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. 

Life. As I Shoot It. – lifeasishootit.com

A project where I would take and post a single photo, every day, a visual diary of sorts.

In the last 5 years so much has happened and many milestones have been reached. Again, I’d like to thank everyone who has ever given me encouragement, criticism or just come along for the ride. I’m forever grateful, this is massive for me.

Here are two personal (un-commissioned) photos from each year that I love. Choosing one was too hard.

See them all at lifeasishootit.com/archive

This is my life. Enjoy.

Day 4 - 04/12/10

Driving around Hamilton early Saturday morning with two of my friends. And in Fair Field we came across this sign. Even though it’s from the very beginning, I still love it. 

Day 238 - 26/07/11

It was our first day of the 2011 snow season. We left Hamilton late as we thought the road into National Park would be closed due to the mass overnight snow dumps. We arrived around 10am and it took two hours to get to the carpark as someone had crashed on the access road. We rode until they told us to go and were greeted with amazing sun rays as the sun set on the horizon.

Day 673 - 03/10/12

During my first job after graduating I was making day trips to Whangarei once a week. With my camera always by my side it was only natural that an epic light show at sun down would take place.

Day 710 – 09/11/12

Whilst living in Auckland I took some friends back to Hamilton one Friday evening. I took this during dusk as we were approaching the Bombay’s.  

Day 905 – 26/05/13

My flatmate at the time shared my sense of exploration. One evening during the week we headed down to a local spot to watch the sunset. A not so typical shot of Rangitoto.

Day 1022 – 21/09/13

Upon my return from Canada in early 2010 I got to know my friend Troy over a season of snowboarding and photography. When he arrived back in New Zealand in 2013 we reminisced and found peace in the rain. Taken at one of my most favourite places in the world- Te Toto Gorge, Raglan.

Day 1248 – 11/05/14

Jacob. A great tattooist and friend. He’s left a mark on me, literally.

Day 1295 – 16/06/14

During our time in New York City we walked everywhere. Catching the subway in between and only catching a cab once. While I waited for Monita outside who was in the bathroom in Grand Central Station the sun set looking down East 43rd Street.

Day 1629 – 16/05/15

Monita. The girl that stole my heart. Before we left the house to attend her best friend’s wedding.

Day 1767 – 04/10/15

The last overseas trip taken in the 5 year period was Melbourne. The Great Ocean Road had been on the bucket list for some time. We drove at a ridiculous hour of the morning just to see the sun rise. It was worth it.

The first stop was Te Ahua point that is accessed from the Mercer Bay Loop Track. Just before the road winds down to Piha you take a left and drive a couple hundred meters to the car park. Following the coast, there are spots plentiful to take photos. Instead of looping around we just took the same way back, it's way more scenic. 

We continued on to Piha and refueled with fish burgers and chips before heading up to the lookout. The last time I was out here I could see the beach around from the rocks and had been told they were accessible from the same track. So we went.

From the beach is Taitomo Island, it can be climbed when the tide is low. I raced over and Misi and Kenneth followed. Next to Taitomo Island is Nun Rock.

The force of the ocean is incredible. The waves crash with such force, throwing water flying so high. It was mesmerizing and I could have sat there all days watching it. It was the coolest spot and I can’t wait to return for the sunset!

We easily become friends with Tayler before she had even come to New Zealand and couldn't wait to finally meet her! So after some cheap ferry tickets, we arrived on Waiheke Island on a beautiful sunday afternoon. Not bad for an Auckland winters day.

We caught a bus and headed straight to Onetangi beach to make the most of the sun. We conversed as we walked up and down the beach, and even had an impromptu shoot with Blair and Tayler. We did the most kiwi thing we could and had fish and chips by the beach. And by 'the beach' really means inside, because as soon as the sun left, all heat left too!

Enjoy.

So a drive out to the wild west coast was just what we needed. Despite the rain and winds we drove, if nothing other then to clear our minds.

Never have I seen the tide reaching the sand dunes the length of the beach. Or the white caps turning the breaking shore line into a foam pit. Fair to say swimming was a death sentence. 

I saw small figures climbing a track up the hill south of the beach. I convinced Monita it was a good idea to go for a wee 'hike'. 

As always, it was worth it.

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.

He hadn't previously mentioned a half hour walk, but it was worth it. A stream that turned into a set of pool's as the stream cascaded down into the valley making waterfalls on the way down. With the weather looking to pack in on us, unprepared, we headed back to the car and carried on to Piha. Amongst the clouds and fog we hit the first bend to the Piha lookout, and as hoped the sun was breaking through!

A good friday, and a good start to summer.

Three weeks into a new job and I’m packing my bags for a week down south. I was excited, not only that I was able to take the time off, but that I was going to be able to share my love for the Queenstown area with my parents and brother whom hadn't explored Queenstown ever!

As much as it was a holiday, it was a time for me to enjoy photography without the stresses of getting everything perfect and right. It was a time to make mistakes and try new things. Lately I have been going from one extreme to another; being really happy with what I’m creating, to thinking what am I even doing? What am I even trying to achieve?

Funnily enough, yesterday was a turning point in my creative lull when I came across a great blog post titled ‘My Process: Crafting a Vision.’ This summer is going to be about finding my voice and my vision through my process and creating a consistency in my brand. And I couldn't be more excited.

Out of the 900+ images I've ended up with after processing, choosing the following images was no easy task. To make it harder I've made myself choose less than 10% to portray an amazing week with my family. Now onto the images!

Day 1

We arrived early. I had given up my window seat to my brother, and slept the flight down. Out of the other three flights down, the weather was below average and nothing great to be seen. Luckily for my brother, the weather was perfect and he was greeted with blue sky and snow capped mountains.

A quick walk around town, brunch and more walking. I then left and met up with Kelsey and we went to go for an afternoon ride up Coronet Peak. An hour an a half and one broken leg later our day was over. I accompanied Kelsey in hospital for the rest of the day, not that she remembers.

Day 2

With the weather on our side headed for the number one tourist spot, the Skyline Gondola. My brother and I had a few runs on the luge before taking in the scenery and getting some shots. We then headed for Arrowtown, a quick walk down the main street than down to by the river. An impromptu family portrait session courtesy of the tripod and the self-timer! The light was perfect. 

Day 3

I had some extended family in town for couple of days, this called for a trip out to Moke Lake, a great secret of Queenstown that most people overlook. Back to the house for a couple of hours before my brother and I headed for the Crown Range anticipating a killer sunset.

Day 4

Another day where the weather was on our side, first stop, Cardona Hotel via the Crown Range road. A good hearty lunch then we carried on to Wanaka. The sun was beating down so gelato was needed. We drove up Beacon Point Road and found a quiet spot by the lake. I wanted to check out Lake Hawea so on we went. We eventually made our way back to Queenstown via Cromwell. 

Day 5

Milford National Park. Photos only scratch the surface of describing this beautiful area of New Zealand. A beauty that just has to be seen with one’s eyes. 

Day 6

A down day catching up on work, emails and image processing. We managed to catch a moody sunset. Now they say every cloud has a silver lining right? As I hastily pulled the car over to capture the lighting beaming down in front of the mountains I managed to lock the keys in the car. Hey, at least it wasn't a bad place to do so!

Day 7

We packed in a lot this day. Starting out re-visiting Moke Lake as my Dad didn’t come with us the first time. We were greeted with a light dusting of snow on the surrounding mountains, as well as snow down to ground level! The lake wasn't still so I didn't worry about capturing the lake as we'd seen perfectly still on Day 2.

From Moke Lake we went on a ‘short’ walk lasting a couple of hours. I have completed the Mt Crichton Loop track in a previous visit, but I had to show everyone Sam Summers Hut. On our way back it snowed more!

The day was getting on but we decided to push on to Glenorchy. All I can say is that the drive itself to Glenorchy (which I must admit is a very small town with nothing much going on) is beyond amazing. After a quick bite to eat at a local pub we followed a gravel road for over half an hour and found ourselves in Mt. Aspiring National Park and a place called Paradise. And it literally was. We turned around as the light was getting low, but not without stopping in the Forest of Lothlorien, Lord of the Rings fans unite. 

Day 8/9

Day 8 was spent relaxing, wondering around the shops, and getting Ferg Burger. The only images made that day were the missed sunset from around halfway up the Remarkables ski field access road. We left on Sunday after lunch. Again we wondered around town killing time. As we walked onto the plane, the rain set in. We couldn't have been luckier when it came to the weather.

This time next month I will be in Chicago. The month after that I will be back in New Zealand. 

In-between tomorrow and July there is a lot to see, do, eat and most importantly, photograph.

I'm so excited to explore the world and share it with those who presently can't.

But I urge, anyone and everyone to travel, even it's to a town, beach, city or if you're fortunate to, to another country. 

Travel is the only thing we buy that truly makes us richer. 

We stopped at the Wharf for Fish & Chips before heading to the beach. Greeted with a little rain but we weren't bothered.

Once we got to the beach the clouds had opened up to reveal some sky, and the sun!

With the sun due to set in 45 minutes we B lined it straight for Te Toto Gorge. Unfortunately the clouds closed in before the sun dipped below the horizon. Regardless of weather, Te Toto Gorge is amazing, always.

Just as the North Island season was getting started I made a trip down to Queenstown for a week to cash in on all the snow they were getting. Queesntown and the Otago region are one of my favourite places in the world. Here's why.

The season in the North Island was not as good as originally hyped. Managed to get in some good days. Whatever the weather in the Central Plateau, the photo opportunities are plentiful.