Goat Island Marine Reserve
Near Cape Rodney on the Mahurangi Peninsula in Northland is the Goat Island Marine Reserve. Throughout the year crowds of visitors are drawn to the area to snorkel and dive around the reef between The University of Auckland Marine Research Centre and nearby Goat Island. Those unable to swim can enjoy seeing fish swim around their legs as they paddle knee-deep on the nearby beach or from the reef itself.
This group of young people were taking a rest while others enjoy swimming with the fish between the reef and the island.
Sony Alpha DSLR – A200, 1/2000 sec, F 5.6, ISO 400, Sony DT 18-70 mm lens at 24 mm
The Village Market Baker
A 60 km drive north of Auckland will take you to the delightful rural village of Matakana. The village lies on the road from Warkworth to the fishing village of Leigh and the Leigh Marine Reserve. In former times the village was no more than a dairy factory, general store, pub, a small church and a the local country primary school.
Over the last 30 years that has all changed. City folk discovered the nearby beaches and built holiday cottages that drew weekend and holiday travellers into the area. With them came the desire for some of the facilities they were used to in the suburbs so craft shops, cafes and coffee houses began opening in the village. The Dairy factory has been taken over by a potter, craft furniture maker and a gift shop. Nearby a boutique cinema and shopping area has opened. In the area between, behind the shopping area, a farmers market is held each Saturday morning throughout the year.
I captured this image while walking through the market. Just before the shutter “clicked” the girl looked up slightly startled, then smiled and carried on with her work.
Sony Alpha DSLR – A200, 1/20 sec, F 4.5, ISO 100, Sony DT 18-70 mm lens at 26 mm
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