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Published: February 28th 2023
Relaxing at Paekakariki BeachAn absolutely beautiful, pleasant, discovering day. The weather was terrific.
We began by wandering the Waikanae Beach, making comments that the driftwood, shells and volcanic stones would be an artisans mecca. The weathering by sea and sand of the pieces of driftwood and stones into all sorts of shapes and smoothness had us wanting to take many pieces home but knew that was not possible. We were present when the local ferry ‘berthed’ (see photos). Birdlife was prolific. Kapiti Island is 5km across the Rauoterangi Channel and is a popular destination for many. Waikanae, meaning ‘waters of the grey mullet’ is also home to numerous walking, running, cycling and horse trails. The Tararua Ranges which we white knuckled experienced yesterday look over Waikanae and the Kapiti Coast.
Tripping further south we came across, Paraparaumu. Its beach, Raumati, is part of the Kapiti Coast and offers safe swimming, not that anyone was indulging today. We wandered the beach and the village and enjoyed a coffee here before striking up a long conversation with a retired NZ couple who gave us great information on where to continue to. We took them up on their advice and came across the great little
The travelling couple at Paekakariki Beach.village of …
Paekakariki, ‘the perching place of the kakariki, a green parrot’. We assumed the green parrots were sleeping as we didn’t see any. However, we did luuuve the place. From the beach to the quaint eateries to the railway crossing and railway station, it just had a great feel about the place. We wandered everywhere … with me … not sharing information with Jane about the ‘Escarpment Walk’. Mountain goat Jane would have wanted to do it and legless me would have had to tag along. I just didn’t want to sweat today. Yep, pathetic, I know. I did share the info with her once we were camped and settled … well there are still three days she says. Nooooo!
An observation today, which is relevant to everyday, is that NZ and its villages are so clean … litter free streets, parks, roads and highways … also graffiti is rarely seen.
To top the day off, apart from a great chicken curry, was the conversation we struck up with a 24 year old Irishman named Tom. We exchanged experiences but marvelled at his road to NZ including his final year of study in Ireland, to
Shore lumber on Waikanae Beachhis 3 year degree of International Business in the Netherlands, 3 month exchange to Sweden, back to Ireland and now his travels in NZ for 12 months. We share a few beers. A good day ends on a good night.
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