Whenever we travel, I always pack my camera. Photography is part of who I am. I would hate to miss a great opportunity simply because I left my camera at home. On our recent trip to Havelock North in Hawke’s Bay, that decision led to some unexpected garden wildlife photography in Havelock North.
A Colourful Garden Full of Life
We were visiting friends in Havelock North and I spent time exploring Robin’s beautiful garden. Gardening is her passion, and it shows everywhere you look. Bright flowers, layered planting, and vibrant colours create a stunning space.
However, it wasn’t just the flowers that caught my attention. The garden was alive with movement. Bees hovered between blooms. Butterflies drifted through the air. Even wasps were busy at work.
This is what makes garden wildlife photography so rewarding, there is always something happening.
Photographing a Monarch Butterfly
While walking through the garden, I noticed a monarch butterfly gliding between the flowers. The bright orange and black wings of the Monarch butterfly stood out beautifully against the colourful background.
Naturally, I reached for my camera.
Although the monarch only stayed a few minutes, it paused just long enough for me to capture several images. Then, without any concern for us, it lifted higher and disappeared.
Finding Beauty in a Wasp on a Dahlia
After the butterfly left, I kept my camera ready. Soon enough, I spotted another subject — a wasp.
Admittedly, wasps are not the most loved insects. Nevertheless, when you see a bright yellow wasp resting on a richly coloured dahlia bloom, it becomes a striking photographic subject. The contrast between the petals and the insect’s markings was impossible to ignore.
The wasp moved from spent flower heads to fresh blooms and even paused on the swan plant. Each time, it settled long enough for a photograph. As a result, what could have been overlooked became another highlight of my garden wildlife photography session.
Why Garden Wildlife Photography in Havelock North Matters
Robin’s garden is more than just beautiful. It provides an important habitat for pollinators such as bees, bumblebees, butterflies, and even wasps. Because of this, the flowers continue to thrive season after season.
Garden wildlife photography is not just about capturing pretty images. Instead, it is about documenting the relationship between plants and the wildlife they support.
Moreover, it shows that you do not need to visit a remote reserve to find meaningful photographic opportunities. Sometimes, the best wildlife encounters happen in a friend’s backyard.
Final Thoughts
This experience reminded me why I always travel with my camera. You never know when a monarch butterfly will drift past or a wasp will pause perfectly on a bloom.
Garden wildlife photography in Havelock North proves that incredible moments can happen anywhere, especially in a garden full of life.
All the images in this post were taken using my Lumix G9II and Panasonic Leica 100-400 lens. If you have any questions or feedback, feel free to contact me through my website, or follow along on Facebook or Instagram.