Mt Maunganui beach
I’ve been very happy with my record of never missing a Snapshots post in (wow) nearly six years of blogging – I’m claiming here that I still haven’t missed one – I was just having too much fun! Our summer has been action-packed… there was a period where we had six weeks without a weekend at home, with trips north and south, to beaches and wineries. What a way to spend a summer!
The view from Mt Maunganui, near Tauranga
We kicked off the year with a mini road-trip, spending four days cruising the beaches of Mt Maunganui and the Coromandel. Noted holiday spots for a reason, the golden sands, waves and delicious brunches of the Mount (as it’s commonly known) had us seriously considering a lifestyle-based move. The proximity to the beautiful coves of the Coromandel is a further attraction!
The beautiful Tairua Estuary on the Coromandel Peninsula
Making a splash with some fave visitors from the UK at Auckland’s Parnell Baths
It wouldn’t be a Snapshots in New Zealand without some goat pics, right?
Downsides of being back at work – early morning runs. Upside of early morning runs – sunrise!
What’s better than celebrating your birthday with friends? Toby’s idea – celebrating his 30th in fancy-dress at a wine festival in the glorious Hawkes Bay! This sunny corner of New Zealand is well known for its many stunning wineries, and the Bridge Pa wine festival takes in some of the best. It was so much fun – live music, delicious wines, and impeccably organised. We’ll be back next year!
And we got to visit gorgeous art-deco Napier, rebuilt after an earthquake in the 1930s
A stunning sunset in Raglan
One of my favourite artists, Florence and the Machine doing her beautiful hippie thing on stage
A Wednesday on the beach thanks to the public holiday of Waitangi Day
A date with our dads at the cricket watching the Black Caps take on India
I didn’t spend a weekend at a luxury lodge – just chilling at my parents’ farmlet
An incredible sunrise over Rangitoto during an early morning run
Our version of a fancy Valentine’s Day dinner – fish and chips on the beach!
Hard to believe as the time has gone so fast, but it’s already been six months since I moved back to New Zealand! As I reflected on my Instagram, it’s been amazing to be back in New Zealand’s beautiful landscapes but by far the best part has been the people. And yes, I’m counting the goats in that. But seriously, whether it’s reconnecting with old friends, making new ones, hanging with family or going on adventures with Joe as we re-explore our beautiful home, it has been the people that have made coming home so special.
The beautiful white sands of Omaha beach just north of Auckland
Taking the fun path on Kawau Island
Mansion House on Kawau Island is a relic of the island’s history as the private residence of Governor George Grey, dating back to 1845. I have vague memories of running on the lawns and spotting wallabies as a very young girl – now the wallabies are mostly gone but the visitors soaking up the island’s beautiful bays and beaches remain.
Views over to Auckland city from the harbour bridge – taken from the bus!
Long-time readers will know my love for Glastonbury Festival, and I never thought that I would find something I loved (almost) as much in the backblocks of New Zealand. But Splore completely won me over with its arty vibes, beach location and dress-ups – not to mention the fantastic music! I’ll definitely be back next year…
Whewph – that was an insanely awesome couple of months. March is comparatively calm – just one music festival, in Wellington, on the cards!
What does March hold for you?
