Red beach.. Whangerparaoa. N.Z.

           New Zealand again. Well, you know there is plenty to talk about. I am in the North Island for the entire trip, this year. The antipodes, is located in the Southern Hemisphere, the North is hot, the South is cold. Easy to remember, being the reverse of the Northern Hemisphere, for those who are used to the UK. or Europe. I am sure I must have said before, it's a reasonably under inhabited country. With only a fraction of people here, that are in most places in Europe. I think figures somewhere said, about the same number of people live in the whole country, as live in London. 

           This North island is the one with rolling hills, and deep valleys. As opposed to high, snow capped mountains, and deep drops. Both have rivers, and streams galore, both are beautiful. There are large tracts of bush scattered around the Islands, still quite unspoilt. Bush is composed of mainly tea tree, and palm, with some other small natives. Once giant kauri would have predominated. Logging over a hundred years ago, cut down most of those. With only a few scattered trees of any real size remaining. What do remain, are now protected.

            Here in Red Beach though, it is Urban, the palms are more cultivated, taller, and decorative. The whole of the peninsula of Whangaparaoa, of which Red Beach is the first small centre, is well established. Built up, with mostly single, and double storey buildings. Although, there are a few, constructed a little higher, three, four, levels, often, five. These higher ones tend to be the odd retirement block of flats, but often, quite up market too. New Zealand, along with the rest of the world, have a flood of growing retirement age peoples. People who want to live well, and are too fit to settle into old folks home. They really like these up to date, units, with facilities for movement into something more sheltered, as they age. I guess it makes a nice little community, if you like that kind of thing. I can't imagine it suiting me though.

              As for Red Beach, it originally got its name from the colour of the sand. Maybe way back, before anyone built there, it may have looked red, now, it's hardly any darker than any other beach around. There are one, or two big old trees around the main beech entrance, up from the surf club. These are the Pohutokawas, the native tree that blossoms with red flowers around Christmas time. They call it the NZ Christmas tree. When out in full flower, it is quite a sight. The nice thing is, they are a common sight all over the country. The Red Beach trees are great for kids to climb, with large limbs, leaning at an angle, and great for giving shade on the beach.

             A double, and a triple circle of nice houses, mostly updated, or newly built on old sites, sit smugly stacked, overlooking the vista of golden red sand, wide sea views, assorted islands, and nearbye headland. Most of these, sit high above the beach. Reached by a steep public path, or steps at the same angles, from their own homes. Nearer to the other end of the beach, next to the large trees, the slope is gentle. Easily accessible for all.

              As with the majority of beaches in this country, I have yet to see it heaving with people. Never, as you see in many European countries, stacked end to end with people spread on towels, wind breaks, or deck chairs. You may see, a dozen or so, or a few dogs on leads, when they are allowed during the winter months, or early hours on summer days. Otherwise, you walk, or sit with barely an interruption. A beachcomber on your own stretch of tropical beach. I have spend many a happy day on such beaches, relaxing, reading, dozing, and swimming.

               Red beach then, is perhaps the ideal place to live. Close to the amenities of Orewa, and of Silverdale. Also with their own little bakery, fish & chips shop, chemist, grocery, take away, and doctors. The roads are quiet to live in, some, sloped to give a hard walk, or close to everything you may need. 

              In England, it would be a little fishing village, here, it is a modern, clean, and attractive family place to settle down, and bring up a family. Within a mile or two, are schools, parks, and leisure centres, you would lack for nothing.

              Another of New Zealand's many destinations you could settle, and live the good life. Do not think it would be boring, or too quiet either. Two miles away, are a raceway, (motorised go carts), a ski, snow slope, both indoor, so quiet for neighbours. Orewa has boogie boards, and surf boards for hire. Gypsy fairs are held regularly nearby. With another surf club to teach the children, not only how to swim, but how to survive, and help save others. Something taken very seriously in both NZ, and Australia. There are few kids who do not belong to a surf club. For older visitors, or inhabitants, there are bowls clubs, dance classes, libraries, with boats, and fishing facilities everywhere you look.

             Soon to leave New Zealand again...for a while... I can heartily recommend this small community, and tell you, quite truthfully, there are so many more for you to discover. I could not begin to list them all.

            Come visit, or live, the Kiwi will welcome you, and if you are prepared to work hard, you will fit right in. With plenty of facilities, time, and sun for leisure.