There are some spectacular beaches and inlets on the way to Ocean Beach at the Whangarei Heads. Dominating the view to the southern coast is the 'Think Big' Oil Refinery project of the seventies. Industry set near to wild and reasonably untamed coastline. I enjoy visiting Whangarei. It takes me a morning or afternoon to settle in, but once I have I soak up its laid back attitude and small town atmosphere.
Shelley, Paul and I went for a delightful explore of the coast leading out to the Whangarei Heads. We happened upon this bay surrounded by ramshackle wooden baches and unused boat sheds.
Rocky crags overlook McLeods Bay fifteen minutes drive from central Whangarei.
A host of jelly fish had gathered into the back of a cave we explored at Hahei. I decided not to dip my feet in the water...
I had the good fortune to be able to visit Hahei Beach, in the Coromandel, twice this year. Once before Christmas and once after. I couldn't resist this shot of a pohutukawa the kiwi Christmas tree. Every year I promise myself that I will spend some time under a pohutukawa tree enjoying the sudden burst of colour, the salty tang of the sea, and the sweet cool of the pohutkawas embrace. I even went out on the boat at Hahei (thank you Cathy's parents) and explored the coves about the coast and the magical islands that disappear into the horizon in this part of the Coromandel. Summer is good :-)
Tractors ply the sands on the south part of Hahei Beach each carrying some kind of boat to be launched. This picture was taken before Christmas and the summer rush. Lines of tractors now dominate this part of the beach. Thankfully it is a very long stretch of beach.
I became quite obsessed with this island. I found its rough and jagged surface fascinating. Trees and ferns clung to crevices on its battered body. So many nooks and crannies - what was it hiding?
There are lovely views from the shore to the outlying islands, but beware the walk back, and up, is a little on the tiring side :-)
Recent Comments
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sabine said:
I woz there with tere. Did you walk there or take a boat?? I like the 'shade is my friend'... read more
on Cathedral Cove Beach or Narnia... -
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Matthew said:
It's true...well, it is for me. Hang on, whose talking... read more
on Moturoa Island Hahei -
Dylan said:
Actually, it was hiding me, my team of highly trained assistants, several long range microphones and 5 telephoto webcams. Stalking... read more
on Moturoa Island Hahei
We walked. Getting there is the easy bit :-) We also boated around later that day. Very pretty.Lovely to hear... read more
on Cathedral Cove Beach or Narnia...