Tucked high in a glacial cirque above the Hollyford Valley, this alpine lake rewards the effort of a 3 to 4 hour return hike with one of Fiordland's most striking scenes: intense turquoise water framed by jagged peaks, hanging waterfalls, and ancient beech forest. The lake sits in a natural bowl, so you have 360 degrees of dramatic backdrop to work with. Shoot from the rocky shoreline at the water's edge to capture reflections of the surrounding peaks, or work the foreground with mossy boulders and tussock grass for depth. Overcast days are ideal here since the diffused light keeps the turquoise colour vivid and reduces glare on the water. A wide angle lens suits the open cirque, while a telephoto helps isolate distant waterfalls against the cliffs. Start the hike early to avoid crowds and afternoon cloud buildup, and wear waterproof boots as the trail can be wet. (Fiordland National Park, Southland, New Zealand)
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