Category: Our Place

An Impromptu Getaway!

We had not really thought about a few days in Christchurch, but when our daughter-in-law, who is working there at the moment, suggested we spend a few days at her inner city apartment, we thought, ‘why not?’

Our first impressions were how empty the city was. We actually quite enjoyed the leisurely pace and being able to cross the road so safely! It doesn’t feel like a bustling city. People on the streets and in the restaurants we visited appeared to be mostly tourists!

Of course we set off to see the Square and what is left of the Cathedral. It made us think of how devastating the earthquake had been and just how complicated planning and carrying out the necessary repairs and restoration must be.

In the 3 days, we walked many kilometres ! We enjoyed a morning in the Botannical Gardens where we did see local people: a book club group of ladies, enjoying their coffees as they extolled the highs and lows of their reading, two mums and their children having a picnic on the grass and many ‘oldies’ like us out for their daily walk. The sun was shining; always a bonus!

We should do these impromptu getaways more often!

Another interesting settlement in our neighbourhood is Algies Bay; in fact we are fortunate to be surrounded by a variety of beach locations.

It is a little hideaway from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Since it’s winter mow, and the residents have the place to themselves, it is a peaceful, tranquil place. During the summer months, the population does rise as families arrive to enjoy their summer holidays. However, compared to more popular beaches around the country, Algies Bay still retains its tranquil charm even with the influx of summer visitors.

Children enjoy the safe shoreline, swimming and boogie boarding. Families can launch their boats either to go fishing or to just to spend an hour or two on the water.

Everything is very neat and tidy here. The recently built playground for the children is well cared for as are the paths and walkways down to the beach.

One gets the impression that the people of Algies Bay are proud of their place.

I remember years ago exploring London and sharing our adventures with family who lived there. Many times their reaction would be “Oh we’ve not actually been there, but hear that it is a great experience.”

Those memories came rushing back recently when we visited Tawharanui with two of our grandchildren. We have lived in this area for six years and last weekend was the first time we have visited this Regional Park – right on our doorstep!

This park is made up of coastal forest, wetlands, dunes, farmland and beautiful white sandy beaches. The Tawharanui Open Sanctuary (TOSSI) was formed in 2002 and its volunteers have worked tirelessly, with the Auckland Council, to develop this open sanctuary.

A predator free fence has been built across the peninsula allowing native animals to replenish their numbers.

Driving up to the car park we appreciated the hard work the volunteers put in to maintaining the area. The plantings and the wildlife fitted well with each other and prepared you for the amazing vista from the beach. It is beautiful!

It is not yet summer, but the beach was full of families relaxing, some brave enough to be swimming and boogie boarding. We will be back again soon to explore the ecology trail and other walks. We’ll download the Bird Sheet for the kids, as I’m sure they’ll want to return and we’ll see how many of the re-introduced native birds we can spot and how many native trees we can identify.

Why on earth haven’t we visited here before? We will be back soon!