Boats in the morning light.....

.....on Ohiwa Harbour.

It was calm and peaceful on the harbour this morning, much better than yesterday's showery day. White-faced heron's, gulls and oyster catchers were feeding as the tide was receding. Clouds of fog were drifting against the hills as the sun broke through, it was magical.

Ohiwa Harbour and Ohope Beach are separated by a giant sandspit that supports the beach town of Ohope. Relatively shallow and dotted with islands, the harbour has long been a major food resource for local iwi. It is also home to a multitude of marsh and shore birds, shellfish and fish species.
 
Today my aunt, mum and I, had the pleasure of seeing where my cousin and husband are going to be building their new house. It's all very rural, surrounded by bush with a stunning view of Ohiwa Harbour and the mangroves. Plenty of bird life, fantails, bellbirds, wood pigeons and the call of kiwi during the night.

Well after our hike of course we had to visit Julian's Berry Farm, my third encounter, this time an organic strawberry sundae was truly enjoyed :)))

Enjoying a short break away in the eastern Bay of Plenty, North Island, NZ.

Another backblip which I'm enjoying reliving our trip as I put them up :)