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I Spent A Year Exploring New Zealand To Bring Back These Photos And It Blew My Mind
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I Spent A Year Exploring New Zealand To Bring Back These Photos And It Blew My Mind

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My name is Johan Lolos, I’m a professional travel and adventure photographer, and I’m just back from New Zealand where I spent a whole year exploring every single region of the country. Between October 2014 and September 2015, I travelled 25,000+ km (15,500+ miles) across both main islands, including the smaller and less-known Stewart Island (NZ’s 3rd biggest island), most of the time road tripping with friends in a camper van or in my own car.

What I saw in New Zealand blew my mind. Not only did I find some pure wilderness I’ve never seen before, but also a true paradise for any outdoors enthusiasts and of course any landscape and travel photographers. Not to mention some of the friendliest people I’ve ever met. Kiwi people are one of a kind!

New Zealand changed me forever. It is there that I started my career as a full-time photographer, it is there that I discovered my passion for the outdoors and mountains, and it is there that I lived for 7 months in the most relaxing place on Earth: Wanaka. Now I have some new plans for 2016 but I know that I’ll be back in New Zealand one day, probably sooner than expected. In the meantime, I’d like to share with you this series of pictures I took during my time there. There are 4O pictures that all represent a unique moment to me, and I hope you’ll find some inspiration in them.

More info: johanlolos.com | Instagram

Mt Ngauruhoe, Tongariro National Park

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Cardrona ski resort

Lake Rotoiti, Nelson Lakes National Park

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Southern lights (aurora australis) in Wanaka

Moke Lake, Queenstown

Lake Wanaka

Lake Wanaka

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Mt Aspiring

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Camping on top of Roys Peak, Lake Wanaka

Milford Sound, Fiordland National Park

Roys Peak, Wanaka

Ben Lomond, Queenstown

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Lake Harris, Mt Aspiring National Park

Lake Gunn, Fiordland National Park

Lake Pukaki & Mt Cook

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Roys Peak, Wanaka

Lake Wanaka

Hokitika Gorge, Westland

The Coromandel

Marlborough Sounds

Milford Sound, Fiordland National Park

Milford Road, Fiordland National Park

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Mt Aspiring National Park

Franz Josef Glacier, Westland Tai Poutini National Park

Fiordland National Park

Hooker Lake & Mt Cook, Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park

Aoraki, Mt Cook National Park

Bay of Islands, Northland

Milford Sound, Fiordland National Park

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Milford Sound, Fiordland National Park

Abel Tasman National Park

Wanaka

Aoraki, Mt Cook National Park

The road to Mt Cook

Lake Wanaka

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Lake Wanaka

Whale Bay, Northland

Mt Ruapehu, Tongariro National Park

Lake Wanaka

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Johan Lolos

Johan Lolos

Author, Community member

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Johan Lolos is a Belgian-born self-taught photographer with a passion for the outdoors and the wilderness. Between 2013 and 2015 he spent two years photographing Australia and NZ and shared his work to his constantly growing audience on Instagram @lebackpacker. In the summer of 2017, Johan completed a 5-month road trip around Europe, a personal project named Peaks of Europe, which is the topic of his first book that can be pre-ordered now.

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Johan Lolos

Johan Lolos

Author, Community member

Johan Lolos is a Belgian-born self-taught photographer with a passion for the outdoors and the wilderness. Between 2013 and 2015 he spent two years photographing Australia and NZ and shared his work to his constantly growing audience on Instagram @lebackpacker. In the summer of 2017, Johan completed a 5-month road trip around Europe, a personal project named Peaks of Europe, which is the topic of his first book that can be pre-ordered now.

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LorraineWilliams
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The most beautiful pictures of NZ that I have ever seen, terrific photography Johan, thank you, do come back again.

TonyBailey
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I've lived in New Zealand for 14 years and found it the most beautiful country in the world. Love the way you have captured NZ with your work.

DanielGroschup
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I agree, I spent 15 months and traveled 20000kms and wanna go back to live. Why did you moved out and where?

Load More Replies...
Esmé Moreira
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Your photogrphas ae simply amazing Johan but then NZ is an amazingly beautiful country of so many different palettes. Your captures are just exquisite, especially as I no longer live there.

Load More Replies...
JanetLord
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Absolutely amazing photography. WOW !!!! you have a wonderful talent.

WarrenSerkin
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Visited there 6 times (my longest trip was a 6 week drive yourself) and just fell in love with the scenery and the people.

YvonneMcLaren
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

stunning work, our nation is so beautiful, the most precious part of it is the people, I am glad you enjoyed the time. Kia ora

ArohaGypsyGirl
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Thank you for showing me such beauty in my own country... Thank you!

Natalie Tiv
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Amazing photos!! Are the photos of kayaking on wanaka lake sunrise or sunset ?

Khozem Topiwala
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Very very beautifull pictures. The most picturisque country in thw world...great camera work

JasonTsai
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Makes me miss New Zealand so much. Photos seem a little touched up, unless you were at all those places at exactly the right times... but it really does feel that beautiful. THANKS FOR THE PICS!

ChristineWafer
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yes, we are very lucky to live here. Heaven on Earth! Thanks Rachel, I will share it.

PsTong
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

something is very wrong , the skies are blue & most of yours are white that's no good .... it should be blue skies NZ

STOhistorii
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm in NZ right now and can't wait to see all those beautiful places... :) they look amazing!

АнджиКиркова
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Absolutely breathtaking i felt like i'm there! Really nice pictures, thank you for what you did! <3

clairealgarme
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What beautiful photos! I'm heading to NZ for a few days and I hope to see as many beautiful landscape as I can while I'm there.

TomokoTakebe
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

素晴らしい写真ばかりだった 星空は感動すら覚えた

KittyBax
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I miss Whale Bay! Used to go there with my family or Christmas. Stunning photos!

RebeccaPainter
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Pretty good. I live in New Zealand and near Whale Bay. Looks like you didn't have great weather while in Northland. You need to do another trip to see the rest of the stunning places. We are spoiled for choice here in NZ.

AllenSnowsill
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

These stunning pictures of our beautiful country have reignited my dream to get out there and see it all through my own eyes. Thank you for sharing your pictures.

RomainChedru
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Hello Johan, beautiful pictures ! What camera do you use ? chur ;)

JuneFynn
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Absolutely stunning photos! Would so love to be able to capture scenery this way. Love my country & its beauty. Thank you!

DebbieBayes
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Wow, I love them all, and they are being shared on New Zealand Landscape FB group. We are all photographers so will appreciate the time and love you have put into each and every photo taken.

SusanForde
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Stunning, great work. I would love to design jewellery to match the energy from these amazing pictures. Love your work.

BonzaPeters
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

We loved having you in our part of the world. Wanaka is beautiful but you captured it perfectly and have showed the world our little secret! This place really is a small piece of heaven. Thanks for sharing your wonderful shots.

BonzaPeters
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

We loved having you here in Wanaka - your photography does our area justice and brings alive this beautiful location.

NikolaiMastrovich
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Amazing photos! But not even close to EVERY region. Theres plenty more for you to see there bro!

Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Have a look at my website johanlolos.com and you'll see every regions of NZ except for North Island's east coast ;)

Load More Replies...
PhilipSell
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Great photos. My wife I were in a mini helicopter that landed on Roys peak. I have a photo that would rival yours. No photos of the magnificent Wanganui river ? Most tourists canoe the upper regions. Come back & treat your self

SusanThorpe
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

beautiful photos Johan, so pleased you enjoyed your time but there is one important region you missed and that's our place - Rēkohu/Chatham islands, so you'll have to come back

KarameaSole
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Tino Ataahua, the Marlborough Sounds Picture is where my family lives, called Whangarae Bay :)

AaronLangley
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Hey Karamea :) am hoping to take my daughter to visit this year. It's been too long!! I hope you, Candy and Jason are well.

Load More Replies...
LorraineWilliams
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The most beautiful pictures of NZ that I have ever seen, terrific photography Johan, thank you, do come back again.

TonyBailey
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I've lived in New Zealand for 14 years and found it the most beautiful country in the world. Love the way you have captured NZ with your work.

DanielGroschup
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I agree, I spent 15 months and traveled 20000kms and wanna go back to live. Why did you moved out and where?

Load More Replies...
Esmé Moreira
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Your photogrphas ae simply amazing Johan but then NZ is an amazingly beautiful country of so many different palettes. Your captures are just exquisite, especially as I no longer live there.

Load More Replies...
JanetLord
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Absolutely amazing photography. WOW !!!! you have a wonderful talent.

WarrenSerkin
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Visited there 6 times (my longest trip was a 6 week drive yourself) and just fell in love with the scenery and the people.

YvonneMcLaren
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

stunning work, our nation is so beautiful, the most precious part of it is the people, I am glad you enjoyed the time. Kia ora

ArohaGypsyGirl
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Thank you for showing me such beauty in my own country... Thank you!

Natalie Tiv
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Amazing photos!! Are the photos of kayaking on wanaka lake sunrise or sunset ?

Khozem Topiwala
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Very very beautifull pictures. The most picturisque country in thw world...great camera work

JasonTsai
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Makes me miss New Zealand so much. Photos seem a little touched up, unless you were at all those places at exactly the right times... but it really does feel that beautiful. THANKS FOR THE PICS!

ChristineWafer
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yes, we are very lucky to live here. Heaven on Earth! Thanks Rachel, I will share it.

PsTong
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

something is very wrong , the skies are blue & most of yours are white that's no good .... it should be blue skies NZ

STOhistorii
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm in NZ right now and can't wait to see all those beautiful places... :) they look amazing!

АнджиКиркова
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Absolutely breathtaking i felt like i'm there! Really nice pictures, thank you for what you did! <3

clairealgarme
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What beautiful photos! I'm heading to NZ for a few days and I hope to see as many beautiful landscape as I can while I'm there.

TomokoTakebe
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

素晴らしい写真ばかりだった 星空は感動すら覚えた

KittyBax
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I miss Whale Bay! Used to go there with my family or Christmas. Stunning photos!

RebeccaPainter
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Pretty good. I live in New Zealand and near Whale Bay. Looks like you didn't have great weather while in Northland. You need to do another trip to see the rest of the stunning places. We are spoiled for choice here in NZ.

AllenSnowsill
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

These stunning pictures of our beautiful country have reignited my dream to get out there and see it all through my own eyes. Thank you for sharing your pictures.

RomainChedru
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Hello Johan, beautiful pictures ! What camera do you use ? chur ;)

JuneFynn
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Absolutely stunning photos! Would so love to be able to capture scenery this way. Love my country & its beauty. Thank you!

DebbieBayes
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Wow, I love them all, and they are being shared on New Zealand Landscape FB group. We are all photographers so will appreciate the time and love you have put into each and every photo taken.

SusanForde
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Stunning, great work. I would love to design jewellery to match the energy from these amazing pictures. Love your work.

BonzaPeters
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

We loved having you in our part of the world. Wanaka is beautiful but you captured it perfectly and have showed the world our little secret! This place really is a small piece of heaven. Thanks for sharing your wonderful shots.

BonzaPeters
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

We loved having you here in Wanaka - your photography does our area justice and brings alive this beautiful location.

NikolaiMastrovich
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Amazing photos! But not even close to EVERY region. Theres plenty more for you to see there bro!

Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Have a look at my website johanlolos.com and you'll see every regions of NZ except for North Island's east coast ;)

Load More Replies...
PhilipSell
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Great photos. My wife I were in a mini helicopter that landed on Roys peak. I have a photo that would rival yours. No photos of the magnificent Wanganui river ? Most tourists canoe the upper regions. Come back & treat your self

SusanThorpe
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

beautiful photos Johan, so pleased you enjoyed your time but there is one important region you missed and that's our place - Rēkohu/Chatham islands, so you'll have to come back

KarameaSole
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Tino Ataahua, the Marlborough Sounds Picture is where my family lives, called Whangarae Bay :)

AaronLangley
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Hey Karamea :) am hoping to take my daughter to visit this year. It's been too long!! I hope you, Candy and Jason are well.

Load More Replies...
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