A national summer photo competition has drawn a remarkable collection of images from across Aotearoa and beyond, painting a vibrant and diverse picture of the quintessential Kiwi summer. Amateur and aspiring photographers have shared their favourite moments, capturing everything from epic landscapes and thrilling adventures to quiet family scenes and unique wildlife encounters.
The entries showcase the many ways New Zealanders embrace the warmer months, whether it’s a trip to a far-flung corner of the country or simply enjoying the sun at home. The collection serves as a visual diary of the summer of 2024, reflecting a nation at play, at rest, and in awe of its natural surroundings.
From the golden sands of Northland to the dramatic peaks near Queenstown, the photographs highlight the stunning geographical diversity that makes New Zealand a world-renowned destination for travellers and a beloved playground for locals. These images, submitted by readers, collectively tell a story of connection, adventure, and the simple joys of the season.
The pull of the coast
Unsurprisingly, New Zealand's extensive and varied coastline features heavily in the submissions. The beach, harbour, and sea are central to the nation’s summer identity, and the photographs capture this relationship in spectacular fashion. One dynamic shot, taken by Ross Malyon, freezes the action at a Junior Surf Carnival at Red Beach, with young athletes Adrian Young and Rowan Gjaltema mid-stride in a Beach Flags event, showcasing the energy an competitive spirit of surf lifesaving culture.
Quieter moments of coastal life are also beautifully represented. Melissa Kersaw submitted a photo of a diver named Andrew leaping from the boat 'Nevada' into the calm waters of Sandy Bay in the Coromandel, a perfect depiction of a classic summer plunge. Further north, Richard Kemp captured a moment of discovery, with a young girl named Aynslie holding up her newfound treasure at Tauwhara Bay in Northland.
The untamed beauty of Auckland's West Coast is a recurring theme. A striking image by photographer Hilary Lewer frames the sunset over Maori Bay, while Fabio Picinato shared a dramatic scene from Waiuku's coast. The famed gannet colony at Muriwai also drew photographers' lenses, with Breen Porter capturing a nesting bird and Jeffrey Lee snapping a member of the 'Team-Cupido' camera club, Sang hoon, fishing against the rugged backdrop.
Sunsets, a universal symbol of summer evenings, were a popular subject. Neil Courtney shared a serene sunset over Maraetai Wharf, Chris Gray captured the Auckland city skyline from Waiheke Island, and Karl Sosich photographed the day's end from Whakatete Bay, just north of Thames, demonstrating that no two coastal sunsets are ever the same.
Adventures in the great outdoors
Beyond the beaches, the spirit of adventure is alive and well in the entries. The giant sand dunes of the Far North proved to be a popular spot for thrill-seekers. Somdech Ngarmkam’s wide shot captures the immense scale of the dunes on the way to Cape Reinga, while a high-energy photo by Thomas Ujdur shows Oscar Harvey, Thomas Redford, and Brad Iseke attempting spectacular aerial manoeuvres on the sand at the nearby Te Paki dunes.
These enormous sand hills, managed by the Department of Conservation, are a major attraction, drawing visitors who come to experience the unique thrill of sandboarding. Another image, submitted by Melissa Kershaw, shows a child named Jonas joyfully jumping in the dunes at a South Auckland west coast beach, proving you don’t have to travel far for sandy fun.
The South Island’s majestic landscapes also feature prominently. One photograph, taken by Devon Standen, shows Maxine Greenslade on a horse trek in the iconic Mackenzie Basin near Lake Tekapo, its turquoise water a famous backdrop. Another, by Michael Taylor, transports the viewer to Deer Park Heights near Queenstown, a location famous not only for its views but also as a filming location for major movies. The South Island’s majestic landscapes also feature prominently. One photograph, taken by Devon Standen, shows Maxine Greenslade on a horse trek in the iconic Mackenzie Basin near Lake Tekapo, its turquoise water a famous backdrop. Another, by Michael Taylor, transports the viewer to Deer Park Heights near Queenstown, a location famous not only for its views but also as a filming location for major movies. These images highlight the range of activities available to those looking to explore New Zealand's diverse interior, from high-country explorations to local adventures. For those seeking ideas closer to home, there are plenty of guides to the best activities in urban centres, including the best summer activities in Calgary that capture a similar spirit of exploration.
A summer spent with family
For many, summer is defined by time spent with loved ones, and this is reflected in the many heartwarming family photos submitted. Photographer Jo Milne shared a candid black-and-white photo simply titled 'Christmas day - cousins', capturing a moment of connection. In a similarly classic Kiwi scene, Paul Blackwell photographed his grandkids playing with a garden hose at 'Nana and Grandads', an image that evokes widespread nostalgia for backyard fun.
The simple pleasure of a swim at home was captured by Grant Lamont in a photo of two sisters from Murrays Bay enjoying their pool, and by Jenny Kamins, whose image shows family members Misty and Craig relaxing in the water. These glimpses into private moments highlight how the most cherished summer memories are often made in the most familiar of settings, like a beautifully renovated local home or a simple backyard.
The charming and often humorous side of family life also shines through. Alison Daldy submitted a delightful photo of a toddler named Bella who had decided to apply her own sunscreen before heading out. Reuben Fraser captured two children, Hunter and Paige, after an adventure in Johnson Reserve, their expressions telling a story of a day well spent.
Fishing trips, a rite of passage for many Kiwi families, were also a common theme. Alison McMorran submitted a photo of William McMorran teaching his cousin Ben the art of fishing near Rakino Island in the Hauraki Gulf. The pride of a successful catch is evident in a photo from Hazel Spinnler, showing Markus Spinnler and his daughter with their fish, and another from Chritstine Scott of a young group proudly displaying their haul at Jills Bay, near Russell.
Looking ahead
The competition's entries serve as a powerful reminder of the beauty and joy that summer in New Zealand offers. From grand vistas to small, intimate moments, the photographs create a rich and celebratory tapestry of national life. As the seasons change, these images remain a testament to a summer well-lived.
Community projects and feedback are always being sought on how to improve local areas for residents, such as the recent call for community feedback from the Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Board on its future plans. The collection of summer photos acts as its own form of community feedback, showcasing the parks, beaches, and public spaces that New Zealanders value most. The competition encourages everyone to keep their cameras handy, ready to capture the fleeting moments of the next summer season.
