Rangiputa

The next stop is one of the most best kite spots in New Zealand: Rangiputa. It is a beautiful bay surrounded by white beaches. We see some kiters launching from a little sand bar in the middle of the estuary, which encourages Gerry to pump up the kite. Out of nowhere, Shane shows up with his motorboat and offers him a ride to the island to enjoy kiting downwind. A great plan, if only the wind had not decided to turn into a soft breeze instead of a kitable blast….

kite surf heaven

In the evening, we were invited spontaneously to Shane’s house, where his wife and 5 kids were welcoming us. Us and another 10 other kiters from the afternoon session, some more friends from the neighbourhood including several kids of various ages.

Party party

We have had a wonderful evening with a delicious flying dinner with fresh fish, prawns, pasta, salads, barbecue chicken, cheese at the terrasse with a stunning sunset over the bay.

As mixed as the food were the  people, who all appreciate the relaxed NZ lifestyle, the safety , the moderate working hours , the impressive nature, the affordable living.

Robinson and Sienna were buddies with Nathan, who showed up as “transformer”.

As much we enjoy the VW combi, we could not resist the offer to move for a couple of days into a beautiful house, that spoiled us with a stunning view, several bedrooms, large kitchen and everything else we sometimes miss in our van.

life is soooo good

A house with a perfect view

Our days were close to be perfect days: After a long sleep and lots of cuddeling we had an extensive breakfast while watching the sea breeze getting stronger.

In the mornings we took off to discover the area:

There is “Fish and Farm Stay” who have a bed and breakfast and offer dreamland for kids with horses, cats, chicken, dogs, pigs etc. and a whirlpool, where Robinson and Sienna were enjoying the bubbles together with their new friends.

Kids' spa

We drove up to the beautiful and remote Maitaibay on the outer KariKari Peninsula. It is one of the most beautiful beaches with stunnung washed out rocks and turquoise shallow waters.

Maitai Bay

Maitai Bay

We visited the Carrington winery, the largest one north of Auckland,  in a beautiful setting with a stunning view.

Winery with a view

We went to a local festival with live bands, about 100 oldtimers and lots of fun stuff for kids.

flying...

Only a 10 minutes drive and we reach the great Puhweke bay with challenging waves for great surfing.

Puweheke beach

In the early afternoon we went for a kiting session.

Perfect kiting spot

Gerry did his first great jumps, when our kite ripped into 2 pieces. Luckily, Zoe and Berny from Airzone, who run the local kite school, fixed everything over night.

This spots offers perfect conditions:  shallow waters, flat lagoons, great winds, few but great kiters, a spot for almost any wind direction….

Categories: New Zealand