Sunday….We wanted to go to Piha sometime this week and today seemed a good chance to go. It is West of Auckland and as we travelled nearer we saw lovely views down to the sea from the hillsides. It was sealed roads all the time today. This is the view point looking over Piha.

We parked the car on the grass near the lagoon and there were deep reflections of Lion Rock in the water. Afterwards the wind got up and the moment was gone.

We walked over the boardwalk bridge to the beach. It is popular here at the weekend and lots of surfers were there along with the lifeguards. The beaches all around this area have strong rip tides and are dangerous to swim in.

It is so beautiful here with the rocks, lion rock and black sand, we were pleased we had visited this beach.

We travelled back north of Auckland and found a very long white sandy stretch of beach at Orewa. There were masses of shells in the fast flowing river feeding into the sea and all along the beach.

The beach is bordered by a wide grassy bank with picnic tables playgrounds basket ball areas, exercise equipment, all freely to be used. It is a good place for all ages.

We walked all along the river side and along most of the beach. There were loads of clam shells and oyster catchers pushing their long beaks into the sand to find food.

There was a nice icecream shop there too yummy 😋

Back in Warkworth we did more exploring. There is a park full of Kauri trees. 2 are very old specimens. 800 years and 600 years. Again we had to disinfect our shoes because of prevention of disease. There was a circular walk that climbed down steeply into the ravine below. It was fun being the only ones in this primeval forest. The noises of the leaves falling and the birds singing was eerie but a great atmosphere. The size of the trees is so impressive.

Dad had noticed a sign down to the old cement works by the river. This was a gravel road but not too bad. Down there it is very photogenic. He is going back there to take magical photos tomorrow morning.

There were pukeko birds down there and also I captured the beautiful sunset. I hope you like my photos today I’m proud of them!

Oh and the B&B is good with lovely gardens and a good breakfast feast too and a comfy bed…most important.