West Auckland

The Pipeline

admin — Thu, 05 Apr 2012 02:34:19 +0000

Time has slipped by and nothing has been mentioned in out and about since New Year!! A small fire in the kitchen prompted a makeover so much time has been spent researching benchtops, cooktops, and how to refresh the kitchen without it costing a fortune. If anyone needs the details let me know – as I feel I have conquered the quest for a stunning kitchen on a budget. In between this task I discovered the new track which goes from the Arataki Centre to the pipeline (at the corner of Woodlands Park Rd & Scenic Drive). Best this way to avoid the uphill bits. A fantastic walk – with all the right ingredients, bush, views, and a good level track most of the way. Can be split in two by finishing at the Shaw Road intersection. Best way is to take two cars – leaving one at Shaw Road and taking the other (with all passengers to the Arataki Visitors Centre) Then when you arrive at Shore Road you can drive back to pick up the other car.

BLOG BLANK

admin — Sun, 12 Feb 2012 17:05:22 +0000

Seems that blogging is dependent on an interesting life with day to day happenings and being ‘on the move’. Since Xmas/New Year days have been spent in ‘recovery’ mode (all that enjoyment) – and focused on refurbishing the kitchen due to a small mishap. Once this has been rectified – I hope to spend more time on outdoor pleasures around the Waitakeres and Kumeu if the late summer holds on. I was hoping to have photos of the Rangiwai Road street party last week – what a great neighbourhood – but as yet the pics have not materialised.

IN AND AROUND THE HILLS

admin — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 16:06:59 +0000

: The view from Waitakere Estate on New Years morning.

Another brekky at Waitakere Estate on New Years Day – a good start to the year. A very misty morning but the view was still gorgeous. This place makes my heart sing.

The following day visited Richard Neale at Rangwai Lodge to share some catch up chat, bubbly and a wonderful lunch time feast. Rangiwai Lodge has such an amazing lounge with stunning views to both harbours. Richard is a fabulous host and the Christmas decorations as always were gorgeous.. We were lucky to see them just before they were due to be dismantled on the following day.

In between showers, Tosh (the westy) has been walked through the track to Titirangi Village, and time was also been spent on office work, housekeeping and cooking. As a distraction, in ‘Savemart’ on Veronica Street New Lynn, I found David Lawrence jeans for $15!!. It will take a few weeks to settle down from the Xmas/New Year shopping and eating. After all the food consumed over the last three weeks, more excercise is in the plan for 2012 and exploring the tracks and trails of the Waitakere Ranges should be a bigger part of future topics..

A BIRTHDAY TREAT IN THE WAITAKERES

admin — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 02:25:52 +0000

Breakfast is a really special event when its your birthday, and loving a little of the posh, breakfast in a hotel was my idea of heaven. Living in the most beautiful region in Auckland, a table with a view in Auckland’s Waitakere Estate on Scenic Drive in Waiatarua was decided. This lovely old hotel is nestled in a landscaped acreage in the Waitakere Ranges. Recently refurbished it still holds the glamour of yesteryear with the service to match.

And glamour it was. From the sweeping driveway , to the warm and inviting lobby, to the dining room with its amazing panorama of the Waitakere hills to the Sky Tower – it is an Auckland icon.

The first cup of coffee came with a warm croissant. I ordered French Toast with bacon and maple syrup, and my husband had the scrambled eggs. Both the service and the meals were excellent. I cant wait for another occasion to enjoy this lovely hotel right on our doorstep. I’m thinking that High Tea on New Years Day may be the go.

XMAS DAY AT PIHA BEACH

admin — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 02:24:08 +0000

A family picnic at the beach was a dream come true on Xmas Day as previous years they were all overseas. The weather was perfect with just a hint of cloud taking the sting out of the sun. An Idyllic spot was found under the shade of a pahutakawa tree in full bloom. Beside the grassy patch a stream ran out to Lion Rock and the sea. Surprisingly, there were no large crowds - just a wonderful blend of kiwis and exotic nationalities happily enjoying Christmas Day at Piha Beach.

The tide at Piha Beach was way out and we wondered if this was a warning of a Psunami . The lifeguards assured us we were safe so the girls posed in front of the surf for photos with their Aunty Lisa (the pin up variety) for Happy Xmas Day memories. Should it be necessary I decided that the top of Lion Rock would be a safe bet.

At the end of the day with no dishes to wash, happy grandkids, lots of fresh air, a belly full of turkey, ham, salad and what was left of the wine the Eski was repacked and we headed homeward at the end of a lovely Christmas Day at Piha.