Hello lover of nature and art!
Immerse yourself in a world
of creativity and education,
from art and photography
to writings about native bees,
birds and flowers.

Explore the world of artist and naturalist Krisdjansen,
where her knowledge, passion and art
will leave you inspired.

Krisdjansen Bio

Krisdjansen’s creative voice is captured in authentic unique works from oil paintings inspired by her own macro and landscape photography, poetry and writings, all reflecting her deepest passions and ideas.

She grew up in a four generation beekeeping family and had her own business in the honey and tourist industry for over 25 years. Now her interests include hiking and spending time in the native bush observing fauna and flora, with a specific interest in native bees and their symbiotic relationship with native flowers.

Krisdjansen Oils

Her latest works inspired by her photography when working and living on the Milford Track.

Prints are available for sale at
Colony Stores of New Zealand @ The Crossing, Christchurch or online.

Kea on the Summit

Print of Original Oil Painting
40cm x 40 cm - Available framed or unframed

Limited edition print (of 25) from an original oil painting inspired by her time working on the Milford Track in Fiordland, New Zealand and influenced by her own photographs, accentuating details visible from her macro lens work.

“Kea on the Summit” is an iconic scene from the top of the Milford Track which will trigger memories of those who have undertaken the epic multi-day journey themselves.

Kākā on Kotukutuku

40cm x 40 cm - Available framed or unframed

Limited edition print (of 25) from an original oil painting inspired by her time working on the Milford Track in Fiordland, New Zealand and influenced by her own photographs, accentuating details visible from her macro lens work.

“Kaka on Kotukutuku” presents one of Aotearoa New Zealand’s native parrots on the native tree fuchsia from the Milford Track. The peculiar nature of the bark of the tree is highlighted with the artist’s signature 3D painting style.

Landscape Photography

Kris walks up Pāpāmoa Hills on most mornings
and often brings her camera to record the stunning sunrises and sunsets.

See my new poem “On Pāpāmoa Hills”

  • Pāpāmoa Hills at Sunrise on 1/1/2025

  • View of Mt Maunganui from Pāpāmoa Hills

  • The Summit at Pāpāmoa Hills

  • "Two Trees" at Pāpāmoa Hills

Native Bee Photography

With her camera and macro lens, Kris follows the native bee
during the summer months, mostly up the Pāpāmoa Hills.
New Zealand only has a total of 28 species of Native Bee and of these,
there are three bee families: lasioglossom, leioproctus and hylaeus.
See if you can spot them below.

  • Lasioglossum on a Koromiko at Pāpāmoa Hills

  • Lasioglossum with pollen on legs taken at Pāpāmoa Hills

  • Hylaeus (Masked Bee) taken by the bridge at McLaren Falls

  • Lasioglossum on a Koromiko taken at Pāpāmoa Hills

  • Lasioglossum on a Koromiko taken at Pāpāmoa Hills

  • Lasioglossum on a Koromiko at Pāpāmoa Hills

  • Leioproctus on a Koromiko taken by the bridge at McLaren Falls

Native Mistletoe Photography

Native bees have had a symbiotic relationship with native flowers for millions of years but many of these flowers have disappeared
over the years with deforestation to farmland, and to some extent, the impact of the introduction of the larger exotic honey bee around 1840.

With her camera in hand, Kris seeks the plants which native bees have relied on for their nutrition,
like the rare pikirangi (mistletoe) below when she camped nearby in a DOC campsite at Lake Ohau.

  • Pikirangi (Red Mistletoe - Peraxilla tetrapetala) at Lake Ohau, Central Otago

  • Mistletoe is a semi-parasite, seen growing quite high up on a silver beech.

  • It's specialised roots wrap around the host tree to get water and nutrients without causing harm to the host.

  • Honey bees from a nearby apiary site compete for nectar with native bees.

  • Scarlet Mistletoe Peraxilla Colensol) is similar to Red Mistletoe, but has larger flowers and leaves.