Oil on Linen
9 x 12"
17 September, 2022
44.70810°S   168.35301E

Te Waipounamu. This place in Glenorchy on the South Island of New Zealand is where the movie "The Lord of the Rings" was filmed. Kiwi Peter Jackson directed this epic adventure at this incredible spot.

I painted this en Plein air while touring with Eric Rhoads of Plein Air magazine's Paint! New Zealand trip. Our accommodations were excellent. We went on an airboat tour of the Te Waiponamu / Glenorchy area earlier, then magically appeared there to paint at about 3 pm. It was cold. The wind was howling. I had to hold down my easel.

It was worth it! Te Waipounamu is amazing.

Te Waipounamu means "the place for greenstone" in Måori. It is located on the southwest section of the South Island of New Zealand. The spectacular mountains cradle a mineral mist that makes you feel like you just stepped off the planet. Isolation makes you rethink what is essential. Kind of like offshore sailing when you realize nothing on land was all that necessary—a total immersion in the power of nature.

This is the first part of my bucket list trip to New Zealand. The country had just opened after the pandemic lockdown. Some of the trip was unspoiled by massive tourism. I stayed for two months after the painting tour. I traveled top to bottom of the North Island, and a great part of the South Island. By the time I left, the country was getting crowded. Cruise ships arrived at all the wonderful ports, and tourists invaded the trails.

My breath was taken away at every turn. The Kiwis are adventurous, wonderful, warm, and welcoming. The Måori proudly preserve their language and culture and share it. New Zealand's historic legends are carefully guarded by every Iwi.

Te Waipounamu. I will return.