A day on the beach

Wednesday 16th. We started off our visit to New Zealand with friends and we are ending our visit with friends. Although, along the way we have stayed with many folk who have welcomed us into their homes as friends. 

A fine start to the day. Following a hearty breakfast we took the dogs out for a walk. Peter and Robert have five dogs, four of them being Rhodesian Ridgebacks. 

The forecast for the day wasn't too good but Peter suggested that after the walk we go to Muriwai Beach and try for another walk along the headland. 

When we got to the beach, the weather cleared and we set off up the path. The rollers were coming in nicely and several people were venturing into the waves with their surf boards. 

Much of the beach is covered with black sand caused by the iron content derived from the ancient volcanoes in the area. 

Blowholes are also seen in the rocks. 

Around the corner of the headland is the only land based gannet colony in New Zealand. 

Observation platforms have been built so that you can get quite close to the colony. Mind you, with an onshore wind we didn't want to hang around too long. You could easily smell what they had been having for breakfast! 

Some baby chicks right in the centre. 

More rollers seen from beach level. 

We had a leisurely drive round the area and then returned home. 

The view over the garden and Kaipara Harbour.