Sunny Otaki

What is Summertime and Christmas without a yummy, scrummy ice cream and in Otaki we have the best ice cream in the whole, wide world!  Ice Cream, Gelato, Sorbet, in so many of your faverite flavours, Chocolate, Strawberry Ripple, Peanut Butter, Ginger Crunch, Coconut, Mint Choc Chip, Rocky Road, Blackberry, and any kind of berry, if you can dream about it, then you'll probably find it in Otaki at Koru Ice.  

I love Christmas, it's a great time of year to spend with your family, relaxing, eating yummy food, having a few drinks, and exchanging some presents, all in the beautiful surroundings of Otaki and that warm summer sun.  Using social media, I found my faverite photos that to me represent Christmas in Otaki.

My last blog post, Around the World in Otaki  was so popular, I thought I would create a part 2.  Otaki and Te Horo have some beautiful landscapes, varying wildly from sunsets, kite festivals, forests, rivers and churches which rival that of other locations around the world and you can visit some of the most famous locations around the globe right on your door-step! Check out Around the World in Otaki Part One here .

Otaki has come along way, the beautiful Rangiatea Church was destroyed in a horrific fire, but rebuilt by the community, there is amazing shopping on the main highway and on Main street, the Beach Pavillion is still used the by public.   It may not be a post office anymore, but it's a well used and well loved building housing cultural art work. We've put togther a couple of then and now photographs. What do you remember from this wonderful town ?

Pavola, the traditional Kiwi Dessert, no party is a success without one!  Te Papa, New Zealand's national museum in Wellington, celebrated its first birthday in February 1999 with the creation of the world's largest pavlova, named "Pavzilla", which was cut by the Prime Minister of the time, Jenny Shipley.

Retracing your family steps and finding out where you come from can be an amazing step back into history. Otaki and Te Horo both have a wonderful and rich history, and using the local resources available you'll be able to research your family tree. Who know's who you'll find...

National pride is always something that comes in abundance of enthusiasm, and when it comes to your flag, you want to feel as though it represents you as a nation.   There is plenty of discussion about New Zealand's current flag, and whether you love the flag or want a new look, it's important to take a look back at the history of the current flag and consider all the facts before making a decision.

Otaki Township through the lens. A quick look at downtown Otaki on a slightly overcast, but still very warm day. The small rose garden by the War Memorial, the public seating, toi toi bushes, the Mural on the Civic Theatre, a small wheel barrow by Choices Art Cooperative, the Memorial Hall and the Family Hotel.

Who can resist a splash about in the ocean, especially on a night like this, what a fantastic afternoon at Otaki Beach jumping the waves, splashing Mummy, running about with Daddy and Uncle, all with the back drop of Kapiti Island, simply spectatular! There were a few tears when it was time to leave from Mr 3 1/2, who was soaked, but he had a great time splashing about.

"This year I was lucky enough to follow the Maoriland story for the whole week. Everyday I woke up wondering what I would see, hear, and be reflecting on by the day’s end.  Personal highlights for me would be the enthusiasm for the festival from our local schools, particularly on Wednesday morning at the Wananga where the students creations were watched, cheered and critiqued. What an opportunity, to realize that a creative act can be carved out right here at home in Otaki using just talent, enthusiasm and hard work." Simon Neale - Otaki Threads

A quick drive up to Otaki Gorge to run a few errands and the scenery never disappoints! Out with the Camera and snapping a few shots of a very beautiful Otaki. All but the last photo  #DonkeyDoo, are   just over the road swing bridge on Parenga Road, a simple farm scene, but looks spectacular! The last photo, just made me giggle, love the signage and the little imagery of the Donkey. Once again, thanks Otaki!

How many different ways can you photograph the word Otaki, we've put together a few to get you started, what can you do, shells, sticks, water, leaves, people, what ever you can get your hands on, photograph the word Otaki with what you can find...

Mr 3 1/2 discovering Te Horo Beach for the first time, what an exciting time, a wild and ruggered beach full of drift wood to climb, shells to collect, stones to throw into the puddles and waves to jump and plenty of treasures to find. A very exciting afternoon playing on the beach followed by a picnic in Nanna and Poppa's caravan.

One mum, one uncle and two nephews, our walk in the Forest at Otaki Beach near the Otaki Health Camp.  It was a beautiful day and the boys loved exploring the forest, running through the pine needles, playing in the trees, Mr 8 Months had a great time hanging out in the baby pack, first with Mum, then with his Uncle.

“The plan to provide something to ease the burden of Christmas for some of our town’s families originated from Strengthening Families in Levin, who had funding for the year left over and decided to to buy hampers or presents for families with very little. A lot of community groups donated to this as well, in particular Subway, who set up a tree in both their Levin and Otaki stores, and asked people to leave presents there.