A bird's-eye view of Torkar Bay Reserve in Clarks Beach reveals layers of painterly greens and sand. 

Rugged up in their winter blankets, two horses trot the paddock on a crispy winter morning.

Early morning mist gently rising off the water near Maraetai Beach

Looking south along the vast black sand of Karioitahi Beach, at the westernmost edge of Franklin.

A horse and rider get an early start at Pukekohe Park.

Layers of land and sea, looking from Manukau Heads to the southern shore of the Waitākere Ranges across the inlet.

Waiuku's estuary connects the town to Manukau Harbour and on to the Tasman Sea.

A perfectly pleasant winter day in Clevedon valley.

Morning sun casting long shadows onto the wharf near Maraetai. Photography credit: Dom Thomas

Fun fact: Āwhitu Peninsula is, geologically speaking, a massive sand dune – hence its dramatic valleys and proclivity for erosion.