Eye Level Photography Competition

The natural world that surrounds us is intertwined, through interactions, food chains and migrations. As humans we connect to our environment through recreation, jobs, food and survival. However, in our fast moving world we can often feel far removed from the environment around us. Kaikōura is an area of outstanding beauty and a hotspot for many different forms of wildlife. In this competition we want to explore what connecting and experiencing the environment means for you, the community. 

Categories

  • SeaWeek - Images taken during SeaWeek 2026 2nd-8th March
  • Oceans
  • Land
  • Junior - Photographers 16 and under
  • Phone - Images taken using phone or compact cameras

Rules

Images must be taken during 2025/2026 within the Kaikōura District, with the exception of SeaWeek Category which has a restricted time period (2nd-8th March 2026). Each category is open to all ages, with the exception of Junior Category which is restricted to entrants aged 16 and under at the time of entering. 

Images of animals must be taken following DOC's approach rules, including marine mammal regulations.  Images, especially for the phone category, displaying clear signs of disturbance from photographer will not be included in judging. 

The photographer must be the sole author and owner of the copyright of all images. For the avoidance of doubt, this also prohibits the use of AI or generative imaging in all or in part of an image. It must be the product of a camera controlled by the photographer.

All entries are submitted at the photographer’s own risk and the organisers cannot accept liability for any loss of file data of images previously entered in the competition.

By entering the competition you accept that shortlisted entries will be printed and mounted for exhibition purposes, and crop/alter the images in respect of that format, taking all due care to preserve the original impact and intent of the image.

Prizes

Awesome local experiences to be won. 

ENTRIES NOW CLOSED

Winners and runners up will be announced at Eye Level art exhibition open evening Friday 10th April, they will be on display for the duration of the exhibition, with a printed copy available to take home at the end of the exhibition.