Big news everyone! I’ve been invited on a whirlwind week long photographic expedition exploring the southern portion of New Zealand’s South Island by Canon Australia, Tourism Dunedin, Southland and Fiordland plus Tourism New Zealand.

I’ve visited New Zealand’s South Island twice previously on personal holidays and thoroughly enjoyed the wide variety of landscapes and wildlife that I saw and photographed. The photos below are from my 2004 trip.

This time I’ll be taking along my newly purchased Canon S90 pocket camera and Canon is loaning a whole range of Digital SLR’s and lenses, if we’re lucky we may even spot the elusive Kiwi bird in the wild on NZ’s Stewart Island.

Some of highlights of this trip will include (weather permitting):

St Clair Beach, Dunedin

Otago Peninsula

Larnach Castle

Elm Wildlife Tours

Monarch Wildlife Cruise

Stewart Island – Mason Bay

Okaka Hut, Tuatapere Hump Ridge Track

Waitutu Lodge & Wairaurahiri Jet

Fiordland – Milford Sound cruise

Tutoko Glacier Landing

Visiting Te Anau & Manapouri

DISCLAIMER: I am not being paid for this trip and have sole control over what I write and say about it. As usual I will be completely honest about whether I feel a particular location/experience is good quality and value for money.

All expenses for this trip were covered by Tourism New Zealand and it’s regional subsidiaries. Camera gear was loaned by Canon (except for my own personally owned Canon camera). Some clothing was sponsored by Goretex

GUEST ARTICLE: The Leaning Tower of Pisa tops the must see list for most visitors to Italy, but is it worth staying the night if you’re on a tight time frame?

Mention you’re visiting Italy and most people will mention pizza or Pisa in their first breath. Both are equally worthy things to enjoy, but while pizza is available in varying levels of authenticity across the country, there’s only one Leaning Tower of Pisa and one official Leaning Tower of Pisa website amongst all the others. Check out the opening hours as they’re subject to change.

Pisa is located in the region of Tuscany, a short train ride away from Florence (Firenze).

Torre di Pisa (the Leaning Tower of Pisa as written on local signs) is a relatively straightforward 30-minute walk from the main railway station, Pisa Centrale.

On the way to the tower, you’ll cross some charming pedestrianised retail shopping strips. As you get closer to the world famous icon, you might be amazed to see it poking out the end of an ordinary neighbourhood street!

Touts selling ‘genuine’ Rolex watches and souvenirs flank one side of the tower. Market stalls swarming with coach tour groups buying ‘I heart Pisa’ t-shirts and other tacky paraphernalia line the other side.

After admiring the tower and taking the obligatory self-photo or the “look at me casually pushing/kicking the tower” snap you may find your appetite for Pisa has been satisfied.

For others, a tower is there to be climbed.

Small groups of visitors are allowed to ascend the 294 steps (at a height of about 50 metres), at 15 euros per adult (17 euros for online bookings). It’s a high price to pay for an ordinary view and an extraordinary queue.

Pisa isn’t exactly known for its tall buildings and large monuments, but all proceeds do go towards the preservation and protection of this UNESCO World Heritage Centre.

Once you’ve taken in the tower, it only costs a few euros to visit the often-overlooked neighbouring monuments in around Piazza dei Miracoli, the Duomo (cathedral) and the Baptistery.

At this point, you’ll probably head back into town and do a bit of exploring or shopping. But for many, once they’ve seen the tower and a few shops and the architecture around town, that’ll be their tour of Pisa.

So instead of booking a night in Pisa, consider visiting nearby Florence for a few nights, or plan a day trip in Lucca or Siena, you won’t regret it. Not only is there a lot more to see and experience by way of Renaissance art, world-class architecture and stunning piazzas, but you’ll also be making the most of your limited time in Italy.

This article has been written by Pranav Bhatt. He is a graduate of the Faculty of Economics and Business at Sydney University. He has an interest in world travel, cricket, politics, technology and the media.

If you’ve travelled somewhere off the beaten track, can write well and have good quality photos I encourage you to contact me and I’ll consider publishing your travel diary here including generous attribution and links back to your website as thanks for your contribution

GUEST ARTICLE: Florence or Firenze as it’s known to the locals is a must visit destination for lovers of Renaissance art. Almost every corner teems with beautiful architecture, cathedrals, museums, history and… truckloads of tourists.

After leaving its main railway station, Firenze Santa Maria Novella, you’ll find Florence is extremely easy to explore on foot.

During peak season, you’ll notice visitors led by vocal guides or Lonely Planet/Rick Steves guidebooks ferrying around from morning to night ticking off the main attractions.

In amongst the rabble of Americans, Canadians and Australians floating around every corner, it’s a challenge in itself to hear a local accent.

I found Florence to be a magnet for tourists on an “Amazing Race” express tour of Europe. It attracts the type of visitor who proudly ‘does’ a city in 24 hours flat then hops on a night train, bus or plane to tick off Rome, Venice, Zurich, Munich, Prague, Paris and Madrid.

But to do Florence (and yourself) any justice you’ll need at least a couple of days. If you rush in and out of the most populated city in Tuscany you’ll probably leave disappointed.

The Galleria dell’ Accademia is generally abuzz with visitors looking for their fix of Michelangelo’s epic work, David.

You can compare the original piece with the inferior copies you’ll probably come across at Piazza della Signoria and Piazzale Michelangelo.

Depending on when you visit, you might find it hard to appreciate the monumental work in amongst the snap happy masses (no flash photography allowed). It is advisable to pre-purchase your ticket to avoid the epic queues.

The gallery houses a small-boutique collection with a number of Michelangelo’s works. I have heard that some visitors leave after about 30 minutes, meaning that for many, there isn’t that much to see apart from David.

Also, at 6.50 euro per adult, the gallery is quite expensive in comparison with other more larger and famous museums around Europe.

The Uffizi Gallery is just as famous for its epic collection of renaissance works as it is for its queues.

Beat the queues by pre-purchasing a ticket, albeit for a higher price. If you’re not a fan of renaissance art, spend your time and money elsewhere as you probably won’t get much out of it.

Refreshingly, entry into the Duomo – The Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore is free. The dome is a masterpiece, constructed as a single piece largely without any supporting structures.

The façade of the Duomo is an eye-catching combination of beautiful green, pink, and white marble panels.

The best gelato in town is arguably sold at Gelateria Santa Trinita near the famous Ponte Vecchio (bridge) .

Try the popular Buontalenti al mascarpone flavour, named after the man credited with inventing gelato, Bernardo Buontalenti.

You know Gelateria Santa Trinita gelato is authentic because they have their own laboratory where the gelato is hand made fresh daily, unlike many other vendors that serve gelato from a factory.

To find quality gelato, look out for vendors with the sign proclaiming: ‘gelato artigianale’, ‘produzione propria’ or ‘nostra produzione’.

Piazzale Michelangelo is the most popular vantage point for catching a panoramic view over Florence.

To get there, you’ll have to climb several hundred steep steps from Piazza Poggi, but the views are postcard perfect.

You won’t be alone gazing at the Duomo, Palazzo Vecchio and Ponte Vecchio, especially if you’re sitting on the steps around sunset.

Ostello Archi Rossi is without a doubt the best value quality hostel in Florence. Located 5 minutes from the main railway station and central to all the major sights, you couldn’t ask for more. Mixed dormitories start at about 20 euro per night.

The following services are included: in room Wi-Fi and internet computer, in-room shower/toilet facilities, bed linen, lockers, two walking tours, breakfast and dinner. Check their website for the availability of free dinner.

The hostel even offers an extensive menu ranging from pizzas, pastas, and omelettes cooked to order.

Hidden away from the hustle and bustle of the main streets, ì Tozzo di pane osteria offers a rustic vibe and a quiet garden courtyard. Authentic Tuscan and Italian inspired dishes are served without the nasty tourist price. A cover charge of 1.50 applies.

For starters, bruschetta topped with rich and flavoursome tomatoes and herbs was 4 euro, followed by a superb, fresh, melt-in-your-mouth potato gnocchi with a walnut and creamy cheese sauce for only 8 euro.

Washed down with a nice house wine, what more could you ask for after a day of full-on sightseeing?

This article has been written by Pranav Bhatt. He is a graduate of the Faculty of Economics and Business at Sydney University. He has an interest in world travel, cricket, politics, technology and the media.

If you’ve travelled somewhere off the beaten track, can write well and have good quality photos I encourage you to contact me and I’ll consider publishing your travel diary here including generous attribution and links back to your website as thanks for your contribution

GUEST ARTICLE: Cinque Terre in the Italian Riviera attracts hoards of tourists from around the world.

So what is the Cinque Terre? Cinque means five and Terre means lands. Bring them together and you have five, colourful, small but distinct fishing villages perched on sandstone cliffs stretching over about 10 kilometres of rugged coastline.

The Cinque Terre is protected as a National Park and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A Cinque Terre Pass is required to access the walking trail.

Various types of reasonably priced passes are available from one day to seven days with optional train or ferry inclusions. Passes are checked at various points along the track and can be bought from the ticket office in Riomaggiore.

A bus service run by the Parco Nazionale Delle Cinque Terre can takes pass holders to the villages from pre determined pick up points.

Alternatively, regular regional trains running from nearby La Spezia Centrale railway station can also take you into Riomaggiore in less than 10 minutes for less than 2 euros.

Train stations and a walking trail links the five villages – Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza, and Montorosso. This means you can spend time in each village sampling the local produce and relaxing.

Check out the website of the national railway network – Tren Italia for up-to-date timetables and ticketing information

Despite its protected status, the walking track is poorly maintained in many sections. The local authorities just don’t seem to channel enough money from ticket sales into the preservation effort.

When I was there in May 2009, many of the dirt tracks were worn out; flimsy plastic fences were erected to keep walkers away from the edge of some sections of the cliff and water was leaking from some pipelines making the track muddy.

The villages formed on the foot of fertile coastal cliffs in a climate prone to weathering and erosion. The locals largely depend on the fruits of their toil on these inhospitable slopes for their livelihood.

Large tracts of planted terraces surround the villages, supplying locals with produce like lemons, olives and fruits.

The first village, Riomaggiore can feel overcrowded, as it’s the easiest starting point for many visitors and tour groups.

But, if you venture off the beaten track into the quiet lanes and narrow passages, you’ll experience the easy paced life of the locals away from the hustle and bustle of the main thoroughfare. I really wonder how they cope with the daily tourist intrusions.

The Lovers Walk Via Dell ‘Amore in Italian is an under whelming short, fenced footpath covered in wall-to-wall ‘I love you’ messages and padlocks.

Unfortunately, many tourists go over board and deface the area by carving their messages onto every surface they can get their hands on including plant foliage, boulders and the ceiling of the small tunnel.

It’s sad that once a world-class sight is discovered, some people always have to graffiti their name or slogan onto it.

You might get away with wearing a pair of sandals or thongs (‘flip flops’) up to this point, but if you want to continue the hike on foot, wear a comfortable pair of sturdy walking or hiking shoes or you’ll suffer.

Ironically, the first shops in many of the villages tended to sell “Scholls” brand foot and shoe pads and bandages for all the walkers with sore feet!

Manarola is an easy 30-minute stroll from Riomaggiore and is often packed with more Australian, Kiwi, American, Canadian and German accents than you can imagine, due to the flatness of the path.

You’d be hard pressed to find a real Italiano amongst the masses, which is a shame as each of the villages seem to have become miniature tourist enclaves with shops, restaurants and hotels designed and priced to cater for tourist traffic.

As you continue along the trail leaving Manarola, don’t forget to take the classic postcard shot of the village, the picture that probably brought you here in the first place.

The stretch of coastline towards Corniglia is stunning, but be prepared to climb 382 steps before you think about putting your feet up and tucking into a slice of foccacia washed down with some Limoncello.

Walking from Corniglia to Vernazza takes a bit longer. Allow about 90 minutes to wind through this part of the track. It is cut through the vegetation of the Mediterranean landscape and can be arduous in some places.

A small sign next to the Farmacia (Pharmacy) marks the path to Montorosso, but it can be hard to spot. The trek from Vernazza to Montorsosso becomes progressively harder, steeper, narrower (from 6 to 12 inches wide) and leafier. Uneven dirt tracks, steps and stones punctuate this part of the path.

On a busy day, I would imagine it would become a bit dangerous and tough to navigate if tourist hoards were shuffling through each way. But don’t let this put you off. People of all ages, shapes and sizes walk back and forth along the track every year.

On the other hand, don’t feel like you have to “Do the 5 Terre” in 5 hours! If you’re staying a few nights, catch the bus or train and resume where you left off.

I laughed at how many people I saw or overheard who looked like they were a contestant in The Amazing Race American reality TV show. Kitted out with their North Face pack, bandanna, and hiking boots they zoomed through at breakneck speed in order to get the 5 villages out of the way, and then “do” Rome in a day.

I took 8 hours to complete the walking trail, spending time in each village for a snack, rest, wandering and taking photos.

As you approach Montorosso, the final village, you’ll catch glimpses of the sandy beach, or on a hot day, be dreaming of a gelato mirage. If this doesn’t entice you onwards, at least by now you’ll have come to appreciate the harsh conditions the locals have had to contend with year round, making the slog in the sun worth every ounce of sweat.

I took the ferry from Montorosso back to Riomaggiore. The ticket was a bit steep at 8 euros, but worth it. It took about 35 minutes and gave me a new perspective on each village.

Ostello Tramonti is located in the tiny hill top village of Biassa, near La Spezia, just outside the Cinque Terre. To get there, catch the small bus to Biassa from Brin Square – do not walk! The road to Biassa is extremely steep, narrow, windy and dangerous for walkers.

With dorms starting at 18 euros per night, Ostello Tramonti is a good choice for budget travelers looking to relax in a real Italian village away from the hordes. Breakfast is extra, but worth it for the view over Biassa down to La Spezia. Lockers, internet access and linen is included.

Just note that the bus runs on a tight schedule and if you miss the last one you might need to look for a cab to get back to the hostel.

Dining options in Biassa are limited. Bar Pizzeria Aquila, a small family run restaurant down the road from the hostel is highly recommended. You can tuck into its authentic selection of pizzas and pasta at prices you won’t find in any of the five villages.

This article has been written by Pranav Bhatt. He is a graduate of the Faculty of Economics and Business at Sydney University. He has an interest in world travel, cricket, politics, technology and the media.

If you’ve travelled somewhere off the beaten track, can write well and have good quality photos I encourage you to contact me and I’ll consider publishing your travel diary here including generous attribution and links back to your website as thanks for your contribution

GUEST ARTICLE: If you’re looking for close proximity to the Rocky Mountains and a relaxed atmosphere, look no further than Boulder, Colorado aka ‘Boulderado’.

It takes about fifty minutes on the RTD bus service to reach Boulder, Colorado after the Amtrak California Zephyr pulls up at Denver Station.

The ride into Denver at night is magical as the “Mile High City” glows at night from a distance as the train steams towards the centre of town.

The Days Hotel Boulder is a comfortable, clean and well-appointed hotel for the budget conscious traveler. It is conveniently located near the Table Mesa Park n Ride bus stop, from which you’re just a short bus ride out of town. Single king rooms start from about US$55 and include free high speed WiFi, microwave, fridge and cable TV.

Eldora Ski Resort is a short bus ride away from Boulder and worth a visit if you want to hit the slopes in Colorado.

Pearl St Mall has a good mix of shops, cafes and restaurants to keep you busy for at least one afternoon.

If you have a sweet tooth, head on down to the Cheesecake Factory and dig into one of their many cheesecake specialties, you won’t be disappointed. The triple chocolate is not to be missed!

Getting to Denver International Airport couldn’t be easier aboard the RTD SkyRide bus service ($12 adult) from the Table Mesa Park n Ride.

This article has been written by Pranav Bhatt. He is a graduate of the Faculty of Economics and Business at Sydney University. He has an interest in world travel, cricket, politics, technology and the media.

If you’ve travelled somewhere off the beaten track, can write well and have good quality photos I encourage you to contact me and I’ll consider publishing your travel diary here including generous attribution and links back to your website as thanks for your contribution

Each year I return to the new summer exhibition at the Australian Museum and marvel at the skill of the photographers whose work is displayed in the Wildlife Photographer of the Year photography exhibition.

In 2003 I lived for a year in the UK and saw that years Wildlife Photographer exhibition at London’s Natural History Museum.

That was the year I first became really interested in photography, particularly of wildlife and natural landscapes and I think my photography has improved a lot since then.

From vivid, colourful landscapes to intimate portraits of animal behaviour, the exhibition offers an extraordinary insight into the beauty and diversity of the natural world.

Enjoy captivating wildlife images from the world’s largest and most prestigious photography competition when this popular exhibition returns each year to the Australian Museum during Summer.

Wildlife Photographer of the Year is owned by the Natural History Museum and BBC Wildlife Magazine.

Now in its 45th year, this exhibition showcases incredible stories and evocative images which capture the diversity and wonder of the natural world such as the 3 photos shown below: 46. Ethiopian mountain king, Joe McDonald (USA), 56. Eyes in the oasis, Lee Slabber (South Africa) and 51. Puffin in the snow, Jan Vermeer (The Netherlands).

The 2009 winner of Wildlife Photographer of the Year “The storybook wolf” by José Luis Rodríguez (Spain) was controversially disqualified and stripped of his status as the judges suspected the wolf in the photo was tame and trained to create the photo.

The competition rules clearly state that photographs of animal models may not be entered into the competition and that images will be disqualified if they are entered in breach of this rule.

Wildlife Photographer of the Year is the world’s most prestigious photography competition of its kind. Any transgression of the competition rules is taken very seriously and if entries are suspected of breaching the rules they are disqualified. José Luis Rodríguez’s image will be removed from the exhibition and tour.

Mr Rodriguez strongly denies that the wolf in the image is a model wolf.

Wildlife, photography and travel enthusiasts of all ages will enjoy the stunning display which is FREE with general Museum entry.

Starts: 24 December 2009
Ends: 26 April 2010

Where: Level 2, Australian Museum, 6 College Street (opposite Hyde Park), Sydney
Cost: Free with Museum entry ticket

If you can’t go there you can view the Wildlife Photographer of the Year online at the Natural History Museum website although the photos are only done true justice when seen as large prints in the exhibition

2008 Competition

An image of a jewel-like leaf drop glistening in the far north Queensland sun has earned Australian photographer, Darran Leal, a highly commended in the prestigious 2008 Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition.

• The image, ‘Leaf drop,’ is one of 83 chosen from a record 32,351 entries and is included in the montage below (top left) with 3 other images from the exhibition
• Deadlock, David Maitland, United Kingdom (top right)
• Daddy long legs, Jordi Chias, Spain (bottom left)
• Troublemaker, Stefano Unterthiner, Italy (bottom right)

credit: 2008 Wildlife Photographer of the Year – Australian Museum

2007 Competition

2007 Highlights included the winning image by UK photographer Ben Osborne “Elephant Creation” which features a large bull elephant kicking and spraying mud in a waterhole. This reminded me of an underwater photo on the December 2004 National Geographic website of an Elephant swimming in the Okavango Delta.

Rajan, the 60-year-old Asian elephant in Jeff’s winning picture, was rescued from the banned Andaman Islands logging trade. Today he takes daily swims in the ocean with his handler and Jeff was privileged to join them in the water for a dip.

When asked about his experience Jeff said: “Swimming under water with such a massive land animal was one of those unforgettable life experiences“