Autumn travel photography in Queenstown New Zealand by Cassie Sullivan.

I leaned on the glass of the window, gazing at the mountains throwing shadows over the lake. They had such calm, such pride. I felt at home here, drawn to this overwhelmingly beautiful island. A place where little ones still play barefoot with sticks and everyone takes an interest in your story, even the horses.

I watched the light play with the land all day long. Climbing over mountain ridges. Splaying over a horse’s hide. Weaving it’s way into sheep’s wool. Holding each rain drop.

We did day trips every day and every day I looked on with a smile across my face. We had hot and silky fondue in a small french cafe, overlooking the yellowing leaves of Arrowtown. I slept through the rolling hills to wake up in windy Wanaka. Counted curious deer, silhouetted on mountains. Touched foreheads with friendly horses on the road between Glenorchy and Paradise, they were happy with their lot in life. We drove at a snails pace along Skippers Road, averting our eyes from the sheer drops to the side of us, until the beauty of the lake below outshone our fear and we couldn’t help but gaze in appreciation. We walked the edge of Moke Lake, taking photos of the perfect reflection then turning them upside down to see if we could tell the difference. We explored and adventured each and every day, through forest, lake and mountain, our favourite thing to do in all the world, literally.

It is the most magical place I have ever experienced.

All photos by Photography with Cassie

Ms Gingham says: Absolutely speechless. I have a trip to Queenstown booked for the beginning of August so how excited am I?

About Cassie: I’m proud to have been born and raised in Tasmania. I love that I now call Melbourne home and Broome my second home, these places intrigues me every day!