Hokitika Driftwood Sculpture Festival

 

Every year in Hokitika a driftwood sculpture festival is held for 4 days. This year we didn't manage to get there to check it out until afterwards but there was still a great deal to see. Hokitika beach is one of those places that is covered constantly with driftwood. So have a look at these words of art and see what you think. btw the camera was my favourite.

Linking up with Through my lens, Tuesday Treasures, My corner of the world, All Seasons and Wordless Wednesday.

Driftwood

This morning we were out at nearby Rapahoe Beach, about 10 minutes drive from home picking up driftwood off the beach. We have been due for rain and thunderstorms (which have now started) but for a few hours the sun was trying to peek out from behind the clouds. Edited to add: for those who have asked what I am going to do with the driftwood; the smaller pieces will be kindling for the fireplace and the bigger bits will go in the garden.

The left hand side of the beach has a row of old posts leading out into the water but I'm not sure if it is the remains of an old wharf. In the end we filled up 3 shopping bags with bits and pieces of wood. Now I'm starting my week off from work today and no doubt I will get bored after 3-4 days.

Linking up with Through my lens, Tuesday Treasures, My corner of the world and Wordless Wednesday.

Mystery object at Taupo Bay

When B and I stopped at Taupo Bay a few months ago on our Northland journey we spotted this strange looking thing on the beach with pieces of driftwood in it.

At first I thought it was some kind of sink or basin then we realized it looked like an old washing machine bottom, like one of the retro wringer ones our parents probably had. Looks like it's been well used.

Linking up with Our World Tuesday.

Summer days at 90 Mile beach

This is one place I want to get back to once Summer comes from December until March. 90 Mile Beach is one of those places that goes on and on stretching from Kaitaia up to Cape Reinga. It's on the west coast of our North Island and is approx 88 miles long.

Its beach and sand dunes are popular with tourists - this area has been the culprit of quite a few shipwrecks in the old days. Jeremy Clarkson from Top Gear drove along here in one of their episodes with James May.

Linking up with Skywatch Friday.

Starfish and Stingrays

Plenty of these guys at Opito Bay, 10-15 minutes north of Kerikeri - I was quite surprised at how many there were washed up on the sand.

And I don't know how clearly you can see this but there is a rather large Stingray lying in the shallow water at Kerikeri cruising club - I would say there were probably Orca in the harbour that this guy was hiding from - because otherwise they eat squid, small fish or shrimp.

Linking up with Our World Tuesday.

Cold crispy mornings...

We are starting to get some real cold crispy mornings here. If you check out this link you can see from our local webcams what it's like here.

Linking up with Our World Tuesday.

Mangonui Fish and Chip Shop

This place is one of my favourite Northland scenes. The Mangonui Fish Shop has won awards over the years for making the best fish and chips in NZ. Located overlooking the Mangonui harbour on the way to Cable Bay then Pahia this place certainly has a peaceful atmosphere - and with scenery like this who wouldn't want to enjoy a nice quiet lunch there.

Linking up with Skywatch Friday.

It's fun to go fishing!

I spotted this group of people surf casting around the rocks from the beach last week - fine Summer's afternoon around dinner time.

Days of Summer surfing...

Since NZ is going through Springtime at the moment, we've had more than enough rain to last us a long time. It's enough to make you feel a bit over it. To sum up my week we've had my daughter's best friend from school here, we dropped her off at the bus stop at 7.30 this morning so she could go back home up north to her family. Today, being my day off the housework is done and there's not alot to do except watch some movies. Until the weather improves I'm going to dream of warm days of Summer :-)

Daisies everywhere!

After being sick on and off for the last couple of weeks I finally got out yesterday and enjoyed a long beach walk. Lots of sun and warmth and when I sat on the sand above the beach in amongst the grasses I was surrounded by these lovely orange Gazanias and Freesias. Just lovely!

Early morning surf casting...

This morning instead of walking my usual route to the left of where we live I walked to the right along the opposite end of the beach, just in time to snap a photo of this guy surf casting, I could see as I got up close that he had at least 3 fish on the sand next to him that kind of looked like Kahawai which are perfect for smoking and cooking in a pie.

I'm envious of him as they are delicious to eat. Linking up with Our World Tuesday :-)

Shadows and light at Mount Maunganui beach

We haven't been out for a decent beach walk in quite some time... we've either been on road trips out of town or we've been sick with the flu so on Sunday we thought it time to venture out especially since it was such a lovely warm Autumn day. Lots of sun and warmth and much to our surprise people surfing and swimming in the waves.

Linking up with Our World Tuesday :-)

Paddle-boarding and surfing at Whakatane Beach

Two of my favourite images from our recently trip to Whakatane, the top one of two surfers walking across the semi-low tide at the beach and the one below of a paddle boarder heading to shore remind me of what warm weather is all about - golden sand, cool water, stunning scenery make it all worthwhile being a New Zealander - love it!

For more Skywatch Fridays click here :-)

Fishing Kayaks at Orere Point

A few weeks ago we were visiting family at Orere Point - on the Sunday afternoon I decided the weather was too warm and sunny to be stuck inside so I ventured out for a walk to the local beach and spotted these kayaks on the pebbled shore. The fishing rods are right up my alley, I was very envious as I haven't been fishing for quite some time but shortly after I took this photo a man and his small grand daughter hopped in one and paddled it around the corner to where their family were gathered. Looks like they would've had a great day :-)

The Strand's local Fish Market - Tauranga

I had one of those days last week where I just HAD to get out of the house so I wandered down to The Strand in Tauranga which is like a waterfront area lined with shops, bars, restaurants etc. One of the buildings is what I've heard is the nicest Fish Market around, apparently you can buy great seafood there. Can you see what the sign says to the left? Kahawai and Snapper is currently in the smoker - major yum!

And with a view like this of the harbour I'm not surprised they stock the nicest seafood. The bridge in the distance is used by trains to cross over from that side to this one. Hope you've had a great week, I've finally scored myself a job with one of the local power companies doing computer work and data entry so excited to be doing something at last not to mention earning some decent money :-)

Reflections from the Mauao walking track - Mount Maunganui

Last week, on one of my days getting out of the house I took a walk which was suggested by my lovely other half which was to complete a track around the base of Mount Maunganui. Remember my other post about climbing to the top of the mountain? Well this is the same place but around the bottom.

The photo, above is one of the shots I captured while about 3/4 of the way around - if there's something I like it's seeing the reflection of the sun on the water, just another reminder of how lovely the world is that we live in.

For more weekend reflections click here :-)

Tauranga Memorial Park - Such a stunning Autumn day

On my recent travels to Tauranga I stopped in my car to the Tauranga Memorial Park - absolutely stunning scenery. In this shot the tide was out and there was a group of bikers to the right who were relaxing and chatting to each other.

Because Autumn is still quite warm here in NZ during the day people still get out and about. This little boy was having fun with the fountain.

Think these were tourists and as you can see they were enjoying the scenery too. What an awesome view of the harbour! The park also has a skatepark, free barbeques you can use, a Memorial Cenotaph, pools and a hall.

For more our world Tuesdays click here :-)

Thoughts of summer - Sullivan's Bay

wow this place is stunning! This is Sullivan's bay in the Mahurangi Region of Auckland. When it is summer here in NZ the teens and I like to visit different beaches especially the ones that have floating pontoons out on the water - that way they get to swim out from the shore through the waves.

I remember the first time we visited this place was about 4 years ago while we were out driving. We stopped in at a local takeaways and bought wedges and ice cream then enjoyed them once we got out there. Such a lovely scenic view of the whole peninsula. Roll on summer - that way we can spend a day here again!

Orewa beach - stunning on a sunny winter's day

While on the way back home today from an orthodontist appointment I stopped in sunny Orewa beach for a quick walk. Couldn't resist - stunning scenery!

The beauty of Sandspit, north of Auckland

Yesterday I managed a quick visit to the lovely Sandspit which is about 10 mins drive out of Warkworth, north of Auckland. It's so quiet & peaceful here, not many houses around the area but there is a yacht club and a wharf where the boat leaves for Kawau island.

This image of boats moored in the estuary just gives it more of a perfect holiday destination especially on this sunny, warm winter's day.