Queenstown Lakes photographers dominate nature comp

From sweeping alpine vistas to intricate macro shots of fungi, ferns, and forest-floor textures, Queenstown Lakes photographers have shone at this year’s Otago’s Lens on the Wild World photography exhibition.

Hundreds of photographers from Queenstown, Wānaka, and Arrowtown submitted their shots for the region's largest nature photography competition, with dozens securing finalist spots, particularly in the Landscape and Botanical categories.

"This is the largest number of entries we’ve ever had from the Queenstown and Wānaka areas,” Charlie Buchan, Marketing Manager at Tūhura Otago Museum, says.

"While we expected spectacular landscapes, and weren’t disappointed, it was equally exciting to see such a strong focus on the lesser-seen biodiversity of the region. The photography is world-class."

Selected from more than 4450 entries across the wider Otago region, the finalists from Queenstown Lakes reflect the distinctive natural character of Central Otago: expansive mountain ranges, high-country botanicals, moss-covered beech forests, and glacial riverbeds.

 

The free exhibition spans four evocative categories: Wildlife, Botanical, Landscape, and Natural Abstract Pop-up. Visitors can also view every submission on an interactive screen, vote for the People’s Choice Award, and take part in family-friendly activities like wildlife-themed crafts with Glenn Jones Art and up-close encounters with rare native species.

A highlight this year is a screening of Wildlife Rescue, a locally produced NHNZ documentary spotlighting the work of Dunedin’s Wildlife Hospital. The exhibition also supports the Yellow-eyed Penguin (Hoiho) in its Bird of the Year campaign, with dedicated displays celebrating this rare and endangered species.

The judging panel, which includes renowned photographers, conservationists, and media personalities, praised the exceptional calibre of submissions.

Exhibition designer and judge Shanaya Cunningham says: "The level of detail, light work, and emotion in the Central Otago entries stood out. They’re not only technically strong, they carry a deep sense of place and connection."

Otago’s Lens on the Wild World runs 26 June to 12 October in the Museum’s Special Exhibitions Gallery. Entry is free.

The exhibition is developed by Tūhura Otago Museum with support from The OPERA, Otago Peninsula Eco Restoration Alliance, and in partnership with Wild Dunedin, Jonathan’s Photo Warehouse, and Canon.