Serious slacking on my A-Z blogging challenge so trying to catch up as much as possible tonight!
I knew I’d be busy the first week of the challenge, with moving across the world and all… but wow! It’s been hectic.
But no excuses, back to blogging!
In January this year James and I visited Duder Regional Park – one of my favorite places (so far) in New Zealand!
It is only a 20-minute STUNNING drive away, along the Maraetai Coast Rd., from where we live and is an absolutely gorgeous place!
The regional park – located in East Auckland – was created in 1995, after it was sold by the Duder Family, who had owned the land for 130 years.
It is a working farm with many adorable herds of sheep, which we saw being herded by a shepherd dog as we trekked our way through the fields and trails.
Views of the Hauraki Gulf are truly breathtaking as you hike (or tramp) the Farm Loop Trail, which is about 4 km in length or approximately 1.5 hours long.
We went at a leisurely pace, bringing along a little picnic to enjoy amongst the turquoise ocean views.
For the day James and I packed little sandwiches that we had stuffed with ham, lettuce, tomato and spread.
And then, a hike on a hot day is not complete without an ice cream, right?!
James and I finished up our memorable first day of 2015 by stopping for some hokey pokey deliciousness – a very Kiwi treat – at a dairy on the way home.
Hokey Pokey is now my new favorite! It is basically vanilla with bits of honeycomb toffee throughout. They taste like crunchy, chewy little pralines and they are to die for!
To visitors (and locals too!) I very highly recommend a morning or afternoon at Duder Regional Park, taking in the unbeatable scenery New Zealand is known for.
Because what’s better than vibrant sea views, ridiculously cute little lambs and some mouthwatering ice cream to top it all off?
Great pictures – that ice cream at the end is tempting! I think your reason for being late is excusable…..
Anabel recently posted…Gallus Glasgow G: Garnethill
Thank you! Everyone needs to try hokey pokey, it’s amazing!
Trying to get completely caught up today. Blogging every day is tough! haha No wonder they call it a challenge! How are you doing with it?
Hi.
I’m popping in via the A to Z Challenge, as one of the assistants.
Lovely photos!
“…vibrant sea views, ridiculously cute little lambs and some mouthwatering ice cream…” sounds like the perfect combination.
Happy A to Z’ing!
Writer In Transit & A Minion From The Joyful Brigade
Michelle Wallace recently posted…F is for Fragile Fanfare
Thank you for stopping by Michelle! The day really was perfect! Now just trying to get completely caught up on my posts
Lovely views! I can’t remember if I tried that ice cream. I just miss the snapper.
Catherine Johnson recently posted…G is for Lost Gardens of Heligan
Beautiful park. I have not been there, nor heard of it before. I thought you were taking on a bit much with AtoZ and the moving in the same month. Welcome to New Zealand.
Rhonda Albom recently posted…Hunua Ranges, Hunua Falls and a LARP in the Woods – #AtoZ
Also popping in from the challenge. Beautiful pictures! Yesterday it snowed a little here (didn’t stick since it was 35F, but I’m loving the tropical feel!
Stacey recently posted…When You Aren’t Expecting a Healthy Baby
excellent photos and forget about running late- we all do from time to time! Cheers!
Kathe W. recently posted…A to Z 2015 Challenge I is for Imposible, Incredible and Idiotez Plus Feline Friday April 10, 2015