New Year in the Far North

Traveling on New Years Eve through squalling showers and under grey skies we were hopeful at the very least that we would see the sun at some point during the next five days holidaying in the Far North just south of Tauranga Bay in the North Island.Our destination, a bach in the truest meaning, off the national grid, all power from solar and gas bottles and water piped from a meandering stream.

We must have been very good at some point during the year because the sun came out and the weather stayed calm and conducive to a real holiday laid back vibe. New Years Eve was heralded by the pop of champagne corks and THE most fabulous piece of bbqued beef fillet followed by meringues and cream.

Lazy days were filled with walks, swims, kayaking, paua gathering and fishing expeditions. Blueberry pancakes were whipped up for brekkie, lunch was Coronas with ham and tomatoe sarnies, dinners fresh salads filled with herbs and bbqued meats accompanied by fab NZ wines, our fav being Coal Pit Road.

Pohutukawa's in full bloom line the bay, sadly we'd missed the Orcas by mere hours on New Years Eve, though stingrays still cruised the bay giving us a hell of a fright when swimming in the shallows.