Maybe west really is best?

This was an adventure we undertook back on Anzac Day but as I'm still discovering puddles of black sand amidst the washing, kids shoes and throughout my car, I feel I'm justified in posting this as a recent 'to do' plug. My husband has a special gift buying bargain cars via trademe (incase anyone wants advice) and since late last year I have been in love with my Jeep Cherokee 4WD. Its one of the few cars out there that can comfortably fit 3 carseats, 2 adults, a pram, 2 bikes and a chubby labrador, but other than stuffing it to the gunwales we haven't done anything very intrepid in it. Thankfully my husband also turns out to be quite the nifty off road sand dune driver too, so after spending a precautionary $25 at Repco on a bungy tow rope, we were off to Muriwai Beach north west of Auckland. We're not unique in doing this - there must have been hundreds of families and groups there that day, but it was a top first for us. We made it out onto the beach without getting bogged and then slid down the sand dunes on cardboard and when the wind got up we huddled in the boot with our picnic. A slight detour to the Riverhead Tavern for hot chips and beer overlooking the water before heading home was the perfect end to the day. So get that suburban 4WD beast of yours out into the wild like it deserves - we're on the look out for new places to venture too - pass on your best tips by leaving me a comment (just click on  'comment' below)

Helpfull links include....this one which discusses the various pros and cons of access points to the beach - Muriwai best 4WD access discussion or else check out this info from ARC - The Essence of Muriwai

interactive art adventurers

 

 

Hopefully that wasn't the last of the sunshine yesterday morning but if so we managed a great morning out exploring our local Art gallery (how posh does that sound!). We're lucky to have the Wallace Art Collection on our doorstep, housed in the beautiful Pah Homestead within Monte Cecilia Park (off Hillsborough Rd). Entry by Donation and there's a great cafe with seating inside or on the terrace overlooking the garden, scuptures and out across to One Tree Hill - its really quite spectacular. Turned out to be Kid paradise too - the gardens are extensive, gorgeous trees and rolling hills and riddled with rabbits in summer. James Wallace is responsible for NZ's largest private collection of NZ art and his trust sponsors the Wallace Art awards every year, the trust has worked with the council to restore this historic homestead and now it is home to his wonderful collection. The art changes frequently and it is full of friendly volunteer helpers. Its one of my (very) happy places and I was so thrilled the kids enjoyed it too - lots of space to run around outside and more than enough to look at inside too - they fitted right in and tip toed and whispered all the way round. Definitely worth a visit - rain or shine. (I'm obviously no photographer but hopefully the pics pass on the message - we had fun!)
James Wallace Arts Trust @ Pah Homestead

bootcamp styling in the sunshine

 

Am all a quiver with endorphins following my first ever bootcamp session. A brilliant time and more than worthy of a plug. I'm pretty quick to use "mother of 3 under 5" to get me out of a lot of things but this session was tagged kid friendly and at the civilised hour of 9.15am I felt it was worth a shot. It's located at Bellevue Reserve on Dominion Rd/Bellevue Rd with a kids playground at far end of the field, I'd recommend bringing your other half to help keep an eye on really young ones but with a cafe close by for coffee supplies it makes for pleasant child minding duties. My 4yr old happily followed me for most of the session, providing added incentive to not fall apart, so older kids would be fine to potter within sight or join in here and there given the very cool and safe location. There appeared to be a diverse range of fitness levels with some super fit looking types alongside beginners like me, but sessions are structured to give you scope to push yourself no matter what level. It felt like great value and is very well run, certainly better value than you'd ever get flouncing around a gym and a good fun morning out for the family too. Their website is ... www.outdoorfitness.co.nz ....and I'm booking in for Kelly's session each sunday for the next 6 weeks (just $75!) - check it out!