Wordless Wednesday

Another wild coastline

Not far from my home on the West Coast of the North Island, New Zealand, there is more wild coastline.

Views from above this coastline can be gained from Whitireia Park, a reserve area which some years ago was farmed.

Standing on the high cliffs in the park there is almost always a wind blowing across this exposed site. It is bracing and exhilarating.

This high vantage point offers great views of Mana Island, a wildlife sanctuary.

The rocks are rugged and treacherous here as the Tasman Sea washes into the Porirua harbour entrance.

People use this stretch of coast and this park for all manner of recreational pursuits, both in the sea and on the land.

My visit was to record more of the beautiful landscapes that are found in the area in which I am fortunate enough to live.

Vantage points

Summer has hit here with a capital “S”! Temperatures have been high and being out in the blazing sun for too long is not advisable. Sun hats, sun block, covering up, seeking shade and plenty of fluid is the order of the day.

The sky has been a deep, clear blue for days on end without a cloud in sight.

Yesterday an errand took me near this vantage point and I thought I would share some photos of the Porirua Harbour and views over Porirua.

Mana marina, Porirua

The entrance to Porirua Harbour and the Pauatahanui Inlet. Mana Marina to the right of the photo.

The flat top of Mana Island on the horizon, beyond Whitireia Park and Onepoto, Porirua

The view across Onepoto to the hills of the South Island looking blue in the heat haze.

Across Porirua Harbour to Elsdon and Takapuwahia, Porirua

A section of Porirua City

The steep, parched hills beyond Porirua city. The highest point is known as Colonial Knob. It is a muscle stretching climb to that point.

A local resident was using his vantage point to fly the Union Jack.

And finally this Black Backed Gull decided to use this vantage point near me!

Plimmerton beach

Plimmerton beach is one of my favourite beaches. I played and swum here as a child and I have lived for more than 20 years in a nearby suburb.

It has a lovely large sandy bay with very safe swimming.

And on some of the sea walls there are quotes from Shakespeare made from old pieces of brick that have washed up on this beach.

Read about those here, here and here.

It also has rocky areas mixed with sand.

It has views across the opening of the Porirua harbour to Whitireia Park.

And around in the next bay there are wee sandy coves and lots of rocks with rock pools to search in.