Rarangi and friends

From Abel Tasman we drove back down to the east coast to stay with our good friends brother and family, Zac, Leah Fin and Gus W in the beach town of Rarangi.

They are pretty amazing hosts considering we had never met them before! Zac grew up in Chilliwack and we are good friends with his brother Sam and his sister Kaitlyn as well as their parents Josh and Leslie. Kaitlyn’s daughter Rowyn is Mikaya’s best friend and boy do they miss each other.

Our first day we explored the local beaches and an amazing tidal cave in an area called Monkey Bay while the Ws were in school.

The waves here had incredible power! It was a bit dodgy to swim past the breakers but the kids had an amazing time getting pounded and tumbled on the shore. Levi got the most beat up and had some great rides up and down the beach and some good bruises to show for it.

The next day we spent the morning at the Blenheim library, got tacos and then drove out to Whites Bay beach to join  Fin and Gus and Leah on their school beach day.

The kids had fun building dams and then we explored some more caves.

Both Fin and Gus are pretty brave!! I was a little nervous about the far reaches of this cave but they showed the way.

After a beach day we feasted on brisket and macaroni and the kids enjoyed the hot tub.

The next day we ventured to a different part of Rarangi beach and saw how the locals do it. The area felt a bit like Gill road with 4x4s and dune buggies and lots of fisherman.

Zac brought his kayak out and we all took a spin.

Zac and Leah kindly set up their tent trailer in their front yard. Best camp spot ever!!

The boys enjoyed teaching us their version of Dar. I don’t remember their name for it, but apparently this was a gift from Grandpa Josh.

They also played a few rounds of chess. Fin and Gus are very skilled!

Our last night we watched the fourth Harry Potter movie and the kids stayed up late. Fun times.

Overall we had an amazing stay here and it was so nice to get to know Zac and Leah and the kids. We have known their family for years but they were away on the island and now NZ.

I didn’t take enough pictures so I’m putting this one in again.

Amazing hosts with fresh baked bread, brisket, fun confident kids and many many enjoyable conversations. They happily opened up their home and welcomed us despite never having met us before. That is true hospitality. Thanks W’s!!!!