Destruction Or Strength

I didn’t realise at the time, but I captured this at the beginning of a historic rain event that would see Fiordland receive 1000mm of rain within 2-days. Not long after capturing this photo, I made my way down the Hollyford valley to spend the night at the historic Gunns camp. The plan was to return in the morning after more rain had fallen, creating extra waterfalls. Most models predicted around 300mm, but what occurred was unprecedented. I awoke the next morning with the river swollen and entering my cabin. After trying to make my way home but becoming trapped due to road slips and excessive water, I was eventually air lifted home, along with a dozen other who remained unable to leave the camp. Sadly, Gunns camp was later wiped out by a landslide and is no more.

Fiordland, New Zealand