ALPINE GAZE.

A whitewater kayaking trip to Milford Sound to make the most of a storm rolling through Fiordland. The heavy rain turns countless small trickles into the powerful waterfalls and rivers the region is famous for.

Before heading onto the river, while sorting gear for the day, a kea showed up to inspect what we were up to. He hopped around us with complete confidence, watching every move with an expression that seemed so wise.

I managed to grab this portrait while he sat studying us, completely at ease. We spent the rest of the day paddling through some incredible scenery and rapids but strangely, it's this interaction that has stuck with me the most. Long after the details of the river have faded, I can still picture that kea standing there, quietly watching us.

For me, this image captures the curiosity, intelligence, and character of the world's only alpine parrot.