Our friends in the northern hemisphere may find it hard to imagine the festive season without snow, hot cocoa, and a warm fireplace, but in Auckland, New Zealand, where we're based, Christmas day is more likely to be beach adventures and a barbeque. We spoke to Rakesh Kesha about what makes a New Zealand summer, and our unique festive season, so special.

Do you have a favourite or secret go-to spot in NZ?

"My favourite weekend spot would be Karekare, on Auckland’s west coast. Geographically it's pretty isolated, so unlike its neighbouring beaches. With limited vehicle access you won't find masses of people there. Because of this, Karekare has retained a lot of its ruggedness and natural beauty. I never see the same things twice, which is why I'm always drawn back.

"Out of Auckland, a private and secret spot that I love is Orokawa Bay, in the Bay of Islands. It’s basically a private peninsula, where we’ve spent a few summers with friends. The place is absolutely beautiful and remains thriving with native wildlife. You can hear Kiwi at dawn/dusk up in the bushes, and even get Orca coming right into the bay to hunt for stingrays. And don't get me started about the mellow sunrises and the fiery sunsets across the bay - it's paradise!"

What’s on your road-trip playlist at the moment?

I'm a musician, so my taste in music is expansive - from alternative electronic, drum and bass, through to heavy, guitar-driven rock and metal.

At the moment, I'm really into SACHI. Their song "Shelter" featuring NÏKA is really good, and another track called "No More", featuring Zoe & SYSYI. Music has always been an important part and inspiration of what I photograph and film. When I'm out shooting there's always music playing in my head.

What’s in your camera bag?

Because I shoot a combination of stills and video, the contents of my bag differ.

For photography, I use a Nikon D610 with a couple of prime lenses: a Nikkor 24mm f1.4 and a Nikkor 50mm f1.4. While I’ve started using my D610 for some video clips here and there, the majority of my video is recorded on a DJI Osmo+ and a DJI Phantom 4.

I’ve recently managed to get my hands on a discontinued Nikon FM3A film camera, and am thoroughly enjoying the results I’m having shooting with film. This new toy’s definitely going to be in my bag for Summer 2018!

Favourite thing about the festive/holiday season being in Summer?

As a kid, my fondest summer holiday memories were BBQs at the beach, melting lemonade ice block trickling down your fingers, and the scent of Pohutukawa on a balmy afternoon breeze.

As an adult, all of those memories are still my fondest haha (and yes, they still happen now - you’re never too old for a lemonade ice block).

I love summer nights when it's too hot for anything more than shorts, a singlet and jandals*, and I'm a big sucker for those lush summer sunsets!

Do you have plans for the holidays this year? 

I’m actually turning 30 soon, so just before summer really sets in, a group of my mates and I are going to head to Raglan for a weekend to celebrate!

Just after Christmas, my partner Helen and I, together with two of my best mates, will be heading to Orokawa Bay, in the Bay of Islands for New Years, followed by a bit of a roady to Coopers Beach in Northland.

This is the first of a summer series. We hope you'll enjoy them!

Victoria x

*Flip flops or thongs to non-Kiwis.

See more of Rakesh's work: