Mastodawn

Check out this well-timed photo from this week of a kōtare (NZ kingfisher) making off with a NZ skink.

It's that time of year when the kōtare is likely heading back to its nest to feed the meal to its babies.

CC-BY-NC Splish on iNaturalist

(Not my photo)

New Zealand Sacred Kingfisher from Okia Flat 9077, New Zealand on January 1, 2026 at 03:36 PM by splish

iNaturalist NZ

Tern with catch of the day over elvish landscape

There are several reasons why New Zealand are used for adventure films.

Light and colours are two obvious reasons.
Flora, fauna and landscape are others.

Personally, when watching the Lord of the Rings movie trilogy, I am a bit disappointed they do not really shows how awesome New Zealand is.

Better visit Aotearoa in person.

#NZ #Dunedin #Otago #taiaroahead #birds #birds #childfeeding #chicks #countryside #trekking #seabird #pacific #trees #New #Zealand #kiwi #NikonD800 #Nikkor #D800 #Nikon #300mm #f4 #OtagoPeninsula #2015CE #tern #sea #pacific #green #bird #roadtrip #Aotearoa #NewZealand #birds #sun #birdcolony #beach #moment #zen #mindfulness #TeWaipounamu #Te #Waipounamu #SouthIsland

Walked the length of Victory Beach today. It was looking as stunning as ever

Saying hello to babies 🐕 all around the world 🇳🇿
#newzealand #dunedin #dogs #dogsofmastodon #otagopeninsula