On the road... with Bob Howick photographer Bob McCree’s latest book Best Scenic Highways of New Zealand captures some of this country’s most picturesque drives which HELEN PERRY believes will inspire readers to take up the call of the road and see some of these places for themselves.
When Bob McCree laconically says he’s found his way into most corners of New Zealand, I can’t help but think, “Yeah, right!” But despite my best efforts to catch him out I soon discover there are very few places, even in remote areas, which he hasn’t photographed over the past 20 years. In fact, Best Highways of New Zealand is his 16th pictorial book showcasing scenery from one end of the country to the other – a ‘calling’ he never tires of although he admits “with a library of thousands of photographs I’m not on the road as much as I was; about four or five road trips a year just about does it these days!” Like previous publications, this book is packed with iconic images of rivers, lakes and waterfalls, mountains and shorelines, pristine fields, derelict sheds, quaint country stores, historic buildings, busy people, lazy days and so much more. From the Twin Coast Highway in Northland to the Southern Scenic Route from Dunedin through Invercargill to Te Anau and the Milford Road, there is plenty to see on every page – a beautiful book to send overseas, for visiting guests or on the coffee table at home. “I’ve bypassed the cities to concentrate on rural, coastal and back country landscapes hoping it will not only inspire visitors to explore this country but Kiwis too, especially those who seldom venture beyond their city limits,” he says. Covering 16 routes – eight in the North Island and eight in the South Island – Bob also includes a little bit of local history with each area as well as detailed captions for each photograph. But if I’m thinking Bob can now put his feet up for a few months, I’m wrong, Despite nearing his ‘dotage’ – his words in jest, not mine – he has already planned a further five trips out of Auckland this year; after many years on the job, it’s never ‘all in a day’s work’ but rather, “a fresh take every time’ especially
20 | eastlife | april 2018
Photo Janet Keeling
when it comes to cities which are constantly changing.” “I did quite a bit of photography when I was young but gave it away when I married. “Some years later I picked it up again but only part-time until I was heading for 60, that is. I realised I’d had enough of the air conditioning and heating industry; I wanted to get away from the commercial world.” So, that’s just what he did. On the day of his 60th birthday Bob ‘retired’ so to speak, picked up his camera in earnest and hit the road with the idea of building up the small part-time business he had already established photographing scenic places, gardens and flowers for calendars and postcards. “I’ve always loved the country visually so why not go out and explore parts I’d never seen. Initially, it was mostly for calendars
and postcards, for which there is still a strong market. The books followed. It hasn’t been about making a full time living. Rather I’m doing something I love and bring in a bit on the side, too.” Primarily, a pictorial or landscape photographer, Bob says he steers away from portraiture and weddings but he does photograph flowers and gardens as well as Kiwiana and birds – “the latter can be pretty tricky. They’re likely to flit off just when you’ve got the shot lined up; patience is the key with birds.” “The advent of digital photography was a definite learning curve for me and it took a little while to see the light. However, once I realised its versatility and ease, I adopted the new technology wholeheartedly.” A member of the Howick Camera Club for 30 years – “‘one of the best things I ever did was joining the club” – Bob is also a Fellow of
the Photographic Society of New Zealand and an adjudicator. He was appointed to the society’s Honours Board in 2016. Throughout our chat, I’m still thinking I can catch this man out on at least one destination he hasn’t visited. Not a chance; until he casually mentions, “I haven’t been to the Chathams!” There is no joy in this victory. After all, there’s no driving to the Chatham’s, they’re nearly 1000 kms off shore! I haven’t been there either and while I don’t expect to ever visit, I’m pretty sure if the chance comes Bob’s way, he’ll be off. After all, though he claims to be ‘an amateur’ when it comes to photography, he really is the consummate professional! • Best Scenic Highways of New Zealand, published by New Holland, (RRP $29.99), available at all good bookstores and tourist agencies. www.eastlife.co.nz