Navigating the Majestic Mt. Cook with Stefan Haworth | Capture like an Alpha Traveller
Based in Queenstown, New Zealand, Stefan Haworth is a Sony Digital Imaging Ambassador specialising in action, sports and travel photography. However, his passion lies in exploring the great outdoors in his backyard and beyond.
IG: @stefan_haworth
Mount Cook National Park, home to towering mountains and vast glaciers, including Aoraki (the Māori name for Mount Cook) itself, presents a paradise for photographers to capture stunning landscapes.
What’s in my backpack
I paired the Sony A7CR alongside the FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM II and FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II lenses, which proved indispensable allies for capturing the essence of the awe-inspiring landscapes. From the serene blues of Lake Pukaki to the rugged beauty of the Hooker Valley walk and the stunning vistas of Tasman Lake, this Sony setup demonstrated its worth at every turn.
Must-see attractions and highlights
Driving towards Mount Cook National Park, travellers are drawn to the captivating allure of Aoraki/Mount Cook, New Zealand's tallest peak at 3,724 meters. Surrounded by dramatic landscapes, this area is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Renowned for its glaciers, turquoise lakes, and rugged mountain ranges, the park attracts adventurers drawn to the pristine beauty of an alpine wilderness.
The road meanders alongside Lake Pukaki, famed for its vivid, surreal blues. The mirror-like surface of the lake reflects the stunning silhouette of Mount Cook, captivating travellers with its awe-inspiring presence. Taking a moment to capture this breathtaking panorama, the Sony A7CR, paired with the FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM II lens, meticulously frames the intricate details, unveiling the profound beauty of the region. The gear's advanced image stabilisation technology subtly ensures that each shot remains sharp, preserving the essence of this extraordinary landscape even during a moving journey.
One of the most accessible gateways into the raw and wild mountains, the Hooker Valley walk offers an exhilarating adventure within minutes. This scenic trail traverses swing bridges and wooden walkways and meanders alongside glacial torrents, revealing the rugged beauty of glacial moraines. Along this journey, the FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II lens is an indispensable tool for capturing the essence of the untamed terrain.
Renowned for its versatility, the FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II effortlessly adapts to varying landscapes, offering a spectrum of focal lengths encompassing both tight and wide angles. From the grand vistas of the Southern Alps to the intricate details of the glacial moraines, this lens encapsulates sweeping views and intricate details, ensuring an immersive photographic experience amidst the raw beauty of New Zealand's untamed landscape.
Weather, climate and shooting conditions
While snowfall prevented an ascent to the famous Mueller Hut, the lesser-known alternative track, Red Tarns Track, unveiled stunning views over Mount Cook village with both Hooker Valley and Tasman lakes with the Icebergs. The sharpness rendered by the 61-megapixel sensor of the A7CR enhanced by the FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II lens revealed unparalleled details of the old braided river beds covered in tussocks on the valley floor. This camera gear combination delivered a visual feast, preserving every detail from the crystal-clear reflections of the mountains surrounding the valleys.
Embark on your adventures like an Alpha Traveller
For adventurers seeking to encapsulate the raw magnificence of Mount Cook National Park, Sony’s gear stands ready, offering precision and reliability to turn each frame into a timeless testament to this pristine wilderness.
Read more on Stefan’s journey around New Zealand.
