Liz Light captures New Zealand

‘‘It’s a written and visual love story of this beautiful country that we take so much for granted’’ Warkworth’s Liz Light said of her new travel book.

The book Enchanting New Zealand is now out in stores and captures more than 100 photographs of New Zealand’s beauty.

An award winning photographer and travel writer, Light said she loves New Zealand and has spent many years travelling, taking photos encountering the Ma¯ ori culture, New Zealand’s colonial heritage and the big city sophistication of both Auckland and Wellington cities.

She has also captured some of the most dramatic scenery the world has seen such as rugged uplands, volcanoes, wild seas, rainforests and the majesty of the Southern Alps.

‘‘I was approached by John Beaufoy Publishing to be a part of their Enchanting Series and said yes after doing a bit of research.

‘‘I am glad they approached me as I would never have self published a book otherwise,’’ Light said.

Light has been doing photography and writing since she was a child and went to study photography, English and History in Christchurch after finishing school.

‘‘I love the satisfaction that I feel when coming up with good pieces. I have won 22 awards over the past 12 years and have done work for a number of magazines and papers, but this is my first book.

‘‘This book really captures my appreciation for this country,’’ she said.

Light had a bank full of images which she used for this book, she also made two trips down to the South Island to get extra for the book.

‘‘It is not always easy getting a good photo. It involves a lot of dedication and knowing what you want, when you want it and choosing the best time for it.’’

Light has travelled more than 50 places around the world taking photos and now runs Colour India from New Zealand and goes over to India twice a year to do tours.

‘‘India is also a place that I have taken a lot of photos and I could probably do an Enchanting India book about it to, it is like my second home,’’ she said.

Enchanting New Zealand is now selling for $29.95 in South Pacific Books, Fishpond and Whitcoulls.

‘‘It is such a good quality book for that price and well worth the read,’’ Light said.