Mataikona bach

New Zealand apparently has almost as much coastline as the continental U.S., although it is only the size of Colorado. It is said that no place is more than 47 minutes from the sea, close enough that anyone can drive to the beach for the day. Still, there is nothing like watching the tides coming in and out from your front window.

As we have travelled around New Zealand, we have found that on our free weekends we prefer to stay in rented cottages on the coast with sea views. We research them on the internet, and so far each bach has lived up to our expectations. We arranged for three nights at this typical bach on the ocean.

It was a very windy weekend, and on our first day there, we attempted to visit the lighthouse at Castlepoint, but the warnings were up not to attempt the steps in windy weather as it is considered too dangerous. As the sand was blowing in our faces and the wind nearly knocked us off our feet, we just drove back to the bach. The next day was quieter and we were able to walk up the narrow path and stairs to the lighthouse and beyond. Barry took this fabulous photo of the lighthouse and the barrier reef and lagoon beyond.

We were slightly discomforted to discover that from Castlepoint to Mataikona is a Tsunami hazard zone.