The call to the sea is forever in me.

Parāoa (Sperm Whale) are a taonga species in Aotearoa New Zealand, and hold great cultural significance for Māori. They are often associated with qualities of strength, endurance and chieftainship, and feature in many important stories and as tohu (signs) of the environment.

This image of parāoa in Kaikōura New Zealand was taken when my eldest daughter and I were flying in a helicopter out at sea hoping to catch a glimpse of these magnificent and very special marine mammals.

It is one of my most treasured photos, for the memory with my daughter, and the feeling of complete awe at seeing our natural world in such incredible visual light.

I want this image to belong on the blockchain forever as being such a special part of my photography journey.

Rachel Stewart, Landscape Photographer