Rambo Estrada has dedicated his life to exploring the hidden back roads of Aotearoa, living in his Land Rover, and constantly hunting for hidden waves. He finds inspiration from the often overlooked aspects of rural New Zealand life, the raw beauty of our isolated coastlines, and the quirky, offbeat charm of the small towns he passes through. This essence of New Zealand is what he loves to document. Rambo talks to NZ Booklovers.
Tell us a little about your book.
Unbound: Vol 1 is a 304-page book that will take you on a surf road trip throughout Aotearoa. It features a mix of my surf and adventure photography plus conversations with some of New Zealand’s most iconic surfers. It’s all about the raw, untamed beauty of our coastline, rural landscapes, and the quirky small towns you pass through along the way. It’s not just a surf book, but a celebration of the country’s spirit and the stories of those who call its coasts home.
What inspired you to create this book?
I’ve spent years traveling the hidden backroads of Aotearoa, and I felt like it was time to bring all of those experiences together into one project. The isolation of the coastlines, the beauty of the waves, and the characters I’ve met along the way all inspired me to create something that shares my love for this place and its surf culture.
What kind of research or preparation went into creating it?
The research was more experiential than traditional. I spent years photographing waves, exploring remote areas, and meeting local surfers. It was about capturing not only the surf and landscapes but also the essence of what makes these places special.
What was your routine or process when working on this book?
I spent the best part of 18 months on the road, living out of my Land Rover, and chasing waves. Once back home, I spent six months editing photos, writing, and designing the book.
If a soundtrack were made to accompany this book, name a song or two you would include.
“Magical Mystery Tour” by The Beatles for the spirit of adventure and “Ramble On” by Led Zeppelin to capture the essence of always being on the road, chasing something new.
If your book were made into a film, who would you want to narrate or appear in it?
I’d love to have someone with a strong connection to New Zealand, like Taika Waititi, narrate it. His humour and unique style would bring the right vibe to the film, balancing the beauty of the landscapes with the quirks of the small towns and the charecters featured in the book.
What did you enjoy most about putting this book together?
The most enjoyable part was having a purpose to shoot for. Instead of shooting for a single session or a quick project, I knew this book would take time, and that allowed me to really slow down and appreciate the process. Seeing everything come together—from the photos to the stories—was incredibly rewarding.
How did you celebrate completing the book?
Once I’d delivered the finished file I took a break and went to Australia for a few months, lived in my van and just chilled, not really shooting, just surfing and enjoying not having anywhere to be. Once the books arrived in NZ, my publisher Craig and I went on a book tour around New Zealand; celebrating surf culture with the local communities has been fun.
What’s your favorite book you’ve read this year, and why?
I’d say Barbarian Days by William Finnegan. It’s a great read for anyone who’s obsessed with surfing, but it’s more than that—it’s about life, culture, and the pursuit of waves, which resonates deeply with me.
What’s next for you?
I’m already thinking about Unbound: Vol 2! There are still so many places I haven’t documented, so I’m keen to get back on the road, continue the adventure, and start working on the next chapter.