Finding Tranquility and Enchantment at Lake Tūtira
A 36-hour retreat to Lake Tūtira offered the perfect fusion of calm and wonder, setting the stage for a deeply rewarding photography experience.
Nestled in the Hawke's Bay region of New Zealand, about 50 km north of Napier, Lake Tūtira (spelled Tutira in English) is a picturesque haven, easily reachable by car. Surrounded by rolling hills and lush vegetation, the lake offers striking seasonal contrasts that draw both photographers and nature enthusiasts alike. A favourite spot for camping and fishing, it teems with birdlife, adding to its serene allure.
Renowned for its autumnal splendour, when vibrant colours reflect vividly off its still waters, Lake Tūtira on this summer visit presented a different kind of beauty. The skies were overcast, with intermittent showers casting a muted, tranquil tone over the landscape. Tasked with capturing images for an article on circular polarising filters, I wasn’t sure if the conditions would cooperate.
We parked our motorhome on a scenic rise overlooking the lake, giving us a perfect vantage point to observe the interplay of weather and water. As the rain persisted, we drew the blinds and embraced a quiet evening indoors, hoping the forecast for clearer skies would prove accurate.
The next morning, I stepped outside at 5:30 am and was greeted by an extraordinary (lack of) sight: a thick blanket of fog enveloping the lake, reducing visibility to just 10 metres at the water’s edge. My earlier doubts were quickly replaced with excitement as the unique conditions unfolded before me.
There was no fiery sunrise—no dramatic splashes of colour bursting through the fog—but the ethereal atmosphere more than compensated. I stood by the lake’s edge, camera in hand, as the fog began to lift. Subtle rays of sunlight pierced the mist, casting a soft glow on the still water and revealing glimpses of the serene landscape beyond.
For an hour, I was immersed in a scene of quiet magic, where light, shadow, and reflection converged to create fleeting, dreamlike compositions. It was a reminder of nature’s ability to surprise and inspire, even in the most unexpected conditions.
Submerged Reflections - Hawke's Bay, New Zealand
At first, the fog was so dense that visibility barely extended beyond the lake’s edge. The calm, glassy water acted as a flawless mirror, capturing reflections of partially submerged grasses and the skeletal remains of a weathered cabbage tree.
In the Grip of Tranquility - Lake Tutira, Hawke's Bay, New Zealand
Reflections of lush trees standing in the calm waters of Lake Tūtira were perfectly mirrored on the glassy surface. As the fog began to lift, it unveiled a dreamy backdrop of woodland in the distance, softly illuminated in the quiet morning light.
Sunlit Remnants - Lake Tutura, Hawke's Bay, New Zealand
Remnants of a small group of cabbage trees standing in the still waters of Lake Tūtira emerged as silhouettes against the soft morning light. As the rising sun gently warmed the scene, the fog began to lift, gradually unveiling the distant trees bathed in a serene, ethereal glow.
Glimpse of Clarity - Lake Tutira, Hawke's Bay, New Zealand
What was once shrouded in fog gradually came into focus as the mist lifted, unveiling the branches and vibrant greens of the trees standing in the calm waters of Lake Tūtira. The landscape in the distance became clearer, and hints of a blue sky emerged. The fuzziness gave way to sharpness and clarity.
As the fog finally lifted and the landscape came into focus, I was reminded that the most unexpected conditions often lead to the most magical moments. While the weather had initially seemed like an obstacle, it turned into an opportunity to capture the quiet beauty and transformation of Lake Tūtira. The stillness of the water, the ethereal fog, and the gradual revelation of the landscape offered a unique scene that I could not have predicted. It was a beautiful reminder that sometimes, it’s not about controlling the conditions but embracing them, letting the natural world unfold in its own time.
PS. The photos for the technical article came easily, with the calm waters offering a perfect opportunity to showcase one of the key benefits of a circular polarising filter—reducing reflections and glare. However, I am not sure I want to remove the beautiful reflections that add so much to the scene!
For more of my images of Lake Tutira, and its smaller neighbour, Lake Waikopirō (Waikopiro), visit my portfolio.
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Step into the serene beauty of Lake Tūtira, where a foggy morning and tranquil waters set the stage for magical reflections and unexpected inspiration. Discover how this 36-hour retreat turned into a photographer’s dream!