Farewell 2025

The last few days of 2025 have simply flown by. The weather forecast hasn’t been the best since we arrived. As a result, we’ve taken advantage of a full fine day and spent time exploring some of the local highlights at Cook Beach and the surrounding area.

Our first full day was spent exploring the headlands at the beach’s northern end with Matt and Shelley. This included the Shakespeare Cliff Lookout, nearby Lonely Beach and some well-earned hydration at The Hive, a local micro-brewery. 

The following day, a massive storm swept through the area. It caused local flooding along parts of the eastern coast, including the Bay of Plenty. We spent the day indoors playing board games and giving Shelley’s brother-in-law’s new slushie machine a solid workout with plenty of frozen Margaritas. I’ve also whipped up a few ginger Caprioskas during cocktail hour.

On Tuesday, Garry and I took advantage of another break in the weather and headed for Hahei to do the Cathedral Cove coastal walk. As best I can recall, this is the first time I’ve ever been to Cathedral Cove. Despite the crowds, it was an awesome experience. Its iconic natural arch was as impressive in real life as it is on Instagram.

Afterwards, we rewarded ourselves with a late lunch of fish and chips and beer at the Pourhouse, a micro-brewery in central Hahei. However, it wasn’t my first walk of the day. I’d already risen early and joined Matt for a walk along Cooks Beach. By the time Garry and I got back home, I’d clocked up an impressive 15700 steps.

We had 23 people in attendance for New Year’s Eve. The yard along the side of the holiday house looked like a used car yard, and we had a tent pitched in the backyard, while Hamish and Karin parked their motorhome next to Garry and me. The annexe bunk beds and the garage itself were also filled with guests.

Our hosts set a “70s Disco” theme for the evening. Garry and I successfully cobbled together some last-minute costumes with the help of others. It was a huge night full of fun and laughter. It was a great way to see in 2026.

Garry and I spent our first day of the new year visiting Hot Water Beach today. It’s been at least 45 years or more since I last visited this iconic New Zealand beach. When the tide is low, you can dig holes in the sand and soak in warm thermal water percolating through the sand. Sadly, everyone had the same idea, resulting in a rather chaotic experience. However, I can chalk up another bucket list activity, one of many I’ve got planned for this trip.