and Rescue calls each year. The trail takes you along exposed ridgelines where the weather can change in an instant. One minute, you’re walking under a bright blue sky, and the next, clouds roll in, bringing rain and biting winds. It’s a hike that demands respect, for sure. But when you finally reach the hut, the landscape around you feels almost otherworldly—like you've stepped into a different time, or a place untouched by humans.
The hike itself is about 15 kilometers (roughly 9 miles) with an elevation gain of about 1,200 meters (3,937 feet). The first part of the trail is pretty manageable, but as you climb higher, the terrain gets steeper and more technical. We were all pushing ourselves, but the views from the top were more than worth it.
After settling into the hut, we made dinner and consulted the map, figuring out where to explore next. We decided to go investigate a nearby lake we’d spotted on the way in. The weather was shifting fast, but that made the whole scene even more striking. We were all taking photos, of course, but it was also one of those moments where you just want to stop and breathe it all in, letting the landscape do its thing.
I was especially grateful for the Key Grip tripod that day. With the challenging conditions and the unpredictable weather, I didn’t want to be weighed down with heavy gear.
Milford Sound by Boat: Iconic and Majestic
Of course, no trip to New Zealand is truly complete without experiencing Milford Sound. It’s one of those places that photos could never do justice. But lucky for us, we got the chance to capture it from the water. As we cruised through the fjord, I couldn’t stop marveling at the towering cliffs rising straight out of the water. Waterfalls spilled down in ribbons, carving their way through the jagged rock faces, while lush rainforests clung to every available surface. It’s one of the most dramatic landscapes I’ve ever encountered—so raw and untamed, it feels like you’ve stepped into a living painting.
Though it was not raining, being out on the boat still meant I was constantly battling the spray from the waterfalls. My gear was getting wet, but I wasn’t worried. The ProMaster Rugged SD Cards I had with me handled everything flawlessly.
Conclusion
As we ended our time in New Zealand, the memories of this road trip began to settle in. On the drive to the airport, the three of us reminisced about each mile we drove, each memory we made and each adventure we undertook. The rugged landscapes, the challenges of life on the road, and the simple joy of exploring new places all left their mark on us. This trip wasn’t about checking off destinations—it was about embracing the journey itself, with all its unexpected twists and turns. Every road trip brings something new, something surprising and it teaches us about ourselves in unexpected ways.
Colleen Logan
Colleen Logan is an experienced content creator from the Canadian Rockies who’s always on the lookout for her next adventure. She uses creativity to inspire authenticity, connection and care for the earth.
Posted January 15, 2025.
