On a moody winter’s day at Whatipu, I captured some of my favourite photos ever, and couldn’t resist sharing.

We had no idea what the weather would be like. The forecast was showers, so we took our raincoats, expecting to be drenched head to toe by the time we left.

While we did get rained on a few times, I came away from our adventure feeling so wholly refreshed. I didn’t realise until then, how dependent I am on the outdoors for the wellbeing of my soul.

The raw beauty of the rugged and wild West Coast, the rain on my face, wind in my hair, and sand between my toes, ugh, I could do that everyday!