Family holiday on Tiritiri Matangi 2016 part 3

Monday morning was the same reading and guiding routine, but for the afternoon we headed off to the far end of the island 3 kilometers away. So it's a bit of a walk, but on the way we came across a takake in the bush called Nohoa and then excitingly a kokako and we got some great views of this normally hard to see bird.

The elusive Kokoko spotted on the walk to the beach

Stopping to look at all the birds really slowed down our walk but after an hour we arrived to find the beach all to ourselves, so we were all alone except for some shags and oystercatchers.

The only company on our beach for the afternoon

The first thing was a nice relaxing swim after the hot walk, and being on the north side of the island the water is really gentle and the waves mild – perfect for Robin and Luke. I also was able to swim out around for a bit and play with the boys.

Then I had a bit of a nap in the sun while the others all clambered over the rocks looking at shells and crabs and other exciting things among the rocks.

Julianne and the boys exploring the rocks.

Then one of the greatest highlights of the entire holiday happened, Robin actually asked to go for a swim!

Normally I find it really hard to get him into the water so this was a great announcement, so back into the water with the boogie boards from Grandma heavily in use. Then more reading and then Robin asked for yet another swim. This is just how I envisioned the holiday happening, quality time on a beach, and the fact it is private with birds around is just a bonus.

A Luke invented way of getting dry, hot rocks plus me swimming off in the distance.

At 5pm we decided to head back to the bunkhouse and start on tea. On the walk we came across a pair of takahe with a young chick and considering there are only around 290 of these birds left - to see one in the wild like this is pretty special, plus it was so close.