mrsjono

I didn't know about the Brighton Bathing Boxes when we visited Melbourne last year until I saw them in holiday photos of Facebook friends. Such colourful boat sheds can also be found in Porirua, New Zealand. Historically these boat sheds were built for fishermen, these days they are used by families to enjoy the beach in summer. They are rarely on sale because they are usually passed down through the generations or sold to friends. Some of these sheds are fully furnished with bedroom, bathroom and kitchen facilities. We visited Titahi Bay towards the end of winter so none of them looked like they were occupied on that day.




Two sheds near the red yellow one changed hands in March 2019


Another row of colourful sheds


These four with same design in different colours might belong to the same owner


Oh the ramp has collapsed no wonder the shed is up for sale lol





Gorgeous day at Titahi Bay

We wanted to watch the All Blacks live in action so when the Bledisloe Cup final was in Wellington, we purchased the tickets ($129 pp) to the match. Turns out we couldn't see much from where we were sitting (view was mostly blocked by big woolly hats of people sitting in front of us) and without commentary, it felt quite weird watching the game in silence. Further, we don't fully understand the rules of the game so we don't really know what we're watching. I conclude we're better off watching rugby from the screen at home!


Back to Westpac again this time as spectators


The AB squad - I had no idea who's who lol


The most memorable part for me was actually listening to the crowd sing 'God Defend New Zealand' with fervour and passion.

This newly opened track kept appearing on my Facebook so we decided to give it a go when the weather was finally more settled in spring. The Escarpment Track covers 9km of the hills along SH1 and the Kapiti rail line with lots of steep steps, narrow pathways and two long swing bridges. It's quite an easy walk taking us slightly over two hours.


I seldom come across a track that offers views of the road and rail traffic along the ocean.


There are a few seats along the way but no shelter so expect strong winds as it's along the coast.


Walking into the ocean


Kapiti Island



One of the two swing bridges


that offer spectacular views of the Kapiti coast



The trail gradually descends onto the railway tracks and it was a quick 10 min train ride back to Paekakariki where our car is parked.


A good summary on what to expect of the track at Pukerua Bay station