Glenorchy in the middle of winter was my favourite place last year. The drive from Queenstown took just over three quarters of an hour along the aptly named Glenorchy-Queenstown Road. There are so many lookout points dotted along the way from which to admire our beautiful Lake Wakatipu as she worships at the very foothills of the glorious Remarkables.

Arriving at Glenorchy for the golden hour was tricky given that the sky was bleak with pale clouds flattened out by a garish glare that smashed all hopes of textured shadows. I settled for a few dismal shots of these clusters of willows anchored in the lake like sirens silently screaming for help.

A good night’s sleep cured me of my despondency so I ventured out before sunrise — slipping and sliding on the ice beneath the fluffy fresh snow. Here’s what the early morning light and a slightly different angle brought.

Here’s what happens when the wind shifts the mist and the sun bursts forth.