We’d planned to chase surf that day.

But it turns out our wild adventurous souls were destined for grounding with a day on the land and in the shore.

We packed up the car the night before. The surf reports showed swell would be headed our way. But when we arrived at the beach on the cusp of the Coromandel peninsula - that we planned to have a cruisy day at on the logs - just before the break of dawn, the ocean told us it had other plans. We were prepped for size, but not strong currents and short periods.

We watched the sunrise as the big, wild, messy waves rolled in and surrendered to the call of adventure.

Not without a coffee first though.

The Coro morning sun

Looking back at Mauao during sunrise after an early start and drive up the coast. My first thoughts were to show Natsumi a little local hidden gem, but due to forest fire restrictions the road was closed. The unpredictability New Zealand, meant that Mother Nature lead us to where we were meant to be that day. Across the road, in the morning sun we played with wild Toi Toi instead before hitting the road again.

Where the forest meets the sea

We arrived exactly where we were meant to be, where the forest meets the sea.

And we just basked in the wilderness, soaking up the sounds of the crashing waves and smell of the onshore salt air… with tortilla chips, humous, hot cross buns and a couple of sandy bananas to keep us fuelled.

Natsumi, ocean

The power of the ocean, and its inhabitants washed up ashore.

A bluebottle jellyfish still moving in the sandy shore.

Just one more adventure…

After relaxation, drawing, reading and frolicking around at the beach, Natsumi and I decided there was one more adventure we wanted to pursue on our way home. We already had this one in sight for the day, and I’m so glad we threw caution to the wind and just went. Because it was all kinds of stunning. The downhill walk into this small but wild bay was just as gruelling as the uphill home. Worth it though.

Needless to say.

Logs stayed firmly on the roof that day. And for once, we were ok with that.