Miguel and I love to go fishing, fishing around Auckland's harbours and beaches being an activity we both enjoy. Researching for F.A.D.S. (Fish Aggregating Devices) where the fish often feed, lunar and solar cycles, tides, currents, are great ways to ensure you get the best bites and the biggest fish! And if you don't prefer spending a day fishing but the better half does, a good swim and some fresh sea air is a nice change to the boring weekly routine.
Miguel's 'fishing spot' research was cut short when my dad's phone call came in one Saturday morning. Dad already found a good spot on the fringe of Awhitu region, an hour's drive away from Auckland city, overlooking the Manukau Harbour. We decided to follow my parents with all our fishing equipment geared up for a big fishing day! Approaching Awhitu beach, we studied the sky and although it was overcast, rain looked to be an unlikely event (a little tip for planning a day out in Auckland - always carry warm jackets along, we wouldn't want anyone caught unaware in a passing shower). We walked for a while, along the narrow strip of beach, where we met two young children carrying a bucket of eel and a small snapper they caught - the children had the biggest smiles on their faces! With high hopes of catching something for dinner, we walked along Awhitu beach and watched locals trimming their hedges and mowing their lawns, waves gently breaking on the soft yellow sand and a few seagulls swinging over the water in the cool salty air. After a ten minute walk, we reached a spot of sand - a little private slice of Awhitu beach that we did not plan to encounter and certainly one we did not want to leave!
.JPG "Awhitu Beach, Auckland, New Zealand")
Overhanging foliage that took root in large sedimentary rocks locked their bending branches low over the surface of the water as though fighting for a glimpse of their reflection in it. This peaceful canopy at Awhitu beach, a result of these mischievous trees, became our spot for the afternoon. Unpacked, geared and all ready to fish, we set our lines far into the water, only to feel naughty little fish eat the bait off our hooks. After an hour or two of repeatedly re-assembling and throwing our lines in, we concluded that it was pretty pointless to stand and wait only for the little fish to get smarter around our hooks (the fish won the battle that day). Instead, we sat down on the rocks and absorbed the spectacular harbour view, the smells, the textures and the sounds all around us. If you had to close your eyes and imagine yourself going through a busy week in an air-conditioned office at your desk, filing papers and calling clients and going to meetings, a good break would be to see and feel the elements of Awhitu coast all around you. Some of us needn't even imagine a tedious working day, we're living it right in this very moment. So, we took Awhitu's simple beauty in, bit by bit, and thoroughly enjoyed it!
If fishing isn't your go-to activity, planning other outings around Auckland can be adventurous, exciting, peaceful, relaxing, educational or entertaining as well. There are plenty of things to do and places to visit around New Zealand. Our advice is to make room for unplanned surprises around Auckland - you might just enjoy them more than the intended activity itself!
So, what are you waiting for? Take yourself, family and friends to explore New Zealand's beautiful beaches, get your walking shoes on and trail through the many reserves and bush walks, or simply join a group that will show you around - New Zealand is sure to leave you refreshed, energised and ready for another week ahead. There is no one perfect way to plan a day trip right, just go ahead and do it, you deserve it!
Written by Simone Garcia
Photography by Simone Garcia
Bush, Beach Walks, Coastal and Wilderness Tours from Auckland, New Zealand
If you are someone who likes having your trip planned for you, click to read more reviews and book sightseeing activities and tours from Auckland through TripAdvisor.
Parks, Sport Activities, and Facilities around Auckland, New Zealand
If you are planning an activity around Auckland, click to read more information on parks, activities and facilities from the Auckland Council.
Weather Report for Auckland, New Zealand
If you are planning an outdoor activity around Auckland, New Zealand, always check the weather forecast first! Click on weather forecast for Auckland, New Zealand from MetService.
If you like this article, or have any suggestions for me, I'd love to hear from you! Please leave a comment below.
