Looking for the best place for an unforgettable picnic? A day out that you will remember for the rest of your life? Search no more! We found it! It's called Wenderholm, and it's one of the most beautiful and actually the very first Auckland regional parks that was opened to the public in 1965! And only half an hour's drive North of Auckland. A real hidden treasure, definitely not overcrowded by tourists.

Breathtaking pohutukawas, a wide variety of beautiful trees, lush coastal forests, the smell of the sea, the sound of the waves, a colourful variety of chirping birds, tranquility and happy giggles, a fascinating estuary, a lot of green space to relax and unwind, barbecues, walking tracks, a campground and even a historic house awaits. ​So so worth, an absolute must see and a "must feel" if you have some time to discover the region. :) Here are my favourite moments, and who knows, they might inspire you to pay a visit one day... 

This is my tribute to Rangitoto. The landmark. The icon. I have been watching this view, this volcano, this beach for over a year now. Looking at it. Passing by it. Enjoying it. Every single day. 

​Constant change. And never-ending permanence. Colours, seasons, clouds go by. Yet, this beautiful volcano, always the same. Rising strong. No matter what. Between sky and the sea.

It taught me a lot. About life. And how I (decide to) see things.

It's been an endless source of my inspiration. This is my collection of his many faces. I hope you enjoy. :)

Today I started the day early. Benefits of the jet lag. :) We have been away for some time. We were back home. And now we are back home. Evergreen paradox of the global living, switching countries, switching lives. :)

As I was walking down the beach this morning, I felt incredibly peaceful. I missed this beach. The beach that means in a way home to me for the last year. The smell of the sea, the sound of the waves, the morning sun. The space. The energy. The ocean bliss. And all the relaxed feelings it comes with. People taking it easy. Having a walk. Happy doggies running around, playing in the water. A total no stress attitude. A total slow down. Living the moment. It was good to be away a bit, and to look at it again, with a fresh eye. 

Haven't posted these for a while. Missed them. Here is the newest one. :)

Inspired by Tolkien's wisdom.
And Doubtful Sound. 

One year. It's been one whole year. One whole year since the moment we sat on that plane. Excitement in the air. Smile on our face. Destination - Magical, fascinating, breathtaking. New Zealand. :) ​Time to reflect!

Today we got cultural and upon the invitation of a lovely friend, we seized the moment and headed to Aotea Square, to Aotea Centre, one of the most well-known arts and events centres in the heart of Auckland city. To peek into the Pan Pacific Youth Harmony Festival. :)

Mystical. By name.
Intrigued. Right from the first time I heard of its fame.

The Riwaka Resurgence. Or in Maori, Te Puna o Riuwaka. 

​Somewhere beneath the Takaka Hill, in the breathtaking surrounding of the Northwestern top of the South Island lies a beautiful gem of nature secretly hidden in the depth of a little forest. Embraced by an unbelievably green, mossy wonderland. 

Where the river begins, a place for healing. ​A mysteriously traveling water suddenly emerging from the vast network of caves. Out of nowhere. Making its way through the rocks. Surfacing and reviving. Fresh and cold. Spilling life. Chrystal clear green and blue layers twinkling in and out of the shade. 
 
Riwaka Resurgence - one of the many truly amazing places where one can experience the wonders of this unique land and understand a bit of the strong Maori spiritual heritage of New Zealand. Nature and culture hand in hand. This is one of the reasons why I love it so much here. Let me take you there. :)

An inspiring guide through Auckland's best part. Discovering the waterfront. Watching the city awaken, the sun shine shyly through the clouds, the colours come to life.

Exploring those little moments we tend to enjoy. Many of us. Anywhere. Any day. :) 

Local lines. Global vibes.
​Bringing you some beautiful inspiration. Got a moment to explore? :)

The greenest greens, the bluest blues.
Rivers meet the sea. Farmland till your eyes can see.  
Waves hit the rocks, surfers hit the waves.
Tides come, tides go. 
​Boats set sail. Shells line up. Stars shine bright. 
And the sun paints the sky with the colours of the rainbow.

Whangarei. Your fresh air makes our skin glow. :)

This is basically it when I want to sum up the last few days spent in Whangarei. Found the perfect spot to relax and soak up with energy and the breathtaking surroundings. Just the regular stuff. Watch some surfers, pick shells, go fishing and eat fresh fish, enjoy the smells of the farm and the belly warming feeling of the electric fence while checking out some cows... ;)

The Mount. Located somewhere in paradise, at the very end of the road leading through a narrow peninsula. In the heart of the Bay of Plenty. Majestically dominating the land. Captivating, iconic, round. One of its kind.
​
Once you make it to the top,  what you see will definitely blow your mind. Spectacular. Incomparable. Pristine.

I'm not kidding, seriously, this is the view from the top. Been there, climbed it, saw it. Magical.
​Join me for one of New Zealand's most popular summit walks? Let's go! :)