A place of tough love and incredible beauty.
It was pouring down rain by the time I arrived at my friends house in Island Bay and we were losing light fast. After racing up the 60 steps to her house I was able to capture a TKG Take Ten that I will show you tomorrow. (Tonight’s is gentle rain in the hill garden. Coming out at 5pm central time as usual – perfect ambient company for your evening reset).
Naturally we had a fish curry for dinner with a lovely red. All was well with the world.
I love my friend and she deserves every minute of this beautiful space. What a spot to live. Especially in a storm! The sea was calm in the rain but the formidable jagged outline of the rocks and the rocky island were standing sure and proud.
This is a South facing beach. What we see out these windows is a marine reserve. A very tiny one. In the middle of the reserve is tiny Taputeranga Island. Just 80m (about 300 feet) from the shore at its closest point, Taputeranga Island and the waters that surround her (9 square kilometers) are fiercely and legally protected. Nothing is to be removed from this reserve. But you can swim and snorkel in there. You can read more about that HERE.
My friend sees many people come and just to sit on these rocks and think about things. It has a magical quality that calls to the ancient times before the European discovered her.
We are so lucky to have this small and fertile reserve so close. My friend has seen orcas and large pods of dolphins out to sea and coming in to the channel between the rocks. Locally this rock formation is called The Sirens too – enticing sea life closer.
Running in front of the island is a narrow channel that allows fishing boats through but no fishing has been allowed in the Taputeranga Marine Reserve since 2008. Its recovery is a success for us all.
Late into the night we sat gazing out to sea. All the lights off. A couple of candles flickering low. The dishes abandoned. The bottle of red long empty. Just watching the sea move through the reserve.
Glorious.
Have a lovely day/afternoon/evening.
Take care and Talk soon.
Are you enjoying your trip through the North Island of New Zealand? Leave me a comment. Let me know your favourite beach so far!
Celi
The Kitchen's Garden 
24 responses to “Island Bay”
You caught the last light beautifully!
Yes! Those reflections in the glass entranced me.
There is nothing quite like spending time with a good friend. She lives in a gorgeous spot and I love that the area is a marine reserve. I am loving the tour of the North Island of New Zealand and love all the beaches you have shown us. But spending time with a good friend is a gift to yourself.
Three more beaches to go, too! Though one of those is a return to the Peka Peka beach. I am enjoying it too – a lot!!
Actually maybe four more beaches!
I think you “deserve every minute of this beautiful space” too. I hope you have a lovely stay!
I agree that we should say this to ourselves when the time is right. While within that lovely long awaited moment of joy, to say to oneself – you deserve this.
i love Island Bay and the occasional view of the South Island. The shore and the sea are a constantly changing dance. Enjoy your stay.
All the little bays are like an unexplored treasure trove for me! I have simply driven past on my way to somewhere! Missing out on some wonderful things.
I am constantly amazed at what Nature has to offer us in this area. After so many years 50+ I still see so many new things and places to explore. Enjoy exploring.
I would be very happy to sit there and think and watch.
I love rugged and a bit gnarly. It attracts me more than open stretches of sand.
Such things make me very happy, there is something wonder-full about appreciating good things that happen for other people. Absorb the vibes from the people & places you love and take them with you ♡
When I said to my friend – I am so happy for you – you deserve this - she lit up and said you know – you are right – I have worked hard all my life, I do deserve this (even though the rent is a bit high!). She is right too.
what a joyful time your are having there and your friends and family are benefitting from it as well as you
we are indeed!!
Love the post today! Enjoy it! Best beach yet was in St. Martin.🐚
Fantastic !! Thank you!
Beautifully described – like a painting. Thank you:)
From you Janet – that is high praise indeed – thank you!!
XX
I love your wild spaces. I think New Zealand stands as a beacon to the rest of the world. Good leadership and true action to protect her environment.
Though we could do more. The intent is there but we are slowing down on the hard work.
I love the image that combines the welcoming warm light in the doorway with the cold, calm light of the bay. We need our cosiness for the outside of us, and the wild space of Nature for the inside of us…