"I travelled to New Zealand at the end of 2013 and on Christmas I stayed at the Tongariro National Park for a few days. The weather was pretty rainy most of the day, but when the sun set the clouds disappeared and gave me views I will never forget. I witnessed one of the most spectacular sunsets I've ever seen on the 26th of December.
Directly in front of the hotel is where the wilderness begins in New Zealand. I walked a few steps on this track. I positioned my tripod and took the shot. I love how it turned out. The color of the clouds was simply amazing. In the distance you can see how low the clouds rolled over the peak of Mt. Ngauruhoe better known as Mt. Doom from the Lord of the rings movies.
This shot was instantly added to my personal all-time favorites. I can say it was a good Christmas and for sure a change from snowy cold Germany." -Simon Markhof
EXIF:
Camera: Nikon D7000
Lens: Sigma 10.0-20.0 mm f/4.0-5.6
Aperture: f/8
Focal length: 10mm
ISO: 100