In New Zealand right now teaching a photo workshop with Photo Quest Adventures, fantastic landscape shooting. We have been traveling on the west coast, and now are headed to Milford Sound.
One item we are using constantly are graduated ND filters. There are a number of great ways to do this in the computer, but I prefer to use a Singh-Ray graduated filter in the field. Why? Mainly because I like to do as much at capture as I can. The bottom line is use the technique that works for you. This beach image uses a 2 stop grad ND filter to add contrast and drama to this moody beach scene.
The green pastures, lakes and clouds are fantastic here. This lake is near Queenstown.