I really enjoy these simple getaways that we’ve been doing since we arrived in New Zealand. We hire a basic bach (holiday house or weekender for the non Kiwis), with no TV or mod cons in sight. It’s always situated in a picturesque location and at times with a great view. We pass the days together ever so simply.
This time we stayed in the Tapapakanga Regional Park, just an hour south of Auckland – easy for the kids, easy for us when we hear our first “when are we going to get there”, fifteen minutes into the trip. Once we were there, we felt so far away from everything. Our bach was situated on a farm, surrounded by sheep, it overlooked the farmland to the ocean and further on to the Coromendal coast, which happens to be our next holiday destination.
Each day we set off on one of the designated tramps (hikes for the non kiwis). They were easy and then steep and a little precarious at times but always absolutely breathtaking and surprisingly the kids didn’t mind all that walking, it was an adventure.
The weather was erratic, a lot of rain, a lot of sun, and then some torrential rain… poor sheep. But that was okay, we had books to read, games to play and then some days we walked anyway and we got wet. It made it even more fun.
Each little getaway that we do, we have to pinch ourselves that we have all of these incredible locations so close by and accessible to the public. Don’t change New Zealand.
It’s still the summer school holidays here in New Zealand so I will pull back to two posts per week so that I can get into the swing of school holiday fun. You’ll still catch me here on Wednesdays and Fridays and then once school resumes I’ll be back to blogging three times per week.
Have a lovely weekend and see you Wednesday!
Mel xx
P.S. I had to include the last photo of me taken by Paolo who is 6!
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Hi Mel,
I think your little getaways are the best ever. Real togetherness and real, raw beauty… I hope New Zealand will never change. What luxury to have.
Love your photos… x
Thanks Tina! On another little holiday now, loving this country! M x
I’ve got to get to NZ one day!!!
Make sure you do, we’re so enjoying being here.
Looks fantastic. So often these days we’re all on different sceens..
This looks much more fun! Lovely pics, Mel! hx
Thanks Hege x
Every single pic is telling a thousand words, Mel, I really think this is the nicest family story you have published so far! xx
Thanks Gudy xx
Gorgeous photos Mel! Tapapakanga is such a lovely spot.
Thanks Lisa. We’re pretty lucky to have that on our doorstep aren’t we? :)