Kaitarakihi beach is one of my favourite spots in the Waitakere Ranges Regional Parkland, just a short drive outside of central Auckland. It’s more sheltered than the more popular west coast beaches of Piha or Bethells but in my opinion is just as special. This photograph was taken between Christmas and New Year, the height of summer here. The Pohutukawa is also known as New Zealand’s Native Christmas Tree, as it flowers between November and January with these very bright red flowers.