We did a fair bit of driving too while we were away and decided to explore some of the nearby bays. Not all of the roads were beautifully sealed, some left a little to be desired...
Some out-of-the-way roads were a little windy and narrow, but I think you'll agree, the journey was well worth the effort.
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| Teal Bay (Ngawai Bay) | |
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I used to live at Teal Bay many years ago, it was strange coming back and seeing the changes. There were loads of new holiday houses, but it was still the same old beach.
Then we drove on to the next wee bay, Ngahau Bay. It had 3 houses on it and no one using the beach, except the birds :)
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| Ngahau Bay |
Another isolated beach, too far from anywhere to be crowded with people. It's what I'd call perfect!
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| Okupe Beach |
Our next stop was Mimiwhangata Coastal Park a little further south, and about 48kms north of Whangarei. Another beach that was deserted apart from 3 trampers hiking in the other direction. This beach was a large ocean beach and not very sheltered, but doesn't that water look tempting!
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| Okupe Beach |
I walked to this end of the beach only to find another little secluded bay, inhabited only by the seagulls.
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| Okupe Beach |
In the other direction it stretches forever. But over that green ridge is another sheltered beach known as 'Queen's Corner'. In 1970 the Royal yacht Britannia anchored off shore and both the Queen and Prince Phillip along with Prince Charles and Princess Anne all came ashore and spent the afternoon picnicking on the beach. There is a lodge nestled under the hills on the beach front, you can't quite see it in this photo.
What a glorious day to go on a treasure hunt, what a glorious day to find some!
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| Okupe Beach |
Just look at the colour of that water.
In the distance you can just catch a glimpse of the
Mimiwhangata Lodge. Along with a large amount of land it is administered by the Department of Conservation and can be hired out. They also have a cottage and a house for hire.
Phew, that's some dust! But well worth it!
Are you all beached out yet?
Carole x
7 comments:
Oh that looks so beautiful. Too many beaches are never enough for me! Thanks for sharing x
an amazing trip Carole, well worth washing the car for!
One can never be tired of beaches :)
Thanks for the photos, Carole!
Hugs,
Tatyana
I never tire of beautiful beach scenes. The perfect view for a dreary February day.
It IS all beautiful. I do love beaches. I'd like to see some of the houses, too... did you not take pictures of those? Not that I'm demanding or anything. rofl
What wonderful photos and it sounds like you had a great time too.
Oh your beaches are gorgeous!!!
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