With the summer break tantalisingly close, Newsroom readers share their favourite beach escapes – from our ongoing summer series Backyard Explorer, with Canon
While countries around the world settle in for renewed Covid-19 lockdowns, here in Godzone we are mere weeks aways from the annual summer migration (as long as we keep scanning those QR codes).
Day trips to beaches, roadies to baches, there’s plenty of good fun to be had. And with no international visitors around, what better time to discover somewhere new. To inspire you, Newsroom readers from around the country share their favourite spots to get beached.
Food for the gram
Conor Jeöry sent in this stunning picture from an evening being put to work. “My niece co-opted me to be her social media operator and had me take a series of pics for her insta one evening on Makarori Beach outside of Gisborne, Tairawhiti after ‘fush un chups’. This one really struck me.”
Located 10 kilometres from Gisborne along the Pacific Coast Highway, the clear waters of this pristine beach make it great for surfing, surf casting or just a simple walk along the beach. Better yet – when the tide goes out make a beeline for the rock pools.
Holidaying like it’s the 80s
“Pataua, part of Whangarei Heads, is like summering in my (1980s) childhood”, writes Rachael Russell. “Tiny baches right on the waterfront, outdoor cooking on a fire pit, and instant relaxation. It’s also adventurous for the kids as you have to swim over the estuary to reach the surf beach. The perfect summer set-up.”
Lake or beach? How about both?
“An end to another perfect day for a local surfer”, writes Glen Molesworth. While Te Henga (Bethells Beach) is a short drive 37 kilometres west from Auckland City it feels a world away. Smaller than the neighbouring beaches of Piha, Karekare and Muriwai, Te Henga has the same wild black sand mystique with a cosier feel. Do swim between the flags though. rip tides make it a dangerous beach. For a more relaxing dip – make tracks for Lake Wainamu nestled in the dunes, a short drive from the beach.
Just what the doctor ordered
Renee Wallace can’t wait to get back to Doctors Point, North of Dunedin this summer. “It is a very quiet, secluded beach, great for surfing, but lovely for a quiet picnic.” Regarded as one of Dunedin’s hidden secrets, the beach features arches in the rock cliffs which can be accessed on low tides.
An escape for reflections
Home to one of the largest sand dune fields in the Southern Hemisphere, Himatangi beach offers good swimming, fishing, walking and some great fish and chips at the local store. Just a 30 minute drive from Palmerston North, the relaxed seaside destination is home an award- winning local holiday park and some pretty remarkable views. “Himatangi Beach is west facing with a large tidal variation, often giving awesome sunsets which reflect beautifully on the wet sand from the last ebb of the tide,” writes Sandy Abbot.
*This series is a partnership with Canon*
