Heli-boating New Zealand.

I had flown down to Christchurch on Christmas day 2004 to hook up with Dave Kwant and Steve Rogers, old friends from our days studying in Scotland. Dave had recently relocated his life with his now wife Heather Smith to Hokitika, a picturesque west coast town which is battered by impressive rain storm. Within a short drive and quick helicopter trip from Hokitika town are the Arahura, Whaitaha, Kokatahi, Whitcombe, Falls creek, Crooked and Hokitika rivers.

I was greeted at the airport by Dave's glorious golden mullet and set of gummy boots. A clapped out 4x4 Toyota hiace was in the car park, ready to go and fully loaded with boats and gear. That was it, straight off the plane and on a mission.