New ZealandAaron Sami

Mangawhai Heads

New ZealandAaron Sami
Mangawhai Heads

A couple of weekend's ago, Monita and myself headed north of Auckland to Mangawhai Heads. My parents and brother were staying for a few nights, and with Monita and I fresh into work for the New Year it was a good escape from the city again. The weather was amazing, the landscape on point and the vibes beyond good. 

I had always wanted to visit Te Arai Point. 20 minutes south from Mangawhai, mostly on a gravel road, you arrive at a small but full carpark and people everywhere. We skipped the beach and explored around the lagoon, before finding a second beach to the right of the lagoon. We spent the rest of the afternoon at the main beach in Mangawhai. Before making our way back to Auckland on Sunday we headed down to the estuary close to where we were staying. Never in my life have I experienced sea water so warm in New Zealand. It was like a bath, that left us well sunburnt. 

The summer has been late but I'm excited for more weekend getaways and good weather.

Enjoy.

I love creating images that speak to me.

I grew up in a small town that nobody really knows about, Levin. Spent a good ten years in Hamilton making some of the best friends anyone could have. And now I’m living, working and playing in the city of Auckland, New Zealand. Also a small country that people have trouble locating – I’m looking at you America!

Life is about stories, and that’s what I love to capture and document. My shooting style is unobtrusive. You may be a natural in front of the camera, or have no idea what to do but before we even start I’ll make sure you’re comfortable and relaxed.

Things I love: Travelling to wherever I can, my partner Monita, homemade burgers, wood fired pizzas, the smell of rain on a hot summers day, mountains, the snow, sunsets and sunrises, star gazing, natural light, the aesthetic of wood, crashing waves and day dreaming.