Bay of Plenty - Katikati Reservoir & Waihi Beach

We woke up to a stunner of a day on Sunday. Fully fuelled with pancakes, the children trotted on down to the lake in an attempt to rebuild part of the pier which had been demolished in the strong stormy weather a few nights earlier.

An hour later, project bridge reconstruction was abandoned ... option to fix bridge vs get out and about on the water... hmmm tough choice, so they all headed back lugging out their canoe, stand up paddle board and inflatable orange boat.

One by one they all headed out for a little jaunt along the river, such a beautiful setting to have right on their doorstep.

After lunch we then headed back again for another walk at Waihi Beach. The track to the left of the beach took us round the headland to another long stretch of white sandy beach lined with Pohutukawa trees. This beach has no road access so we had it pretty much all to ourselves and the children had a whale of a time busying themselves dam and bridge building… clever little things when left to their own devices!

Have to say, not turning into a tree hugger or anything, but I'm totally taken with the Pohutukawa trees here in New Zealand, just beautiful.

Finally on return back to Waihi Beach we met up with Chris, who had spent the day out on his canoe, hunter gathering sort of stuff, who proceeded to proudly show of his hunter produce, well chuffed with himself.

And then one last glimpse of Waihi Beach as the sun was setting before we said our fair wells and homeward bound back to Auckland. Stunning little break, fantastic friends. Thank you so so much for such a wonderful time. Until next time Nx

Bay of Plenty - Katikati

I’m getting well confused with all the names out here - they are all so similar… so you have Katikati (Bay of Plenty), Kitekite Falls (Piha), Karekare (Piha). And then there is Piha, Paihia (Bay of Islands)….have to say it’s definitely challenging my simple little brain somewhat! 

Now Chris and Kate go way back when we first met them in New Zealand during our pre-kids young and care free status 12 years ago. I have to say they haven’t  changed a bit - with the exception of now having 3 more in their family and it was so good to catch up - just like the old times. Their house is such a find with beautiful views over the reservoir and the kids didn’t need much of introduction - in fact within 5 minutes they were all off exploring having a little adventure in the mangroves right on their door step, while the adults opted for a far more relaxing rehydrating bottle of beer watching the last hour of sunshine over the river; beautiful! 

Sunday started with a leisurely breakfast followed by the spot of fishing on the river... 

Mud socks

... while Kate and I took a leisurely Mother's Day stroll along the 'Bird Walk' into town for a coffee. 

The kids were in their element and I have this horrible feeling that they are going to feel their lives are so dull when they head back to their pad in Takapuna!

In the afternoon we went to Waihi Beach… the most amazing surfing beach which stretched as far as the eye could see. Really felt we were on a set of Home and Away, just needed a teenage tragedy (forward 4 years) and we’d fit the bill perfectly! 

It didn't take long before the little ones were in the water floating over the surf in their rubber dingy, having way too much fun. 

Alas, Dan and I forgot our togs so Kate had the honours of taking the kids out on the surf... debatable really who is the biggest kid me thinks! 

New to us were these round disc like star fish otherwise known as sand dollars which were dotted around in the sand along the beach, pretty cool stuff.

Sand Dollars

Kids out of the water, reclothed and warmed up, fed and watered, it was time to say our farewells again and head back to our pad in Takapuna - such a lovely weekend.