Once again this year we were so impressed with the wonderful photos that were entered into our photo competition. We really appreciate the time everyone took to enter pictures and we really enjoyed seeing what you all got up to on our trips.
Melbourne based professional photographer (and all round nice guy) Tom Quan, had his arm twisted this year to be our judge. Always a challenging task and we were please to pass it over to him - there was enough sulking at the office morning tea choosing just the monthly winners as it was.
Tom has been on a couple of our hiking trips in the past so fully understands how hard it is to capture the moment when out hiking (and catch up to the group afterwards)!
Overall winner chosen by Tom for 2016 (and was also April's winner) is:
Seals
A sweet, candid moment between mother seal and baby cub. I think it perfectly distills the true spirit of photography. It also puts a smile on my face. Tom Quan
Runner up: Paul Paramo
Tongariro NP
I really appreciate the contrasting elements in this capture. The dark figure against the white snow, the scale of the mountain and the texture of the terrain against the bright blue sky. I can almost feel the cold air and warmth of the sun on my face when I look at this picture. Tom Quan
Third place: Rozi Kovesdi
Castle Hill
I love these rocks! They appear unworldly but full of history and stories. I also like the narrow path, leading people into the heart of the rock formations. I’ve never been here before and after seeing this picture, I definitely want to visit. Tom Quan
MONTHLY WINNERS:
March Winner: Phil Jolliff
Phil joined our Ultimate Explorer in December/January 2016, “We had some fantastic weather and a great time, although I was exhausted by the end of it - it's no fun getting old!" His shot of Mount Cook was taken several minutes after the clouds parted giving this fabulous view/reflection.
February Winner: Felicity Gallimore
Felicity, together with her family and another family, joined a customised trip 'Top of the South' guided by Dave. Her best photo was captured at Castle Hill, while one of the kids were having a little rest.
January Winner: Paul Paramo 
Paul captured this beautiful picture of Linda (our North Island guide) admiring the view of Mt Ngauruhoe on the Tongariro Crossing. Ultimate North in August 2015.
December Winner: Natalia Shulman
Natalia joined the Ultimate New Zealand trip in November 2015 with our guides Justin, Scott and Dan. Her magical picture of Mt Cook got us all excited here in the office. Thank you for making us jealous, Natalia
November Winner: Carolin Wiedig 
Carolin entered her image of three women milking goats in the Mongolian Altai Mountains.
Carolin joined our Active Earth Adventures hiking trip to Mongolia back in June 2015.
You can see more of the wonderful entries if you click here.
Once again thank you everyone who entered and watch this space for next years’ entries.
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