I am sending you this message from the East Coast of the North Island, New Zealand.
The children (who are no longer children) have rented a second cottage on the edge of a cliff just around the beach-bend from Castle Point. We have two glorious nights here before we go through the hills and into Wellington and join the big city dwellers for more festivities. The children and I like to rent houses as we travel. We get to visit the most amazing places and we have our own kitchen. Having a kitchen saves piles of money when you are travelling and being able to just spend days in one place means you get a proper holiday. And I do love exploring the country of my birth at a leisurely pace.
There is no internet connection out here. So I am sending using a hot spot from my Daughter’s phone. And the connection is very inclement. But I am grateful.
Chin ups with drift wood. Beach games.
We found the remnants of a farm building.
I guess for feeding and watering cattle.
A whole world of farmers use baling twine for numerous little jobs.
You can see our little cottage above the old farm building. Sublime. Beautifully designed. If you want a wee holiday far away from it all and set in farmland overlooking the Pacific (and who wouldn’t) – this place is called Parrydise, on Otahome Beach. Perfectly designed spaces for a beach holiday.
Bring your suntan lotion. Actually bring everything. This is at the end of a very long winding gravel road.
No popping out for milk.
I am slowly feeling better – food poisoning is an excellent weight loss program.
Now, back to the beach!
Are you enjoying New Zealand so far?
All my love,
celi
The Kitchen's Garden 
47 responses to “Play on the beach”
delightful
Glorious photos Celi. You have captured quintessential NZ beautifully, right down to the wire curling from the fence post and beach games. Hope you are recovering well and drinking lots. Food poisoning is so debilitating.
I love that wire shot too. I have your book in my bag Juliet, looking forward to posting!.. c
Is it breezy? It is in Wellington today – spring northerlies! Ooops it is the Pacific Ocean and the East Coast! We always say that somewhere out there is America when we visit Castlepoint Beach….can you sense “home on the Farmy”?? Soak up that goodness and recover well.
a little breezy but lovely even so.. warm.. c
It looks a wonderful place to stay….fingers crossed we can keep the fine, warm weather going for you….
The light is so beautiful, colours seem truer and cleaner. The beaches remind me of northern New South Wales, huge, white, empty and big hazy surf against a brilliant blue sky. I’m liking New Zealand a lot… I’m glad you’re feeling a little better and are able to enjoy your surroundings so much.
Oh Celi: SO many kisses and hugs! Yep, both Kate and I relate to her writing and more than guess your feeling world, bubs!! Enjoy Big-time Milady!!!!!
xtra cool chicky. so remote. awesome. will be doing some googling. there’s no mistaking daughter’s heritage xoxoxoxo
It’s good that you are feeling better. And don’t lose any more weight, you can’t spare it. Your pictures are delightful. Will you please ask your daughter to take some pics of you? We want to see that you’re not fading away!
Love,
ViV xox
The beach looks so warm and the sand is so beautifully white.
Hahaha! – I just came in from tying up my broad-beans with… yes! Bailing twine. Glad you are feeling better.
That little bach is sumptuous, glad you are getting 5 * treat. Was the farmer in you able to walk past that fence wire and not think you had to fix it? 🙂 Laura
God, that is just stunning. I’ve always heard how beautiful New Zealand is, but wow. There it is in a tiny bit of its glory. Truly spectacular. That oxygen must be soooo good for you.
I’m enjoying NZ through your eyes and words, and the unstructured schedule of you popping in and out in a similar time zone is a treat 🙂
Oh, EllaDee, isn’t it just 🙂 ? I simply cannot take in I can ‘talk’ to Milady when the sun shines here 🙂 !!!!!
I am! But then I’m so lucky .. I live here. Such a great place. Love your photos .. So nice for you to relax and be with your family. Thanks for sharing.
What a beautiful place, truly spectacular . Have a wonderful time and thank you for sharing this with us.
I’m having a whale of a time in NZ. Thank you so much for letting us travel along with you but I am glad that we did not get your upset though. maybe I could do with losing weight but not that way. The scenery is beautiful and it looks so quiet and peaceful…just what is needed for a busy hectic life ( yours not mine)
Have you heard from the Farmy?…..Carry on having fun with the children ( what does one call our children when they are grown up…my eldest is 56 and still my child)