Otari Wilton's Bush

On a windy summers day in Wellington, we love to go for a walk in the bush.  It's still warm in the bush, yet you're sheltered from the wind.  One of Wellingtons best and most popular bush walks is at the Otari-Wilton's Bush.  Parking is free at the south end, between the Otari School and the Wilton Bowling Club, and also at the north end on the Wilton Bush Road.

You may find your way to the Troup Picnic Lawn, which is a lovely sheltered green with picnic area, toilet, water, a stream and plenty of play appeal for dogs and children.  But, be warned, if you go on a weekend in the summer you will be driven nearly mad by the smell of BBQ cooked meat.  Of course, you can nip out to the supermarket at Croften Downs to buy some 'emergency' sausages, steaks or kebabs and other supplies.  The two electric powered hot plate stations are free to use, although we found the one above quite slow at cooking.

All the children found themselves in the water, whether they planned on it or not.  We always plan on it, as we know the appeal it has.  It has that irresistable appeal of shallow slow running water which is not too cold as it doesn't get very deep, and the other most important factor, stones.  We've discussed the water and stones effect on children earlier, and although there is no cafe here, you can bring your own supplies and enjoy a fantastic day outside.  At this time of year do bring sunscreen and a hat for everyone though.

This dragonfly was a big hit with everyone also.  It was very tame, happily sitting as it was oogled by noisy children and amazed adults alike.  It seems to be channeling its inner kitten with those facial features.  And was positively enormous, at 15cm across the wing span.

The Wellington City Council Otari Wilton's Bush information pamphlet can be found here for more details and maps:

http://www.wellington.govt.nz/services/gardens/otariwiltonsbush/pdfs/otari-forest-tracks.pdf

Makara Beach BBQ

Yesterday we ventured out to the dramatic Makara Beach to cook up some lunch on the beach.
This beach is steep and stony immediately in front of you as you arrive at the beach.  This part of the beach lends itself to very satisfying stone throwing.  In contrast you can take the gentle walk to the left to a sheltered spot from the main beach with plenty of rock pools to explore.
We found a sheltered spot on the main beach to set up camp.  Then the kids were sent off to find driftwood for the fire.  A stone circle is set up to encase the fire but the main purpose is to heat up the rocks to allow us to cook our lunch. Whilst the photographer was distracted with taking the above shot it is believed newspaper, fire lighters and matches were deployed, and voila:
  
The next step is dependant on being a little prepared before veturing out to the beach.  We have a kit bag set up with all the cooking equipment, and just needed to stop for a few supplies on the way.


Cooking began and was quickly devoured by our wind swept group.  We also had some hungry seagulls who keenly awaited for scraps that never came.
 As a final treat we took wooden skewers, which we’d soaked in water to prevent them from catching fire, for toasting marshmallows.  This was the highlight for the kids and the grown ups were only too happy to show them how it is done.
 

Before leaving the beach we took great care to douse the fire and rocks in sea water.

Makara Beach also features in our post about Stones, Water & Cafes.

Stones, Water & Cafes

How to keep everyone happy over the school holidays?

STONES, WATER & CAFES


The school holidays are upon us.
Enthusiasm and energies are high, and the weather is conducive to being outside.
So, where to go and what to do to keep everyone happy?  ASK THE LOCALS.

Wellington boasts stunning and accessible coastlines with enough going for them to keep everyone happy.

Our favourites of such spots any time of year are:

Maranui Cafe, Lyall Bay

The menu is consistently fresh and delicious.

Which is why there is often a queue out the door and down the stairs.  Never fear, the queue moves quickly, but will be busiest around lunchtime.
They are open from 7am to 5pm, so get there early to avoid disappointment.
www.maranuicafe.co.nz

The Maranui Surf Life Saving Club patrols the beach along Lyall Parade, Lyall Bay.  This is very popular with surfers, swimmers, walkers and all those drawn to sand, stones, water and great coffee.

Chocolate Dayz Cafe, Days Bay

Enjoy a meal inside or out, or takeaway to enjoy the most of the beach at Days Bay.
The Cafe is expertly run by owners/Chef, and offers mouth watering counter food and made to order food from the menu.
They are open 8am to 5pm on weekends, 7.30am to 4pm weekdays.
www.chocolatedayzcafe.co.nz

Days Bay has plenty on offer for the stones, sand and water quotient.  The Ferry can take you there from Queens Wharf, Wellington waterfront across to Days Bay, stopping at Matiu Somes Island.
Williams Park is opposite the Days Bay Wharf, which offers a flat green area perfect for frisbees, an ice cream parlour and a pond with ducks and swans.

Makara Beach

Has it all.  With steep stony beach with crashing waves, perfect for throwing stones into.  Or you can take the walk around to the left of the beach to the rock pools for an explore and climb and rest bite from the wind.
Then when everyone is tired and hungry, venture into the Cafe Makara, Makara Road.
Our favourites there are milkshakes, ice cream cones (with hand scooped ice cream), and toasted sandwiches.
Be warned the road from either Karori or Johnsonville to Makara is narrow and windy at times.  Take it slow, there are often cyclists cycling that loop.  See how many pukeko birds you can spot.  We were delighted to see a pukeko flying last time.

Lady Norwood Rose Garden

At the top of the Botanical Gardens with free parking access up the lane opposite the Chinese Embassy, Glenmore Road, Thorndon.  The beautifully tendered rose garden is a delight to visit any time of year.  Even in the middle of winter, it is still a tranquil setting for all.  As well as the magnetic pond in the middle of the rose garden, there is also the Peace Pond with its ducks to feed, waterfall and protected seating.  If it all gets too cold and blustery, venture into the cosy warmth of the Begonia House to sit and watch the lily pads and fishes feeding.

The Dell behind the Begonia House and Picnic Cafe is a great spot if you take your own picnic.

Picnic Cafe, Lady Norwood Rose Garden

Our favourites from the cafe are the fruit & marshmallow kebab sticks, the savoury scones and panini's.
Time your run to the cafe whilst there are no tour buses parked in the vicinity, or you could have a long wait for your order.
The cafe is open daily from 8.30am to 4pm.
www.picniccafe.co.nz

Scorching Bay, Karaka Bay Road

The drive either from Seatoun or around Shelly Bay, Miramar Peninsula is very picturesque and another drive to be taken slowly to enjoy the scenery.  The Scorching Bay Domain has great facilities with a play area, grassed picnic area, toilets, showers and changing rooms, gentle sandy beach and rock pools.

Scorch-O-Rama Cafe

Enjoy the indoor seating or the tables across the road from the cafe. Don't worry, the waiters wear high visibility vests whilst bringing your order across the road.
All the food and coffee is good and they are licensed, so you can enjoy wine or beer by the glass.
The cafe and milk bar is open weekends 8am to 6pm and weekdays 8.30am to 5pm.  Open longer hours during the summer nights.
www.scorchorama.co.nz

Enjoy the outdoors, where ever you go, and stay tuned for more things to do in Wellington.