Overlooking the beach.

There are steps down from Highfield Reserve to a small platform built off the cliff, surrounded by pohutukawa. It is a blissful retreat where you see and hear nothing but the trees, the sea, and the birds.

When I was there yesterday, I lay on the deck and stared up into the trees. While I lay there, a tui came and landed on the brach above, signing beautifully. The perfect shot. But also the perfect moment and I didn't want to break it - or scare the tui away - by reaching for my camera. So you get a view down to the bit of beach where we spent every summer of my childhood (well from 8ish onwards), instead.