the jourknow: Beach

Showing posts with label Beach. Show all posts

Tuesday, 3 July 2012

The New Zealand Diaries: No.16 - The final countdown

I have said it before and I will say it again, New Zealand really is a magical, intriguing country to visit on holiday, and one I had fallen in love with over the last few weeks of my adventure down under.

On the last day of my holiday, the sun sadly turned to rain, but it didn’t stop me enjoying the last few moments I had left on the South Island. Looking to make the most of the last day, my family and I set off to enjoy a few of the sites of Dunedin city.

Our first stop was at St. Clair’s beach. This golden beach, with waves perfect for surfing, is usually packed with tourists and locals on a sunny day, but on a windy and wet day, it was empty. The beach offers fantastic views of the Pacific Ocean, and was surprisingly peaceful despite on the edge of the busy city.

Taking photos and walking bare footed across the sand, it was great to feel the sand between my toes one last time. Despite the weather, the temperature was still warm, and the weather held off whilst I took some fantastic shots of the beach.

After the beach, we did a quick shopping trip in the city centre. Shopping in New Zealand is a mix of commercial chains and boutique stores, and there’s certainly something for everyone in Dunedin. Stopping off at the Cathedral for a few pics, I then went in search of gifts to give to my family. Luckily, a tourist shop is situated right by the cathedral, so I didn’t have too far to go.

We then went for one last meal at an amazing steak house on the busy high street. Enjoying my succulent medium-rare steak, it rounded off a month’s worth of food that I had thoroughly enjoyed eating.

Getting in the car and heading towards the suburbs, we stopped off at one of Dunedin’s most iconic buildings, the train station. Despite mainly used for freight and tour trains, the station is a fantastic structure of colour and gothic architecture, and inside was even more spectacular. Here you’ll find many tourists wondering around, and the atmosphere was lively. You’ll even find the Cadbury chocolate factory nearby, which sadly I didn’t have time to visit (maybe next time!)

Our last stop was at the mysterious Dunedin Chinese Garden. Having never been to a Chinese garden before, I was unsure of what to expect as we walked in. A Chinese garden, it turns out, is mainly a garden structured around a big pond, with a waterfall, water plants and rock features. Although there were fewer flowers than I had expected, the garden was spectacular to look round, and was a peaceful, quiet haven away from the busy city.

The garden also hosts Tai Chi classes, a tearooms and an activity centre, which allowed you to try on different costumes (which I did, of course), play mind games, and solve puzzles. It was a peculiar place, and despite being a recent project, it seemed to have just as much history as the rest of the town!

So that was it. After a quick visit to see our cousins, one sleep and a tearful goodbye to my family, I was back on the plane heading for old Blighty. It’s hard to sum up my time in New Zealand, there’s just not enough words to describe the fantastic time I had over there. It really was a once-in-a-lifetime holiday that I’ll never ever forget. In fact, I’m even tempted to move out there when I’m older! If you ever get the chance to go to New Zealand, or are stuck for holiday ideas, I hope these diaries have tempted you to splash out and enjoy the holiday of a lifetime. You’re guaranteed a fantastic time!

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Friday, 13 April 2012

The New Zealand Diaries: No.10 - There he blows!

Please, no giggling with this post. For any immature people out there, who struggle to hold it together at times of double entendre, tighten your stomach muscles and take a deep breath. You may need it.

Because my next diary entry from my New Zealand adventure is all about blowholes. Jack's Blowhole, to be precise. Located a twenty minute walk from Jack's Bay, the blowhole is a totally new concept, and certainly something I was eager to find.

Jack's Bay is on the edge of the south-east coast of the South Island, with picturesque landscapes, golden sands and deep blue seas. It's a gorgeous place to be, and with a slight fresh breeze brushing through your hair, it was a fabulous set up for what proved to be quite an adventure.

To get to Jack's blowhole, you walk through herds of sheep (literally right through them), across gates and fences and through meadows, slowly climbing the mountain side. Spotting wildlife as you go on your way, it was generally sad when we reached the famous hole.

So what is a blowhole? Well, it is a hole in the land, of quite a gigantic size, with water trapped inside. The waves and surf from the water, depending on the strength of the current, crash together, sending spray from the hole up into the air. On an unsettled day, the water has been known to hit those peering down into the hole.

Luckily for us, we managed to stay dry. From the various viewing spots around the perimeter of Jack's hole, we got magnificent views of the blowhole. Like a gigantic geyser, it was full of clear blue water, surrounded by sea birds and plants of all different species.

There was something quite mystical about the place. Being so far away from the actual coast (although, underground, it's a different story), the hole was certainly fascinating to peer down and get a feel for the atmosphere.

On reflection, it might have been seen as a big whole in the middle of the ground, but what it turned out to be was a place of intrigue and mystery. A whole full to the brim - literally - with history and interest, which with the stunning landscape and gorgeous walk, made for a fantastic few hours in the Catlins.

Sunday, 12 February 2012

The New Zealand Diaries: No.3 - Brighton Beach, but not as you know it!

In the UK, when we hear of Brighton Beach, we think of the grand pier, sticks of rock and a thriving LGBT community.

Yet juxtapose this with Brighton Beach in New Zealand. Soft, sandy beach stretching for miles along the Pacific Ocean, empty except for the annoying, and very friendly, seagulls that patrol the beach.

I felt like a billionaire as I placed down my beach rug on the sand, beneath the blazing kiwi sun. Like Richard Branson, I had my own little island for where I could relax, splash about and ride the waves.

And boy, what waves they were! Any island/ country that is lucky enough to lie on the Pacific Ocean will no doubt have plenty of pleasure riding the waves, with New Zealand no exception. I do not surf personally, but just bobbing up and down as the waves carry you in-shore was fun enough, even if I did get a mouthful of salt water.

Brighton Beach can be many things. For me, it was a chance to relax and unwind from a stressful year, for others it is a place to explore. You can take your dog, your football, your cricket set, you can take anything.

Like a lost island, I was living my very own Swiss Family Robinson. Every time I visited (three times in total), it was just the same. Clear skies, fresh sand, tranquil atmosphere and gorgeous blue waters, frothing with plenty of surf. Another reason why New Zealand really is an 'island of paradise'.