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”
Completely different N.Z. trip this time. Amazing scenery. You don’t need to lose even an ounce of weight, so please do take care of yourself . Lots of rest, please.
Loving your captures – the beach is now calling to me 🙂 Happy Day!
I might be in love with New Zealand. What gorgeous shots.
Am loving it – wish I’d had you with me when I visited as I missed seeing places like this!
Stunning photos, beautiful letter from your sister in the previous post. I’m enjoying our trip to NZ! Those beaches… I must get myself up north here where there are beautiful, peaceful beaches with endless sky. Glad you’re feeling better. Horrid to get that sort of sick, especially when you’re on your holidays.
It really is good to see you enjoying this holiday, Celi. You needed the break and you cannot get much further away from The Prairies in Fall than deserted beaches in NZ in Spring. You sure have chosen some beautiful spots to call home, even if for only a few days at a time. Good for you!
The thing I love the best is that the beach is pristine and there’s not another soul in sight. I could walk for hours and hours on a beach like that. Stunning! Hope you continue to feel better, hour by hour.
And to your question—yes, I am very much enjoying NZ!
I can feel the warmth of your beach… soothing to me. I hope it soothes your body and heals you, my friend.
Beautiful photography!
Such beautiful scenery The cottage you are staying in is amazing and the isolation is splendid. It is like you are the only ones on the planet it is so secluded. Food poisoning may be a fast way to lose weight, but not so great when you cannot afford to lose a single pound like yourself Miss C.. One of my sister’s & her husband travel the world by joining a club where you exchange homes with people who want to visit the city you live in. You exchange emails ahead of time & get advise on sites to see from locals; get to use the people’s car & feed their house pets. They’ve met wonderful people & love doing this rather than staying in
hotels. Your weather looks perfect & your daughter & friend look like they are having a good time. At least you have gorgeous views to enjoy as you recover from you are recovering from that bout of food poisoning. Hope you are feeling better soon. Thanks for sharing your beautiful part of the world.
Loving your pictures and New Zealand is beautiful! I’m actually a little surprised that you would trade that for a farm, but farms have their own beauty. And of course your lovely animals. You know what they say, one more flu or one more bout of food poisoning and I’ll be at my “perfect” weight. 😉 lol
That’s NOT a weight-loss program I want to try! It looks like your daughter and her partner make their own fun with whatever is available. How great to be young!