When looking for locations to shoot and show off the new Swanndri summer range, we wanted to make sure it was somewhere that would allow us to illustrate what a modern Swanndri mission could be.

A quick weekend away, not too far from the big smoke, that the whole family could enjoy. A bit of adventure, a bit of relaxation, a bit of indulgence. Basically, a bit of everything. Doesn’t exist, someone said. Then someone else mentioned Matakana. We looked it up and it looked like it ticked all the boxes. So we went on the mission (as well as the shoot), and had such a good time, we figured, why not share the yarn?

And with that, welcome to the first edition in our Swanndri Mission Series. Here, we’re going to share ideas for all sorts of missions – from after-work adventures, to weekends away, to week-long expeditions. Giving you the inspiration, so you can make your own mission.

As men and women of the southern hemisphere prepare to clock off and kick their feet up for a hard-earned summer holiday, there is an air of excitement amongst this keen, adventurous bunch. For us, summer isn’t about sipping cocktails by the poolside of an over-priced resort in an over-crowded “destination”. For us, it’s about keeping it local in New Zealand and exploring Godzone.

So, this summer, we’re hitting the hills and bays of our own backyard: Canterbury’s stunning Banks Peninsula. Swanndri HQ is nestled at the foot of the Port Hills and that’s no accident: the peninsula is not only our backyard; it’s our playground and bread basket, too.