Questions I’m often asked as a New Zealand wildlife photographer

Antarctica, 2024

One of the things I love most about being out and about with my camera is how easily it starts conversations. As a wildlife photographer based in New Zealand, I often find people are curious about the gear I use, the birds I photograph, and where I go to find them. As long as people don’t inadvertently scare the birds away, I’m always happy to stop and chat.

Over time, I’ve noticed that the same questions come up again and again — so I thought I’d answer a few of them here.

What camera and lens are you using for bird photography?

I shoot with a Nikon Z6 III and, most of the time, my big and beautiful Nikkor Z FX 180–600mm f/5.6–6.3 VR. It’s incredibly versatile and perfect for bird photography.

For macro work, I use the Nikkor Z FX MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S, which I absolutely love for its sharpness and detail.

How heavy is it?

A very fair question — and one I get asked a lot!

180–600mm lens: 1995 g

Camera body: 769 g

It’s definitely not light, but you get used to it, and for me, the results are worth it.

What is your favourite New Zealand bird?

Kererū has long been my favourite bird — even before I took up photography. They’re still right up there, and I love photographing them. It certainly helps that they’re big and relatively slow-moving, which makes them a more forgiving subject.

I also have a real soft spot for miromiro/tomtits, Campbell albatross / toroa, and kōkako. Honestly, though, I love all of our native birds.

What is your favourite wildlife photo you’ve ever taken?

Tarapuruhi Bushy Park, Whanganui

It would have to be this photo of a kererū I took at Tarapuruhi / Bushy Park in October 2024. The light and the raindrops on her feathers were just beautiful.

It’s also my favourite perched bird pose — back to me, looking over their ‘shoulder’ towards the camera.

This was my first visit to Tarapuruhi Bushy Park, and I really think it’s the best place in Aotearoa to photograph kererū. There are just so many there, and some excellent, open perches. They can also be seen feeding on the ground, which is a rare and wonderful sight!

What bird species would you love to photograph in the future?

At the very top of my list are emperor penguins. One day! I’d also love to see and photograph puffins, toucans, and eagles.

Closer to home (and a bit more realistic budget‑wise), I’d love to photograph kea in the snow, kōtuku at their breeding colony in Whataroa, and pīwauwau / rock wren.

What about other animals?

It would be a dream to photograph large mammals in North America — especially bears, moose, and bison.

I’m planning a trip to Tasmania later this year, where I’m hoping to photograph wombats, echidnas, kangaroos, and Tasmanian devils.

What’s your favourite birdwatching location in New Zealand?

Without hesitation: Tiritiri Matangi Island. If you’ve ever been there, you’ll know how magical it is. For me, the pure joy of being surrounded by birdsong is hard to beat.

Hihi, Tiritiri Matangi Island, Auckland

It’s also fantastic for photography — the bush isn’t as dense as in many other places, and the birds are generally quite unfazed by people. I usually stay at least one night when I visit (book well in advance). If you can, go Sunday to Wednesday — there are no ferries on Mondays or Tuesdays, which means you often have the island largely to yourself.

Any big trips planned this year?

After three big trips in the past three years — Subantarctic New Zealand, Antarctica, and Far North Queensland — this year is all about slightly smaller adventures.

Weddell seal, Antarctica

I’m planning a trip to Tasmania in September, and I’ll also be doing plenty of weekend trips around Auckland, Northland, and Waikato.

What do you do with all your photos?

I really love the answer a friend of mine gave when asked this recently: “Enjoy them.” That’s very true for me too.

These days, I can also say that I share them on my website, and post my favourites on Instagram. I take photos for the Moehau Environment Group in the Coromandel, and have gifted them images to use on their website and promotional material.

Why focus on birds and wildlife photography?

In essence, I just find them endlessly beautiful and fascinating. They’re also the most common native wildlife we have here in Aotearoa.

Someone asked me recently whether I’d still be so interested in photographing birds if I didn’t live in New Zealand. My answer was yes, although I do love photographing other animals whenever I get the chance.

Thank you for reading! If you ever see me out and about with my camera, feel free to say hello — just please don’t scare the birds.