Racing down a wall of crushing ocean water provided kitesurfer Mike Holland with an adrenaline rush and an experience that left him smiling all day.
The 41-year-old, who owns a paragliding business in Queenstown, said the remnants of Cyclone Pam meant he had a dream day off Ruakaka beach in Northland on Monday.
The extreme sport addict made the trip especially to ride the massive waves after some careful planning.
"I study weather systems everyday in my job. I could see there was going to be a massive swell and the wind direction was going to be good."
Mr Holland flew north before Cyclone Pam hit and waited until the sea conditions were near perfect. A keen photographer, he strapped a camera to his kite.
