It had been awhile since I took part in a travel photo contest, so my face it up when Francesca of Working Mom Travels nominated me to take part in the Thomas Cook Explore the Elements photoblogging competition. Thank you! 🙂
I have to choose photos, one that represents each of the four natural elements of earth, water, fire and air.
If my photo wins any of the four categories I will receive either a MacBook Air, a Fujifilm X-T1 camera or an iPhone 6 with Bose noise cancelling headphones. There will be a best photo chosen between all of the categories, with the winner receiving a £5,000 travel fund.
Well without further ado my choices with a New Zealand twist:
Earth
Represents the hard, solid objects of the earth. Associated with stubbornness, collectiveness, physicality and gravity.
Kia Trail, Mount Cook Village area, New Zealand
Walking or hiking on the Kia Trail, you just want to stop and stare at the scenery in front of you, in awe of all the natural beauty that exists on this Earth.
Water
Represents the fluid, flowing, formless things in the world. Associated with emotion, defensiveness, adaptability, flexibility, suppleness, and magnetism.
Owharoa Falls, New Zealand
There is something about water and relaxation. Watching water flow from one spot to the next no matter the sound, puts the mind at ease, even in the case of a waterfall.
Fire
Represents the energetic, forceful, moving things in the world. Associated with security, motivation, desire, intention, and an outgoing spirit.
Kerosene Creek, Rotorua, New Zealand
A natural hot thermal pool, like at Kerosene Creek, can get hot in a hurry like a fire, depending on whether it’s raining a lot or not.
Air
Represents things that grow, expand, and enjoy freedom of movement Associated with will, elusiveness, evasiveness, benevolence, compassion, and wisdom.
Piha, New Zealand
Being up-top somewhere, like here overlooking Piha Beach, leads to lots of air between you and the ground straight ahead.
As part of the challenge, I need to nominate five other travel bloggers to take part. Below are some great travelers whom I invite to share their photos representing each of the four natural elements.
Anis of Five Foot Traveller
Amanda of UnrestingSea
Cheryl of CherylHoward.com
Holly of Holly Dayz Travel
Arnette of Round The World Girl
The Adventures of elATLboy 
Hi elATLboy, nice to meet you! I live in Aukland and am about to take a short trip to Christchurch – the first for a long time. I’ve enjoyed looking at the photographs on your blog of Christchurch before the terrible earthquakes. I also love your NZ themed entries for the photo challenge. Good luck! Donna (aka The Local Tourist in New Zealand http://www.thelocaltouristnz.com)
Thanks Donna! Nice to meet you too. It was so bad what happened in Christchurch,. I left right before the earthquake. They are well on their way back. 🙂 Enjoy your time there.
New Zealand was the first place that came to mind when thinking of those natural elements. 🙂
I hope Christchurch doesn’t disappoint. We’ve come a long way over the last few years!
https://mistynites.wordpress.com/category/new-zealand/christchurch-new-zealand/
Naturally I’m biased to the lure of New Zealand and love that it has inspired your post. Best of luck!
Thank you! Hope to get back to NZ soon. 🙂
Love the photos – especially with the NZ twist! Your “Earth” photo is my favorite – what a landscape! Thanks for the nomination… I’m going to have to dig through my photo library before the competition ends! Wahoo!
Thank you Amanda! It was one of the most scenic walks/hikes I have ever experienced. No problem, look forward to seeing your photos and post! 🙂