Lake Gunn

Lake Gunn is a long glacial lake tucked inside Fiordland National Park, offering some of the most striking mirror reflections in New Zealand when conditions are calm. The still water doubles the surrounding peaks and dense native beech forest, making a perfectly centered horizontal composition your most powerful tool here. Early morning gives you the best chance at glassy water before any wind picks up, and the soft, diffused light of an overcast day actually works in your favor by reducing harsh contrast and saturating the greens. Pull into the roadside parking area and walk the short trail along the eastern shore to find your foreground, a wide angle lens in the 16-24mm range handles the scale well. Come prepared with insect repellent as sandflies are relentless in warmer months, especially near the water's edge. (Fiordland National Park, Southland, New Zealand)