Northland
Day 1
A few weeks back Monita, Vishaal, Soni and I made the most of the long weekend and headed North to explore new spots and re-visit some old favourites. We left Auckland in the pouring rain, early enough to beat the long weekend traffic.
Our first stop was Mangawhai Heads, the early morning light was beautiful and we had left any sign of rain behind. With stomachs grumbling we headed up the coast to Waipu Cove and settled in for some much-needed breakfast. We made a few stops on the way before arriving at Matapouri. The weather was looking grim but the Mermaid Pools had been on our places-to-visit list for some time. They can only be reached at low tide as you have walk to the end of the beach and walk over a hill. Sounds easy until you realise how steep it is. But once we reached the pools, our swim was well deserved. We swam for a good half an hour before heading back to the car and on to Kerikeri, where we based ourselves for two nights.
Also, for the first time, I put the camera into video mode and made a short film from the trip! You'll find it right at the end.
Day 2
As it was Waitangi Weekend we thought it was fitting to visit the Treaty grounds. It was my fourth time back but the first time for the rest of the crew. It was a quick trip as we had a jet ski tour planned for the Bay of Islands. They seas were rough and the two and a half hour experience was less than desired.
We headed back to the motel and got showerd up before making a crazy decision to head to Cape Reinga with a stop at Mangonui Fish Shop. The rain started to settle in patches on the drive up. We reached the Cape just before sunset, although the clouds had hidden any trace of the sun. Within ten minutes the heavens opened and we were once again saturated. Then we drove back to Kerikeri, almost a three hour drive!
Day 3
The sun was now on our side as we traversed across the country to the West Coast and our first stop was unintentionally Aria-Te-Uru Recreational Reserve. Such an epic spot. After a bit of fun we headed down to see Tane Mahuta, the largest (not tallest) tree in NZ. It was a sight to see. As we continued south to Auckland I saw a sign for Kai Iwi Lakes. Blair had told me a couple of years ago that we had to go see these lakes one day. So we went and had one of the best swims ever. Warm, clear, fresh water! An amazing place. We then headed on back to Auckland. Weekend over.
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.