Elizabeth Jenkins took the photo of cousins Hattie Smith, of Christchurch, and Ruby Jenkins-Forbes, of Palmerston, cooling off while at their grandparents’ house in Twizel during the holidays.
"They were just being quite cute out in the paddling pool that day because it was a really hot day up in Twizel," Ms Jenkins said.
"It is quite special because they got to spend like two weeks together, so it was pretty cool."
Third place was Stacey Goodson’s photo of her daughter Gracie Goodson walking hand-in-hand with her pop, Chris Shaw, while at Butcher’s Dam.
The competition was judged by Otago Daily Times illustrations editor Stephen Jaquiery, who was impressed by the calibre of entries.
"Many of the photographs entered in this year’s competition would have been competitive in any of the photo competitions around the country this year," Mr Jaquiery said.
"They showcase what a spectacular country we live in and what fun-loving people we are."
