Holidays at the Beach!...

Rangitoto Island seen from Mission Bay on Christmas day 2017

Merry Christmas and Happy Boxing day! Yesterday, we spent Xmas day at the beach from lunch and left into the late evening. Our very first time of spending Christmas on the beach and I loved it so much that it won't be our last.

The pic on the left was the sight from our beach front site where we parked our beach canopy and makeshift HQ for the rest of the day.

The beach was at Mission bay where a missionary base was set up with a Selwyn church being established on the site since 1858 with rocks quarried from Rangitoto (volcanic) Island pictured here for the Anglican church. It now serves as a restaurant for discerning patrons for a meal and some wine.

The weather was sunny with a nice breeze and we could see that a lot of Aucklanders and tourists had the same thing in mind with car parks fill to brimming over and picnics taking place all around the beaches, under trees, in tents and anywhere that gave some shade.

This must take some getting used to for those who've travelled from the Northern hemisphere with snow and sleet and not having to wear more than a bathing suit and some sun screen. Having had this experience in spending Christmas time in Oregon, some years ago and experiencing chilly weather in late December.

Was also looking forward to spending Boxing day at the beach but unsure now with the rain pouring down outside but if not will be looking forward to spending more holiday time at the beach or in the pools and enjoying the festivities with friends and family these Christmas holidays. I hope you are too...