Regional Parks

 There are 35 Regional Parks in the Auckland Area and administered by a local Council. These parks respond to a wide range of interests.  Each offering something slightly different from the other.  They include marine reserves, bird sanctuaries, old growth forests,  historical sites, walking and hiking areas, beaches, waterfalls, recreational sites, botanic gardens, volcanic and geologic land forms and alpine  retreats. As many as we have been to we have yet to be disappointed.  The vast majority are located on or around beautiful beach heads providing panoramic views of New Zealand's 
rich and diverse coastline.

Blustery winter days offer  less hospitable conditions , but no less appealing visually.  The pounding surf, under somber grey skies provide a stark contrast to the sun lover's sun bleached perspective.  I rather enjoy the contrast, as it graphically reflects the sculpting
 influences of wind and water
 on the rugged landscape.

My company soon abandoned me to the wind and rain as they sought warmth and shelter in the car.  I took some of these pictures while making a futile attempt to protect the lens and 
myself from the splatter of rain 
and the ever present wind.

 A combination of storm surge and high tide left very little beach to walk upon. Walking over some rocks was an invitation to get wet and I did as a big wave came splashed both Arendje and I. You can see where it happened in the picture above.  That is Arendje in the blue coat.

 Tawaharanui Regional Park is where all these pictures were taken.  It is particularly noted for the abundance of bird life.  The park is fenced to keep out unwanted predators and it has apparently paid off. There were birds of all kinds around.   The one on the right could be seen everywhere where there was a green spot. They shared the green spaces with sheep.  I gather they were being used to keep the grass down.