We went on excursion Saturday to the beautiful Piha Beach which is located on the West coast of Auckland. I really didn't know what to expect when the Senior's, the family I'm staying with, said we were going to go for a walk on the beach. I was debating whether or not to take my big camera because I was expecting just a normal flat stretch of beach like I've grown so accustomed to back home. I might have to blame my total underestimation on quarantine brain; I think that because of being in this kind of limbo period between quarantine and lockdown for so long I still hadn't fully registered that I am actually half way around the world in one of the most gorgeous places on earth.
So the five of us pile in the car that's loaded up with snacks for a picnic lunch later in the afternoon and move on our way to the West coast. We're getting out of the suburbs and I start to see the coast line and I'm thinking 'ok this is cool, what a pretty drive'. We then turn onto the very windy and narrow road leading us down to the beach. All I see for a while are trees, a few houses, and an area blocked off with traffic cones where the road had quite literally fallen off the mountain side. Crazy! Then out of nowhere the trees give way into the most astonishing view overlooking the beach and rock formations below. (Thank goodness I brought the camera!)
I mean oh. my. gosh. I freaked out it was so insanely beautiful. Lucy had a laugh and said I was the best tourist because I reacted just how they had hoped I would; I was so in awe. This gorgeous haven was just a 45 minute drive from their house on the North Shore of Auckland-- how crazy! Boyd said he grew up coming down here and the boys did too as the family continued to visit regularly over the years. I'm so jealous! The beauty didn't stop with this view. Piha somehow continued to be even more spectacular once we were actually down on the beach.
We spent the afternoon watching surfers brave the freezing waters (it is still winter after all), climbing the rock formations and cliffs for some stunning views, seeing the waves crashing against rocks, and just enjoying the fresh air and smell of the ocean. We spotted the cutest baby fur seal laying out on the rocks and paying no mind to the people watching him intently. I also got to try some fresh mussels picked right off the beach thanks to Boyd who showed me the ropes. It was so sweet and salty! I had never had raw mussels before!
The sand looked like it was laced with specks of diamonds and sparkled in the sun it was so gorgeous. It has been ages since I've been to a black sand beach, it was so pretty. The coloring of the sand contrasted with the glistening and rich turquoise water was incredible. I also loved seeing all of the surfers out there in the water enjoying the day-- it made me wish I surfed. But at the same time I don't know how I'd handle such cold waters! I definitely didn't want to make a winter day in New Zealand the first time I ever tried to surf. Let's see if I finally get around to it once it starts warming up. That's the plan at least, so now you all get to see if I stick to it!
We were on the beach at low tide which is why we were able to walk around and explore so much of the area. The water can apparently come raging and crashing over those giant rock formations when it's not. I'd love to see that at some time too! I think that would definitely be an opportunity for some cool photos. I felt like I could spend forever wandering and taking it all in-- but we needed to eat and I definitely was in need of some more face sunscreen! (The sun is very strong down here!)
We found a nice patch of grass with some big rocks to set up and enjoy our picnic lunch. It consisted of Lucy's fresh baked sourdough bread with Boyd's yummy homemade egg salad, some beetroot and garlic hummus, fresh plums, and some delicious homemade dessert bars. Those snacks hit the spot and tasted even more delicious eating them outside and at the beach. A very Kiwi-style lunch!
After filling up from the picnic we spent a little more time on the beach taking in the view. Part of me didn't want to ever leave, but the other part of me was exhausted from such a fulfilling day in the sun. So we said goodbye to Piha Beach and hopped back in the car to head back to the North Shore. What a spectacular day!
xx syd
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