You might think you know New Zealand, but the finalists in this year's New Zealand Geographic photography competition have painted our country in a new light.
Three thousand entries into the Photographer of the Year competition were whittled down to 47 by expert judges and now the public can have their say.
The stunning, sometimes surreal, images are taken from all parts of the realm of New Zealand - from inside the ruins of the Christ Church Cathedral, an abandoned settlement on a sub-Antarctic island and the Antarctic Ross Sea.
Ice formations around Mt Ruapehu's crater lake in early spring (New Zealand Geographic Photographer of the Year/Johan Lolos)
New Zealand Geographic editor James Frankham says each year they never know what will turn up in their inbox.
"The images and videos that made the cut are those that surprised and challenged us, or that demonstrated unique vision," he says.
"They're versions of a New Zealand that many of us might not know exists, or a perspective that few of us can enjoy."
Glen Howey's been on a quest to document Christchurch's damaged homes and buildings (New Zealand Photographer of the Year / Glen Howey)
This year's competition includes a new category of drone photography, but also includes landscape, wildlife, society and culture, photo story and timelapse.
The winners in each category and the overall winner receive cash and prizes, with the latter also getting a place on board a Heritage Expeditions voyage on assignment with New Zealand Geographic.
Water droplets on a common wasp refracting a daisy and the blue of an Otago rugby shirt (New Zealand Geographic Photographer of the Year/Murray McCullouch)
The public can vote for the People's Choice Award either online LINK or the exhibition at Karanga Plaza, opposite the Viaduct Events Centre from October 8 to November 6 between 10am and 5pm.
The winners will be announced on October 27.
Newshub.
