Wonder. Wander. Wenderholm. And the best picnic spot ever!

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... 

The serene estuary of the Puhoi River. We arrived around 11 o'clock, and we had this view basically to ourselves...  
Auckland is nice. But North of Auckland, well, it's heaven! 

By lunchtime, it started to get a bit more crowded, as some paddle boarders, kayakers and a sailboat made their way to the water. The beachfront slowly filling up with picnic chairs and blankets, BBQs turned on, the smell of lunch mixing with the salty air. We had grilled mushrooms as a starter...

There are various BBQs all around the park for public use. For free. You can also bring your own, even a charcoal grill (that is not allowed everywhere, so make sure you check the regulations before you set off to picnic). We actually found this place during one of our "beginner BBQ adventures" when we set off randomly with our charcoal grill to one of the beachfront picnic areas, and it turned out that charcoals are not allowed because of the fire risk. Imagine the disappointment on our face. But then a very helpful "BBQ patrol" directed us to Wenderholm. Grateful for this adventure ever since! ;) 

Pohutukawa magic!
​These trees are simply fascinating. Those branches, as they curl above the water. The shades, as they form  playful patterns on the green grass. I couldn't take my eyes off them. Magical. Imagine during Christmas, blooming all in red. Must be really beautiful, too!

That genuine "getting in the kayak" moment.

Time to get lazy and head over to the beach! :)

Just chilling. Watching the waves. Collecting shells. Collecting memories... 

On a beautiful Sunday afternoon... When you realise over and over again that life is not about complicated things. Some sunshine, good food, good company, and getting out in nature... where magic always happens! 

***Got inspired? So happy if you share ;)