So here we are the day before Christmas and the Festive Season is in full swing,rather than join the queues of people at supermarkets, shopping centres or traffic congested roads , my family and I decided to take a picnic and escape for a spell.
Our otherwise small seaside village of Ōhope where 3500 locals call home, visitors flock to spend their summer holidays here. They arrive in car loads and camper-van loads with trailers attached ,towing boats , filled with camping gear , bicycles and everything else possible.
The Cafes & Eateries are booming with business and all the Campgrounds, Motels & STR properties are fully booked. It's a hectic time and as many as 4000 visitors stay for a week or two. Our beach is one of NZs favourites and mostly these visitors have been returning here traditionally year after year.
Coming here with their parents as youngsters and with time returning with their own families and later with grand children . It's about family time and connecting with people.
So today we have packed a picnic taken our togs (swimsuits) and will escape to a nearby secluded bay. It is a hidden gem and it is on our doorstep to enjoy.
We have family visiting , wanting to enjoy a Summer Christmas with us and it is always a joyous time. Ōtarawairere Bay is possibly the best place to be , the 20 minute trail walk is worth the steep climb with countless stairs.
Bush clad with native fauna , vistas of expansive sea views and sounds of the native birdsong &ocean waves crashing is part of this hike . The only way to access this bay is by foot or by sea and we come here often.
The shoreline is covered with washed and polished shells, with a sprinkle of sea glass that sparkle when wet. Old and majestic Pohutukawa trees provide shade and at this time of year their red blossoms are dotted along the escarpment .
It is a hectic time of year, the Festive Season rush too, but here we can find our quiet and time to reflect.
We celebrate today with the people we love and it is a poignant reminder to enjoy our family time.
Wishing you all a fabulous Festive Season.
Warm wishes and greetings?☀️?
Laura
Ōhope Beach NZ
@Laura2484 Lovely to share your getaway in the summer Christmas of your land. The pictures are beautiful. We are in a Florida tourist town but its winter here but still wonderful with white sugar like sand, beautiful ocean waters and sea shells but not so many tourist mostly families coming or visiting families. We too truly chose the low key Christmas - keep the stress down and relaxing - and last night my husband commented how nice it was to have our time without any hassles, rushing or such...........working in the garden, picking wonderful veggies from his winter garden and sharing those with family and just reflecting on the true meaning of Christmas. I could share beach pics.........
