Small, homey town, a paradise for surfing, impressed me more than I thought it would. It has a special, positive vibe. Firstly planned as a short visit of a friend, Jordan, turned into almost a week long stopover. Meeting Jan and Rowan, traveling buddies, surfing and skating bums, who have just moved to NZ from Australia, was simply too much fun to leave. Especially for having a private surf lesson – thanks Rowan for that.

But this wasn’t the only time I visited the town. Two weeks later, on a New Year’s eve, after a Tongariro Crossing has been done,  I’ve decided to return. Mostly to spend another few days with my Rowan and Jan, before our ways get separated traveling to the opposite sides of New Zealand.

It was a perfect chance to do the long waiting portraits with Rowan, taking advantage of the perfect lightning we got in the Whale Bay (see the full gallery here).

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