Monthly Archives: February 2025

Hot Water Beach

Posted on February 28, 2025 by If It Was Today

The name might not be all that imaginative, but it is accurate. Hot Water Beach sits on top of a thermal spring that pushes hot water up through the sand. If you dig a hole in just the right spot, … Continue reading →

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The Days Are Just Packed

Posted on February 27, 2025 by If It Was Today

Yesterday, Jan confessed she was getting a little tired of the sunshine and warm weather, and starting to look forward to being home. Today, as we were walking barefoot through the surf, Jan turned to me and said “forget what … Continue reading →

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Jan’s Happy Place

Posted on February 26, 2025 by If It Was Today

When we were in Mount Maunganui in 2023, the thing that we were the least excited about was the restaurants. They were good, but they weren’t great. We had much better luck this time, with excellent meals two nights in … Continue reading →

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Rinse and Repeat

Posted on February 25, 2025 by If It Was Today

Every day that I’ve ever spent in Mount Maunganui I’ve had pretty much the same routine. I suppose it would eventually get boring, but I think it would take a long time. I start with a walk across the street … Continue reading →

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The Mount

Posted on February 24, 2025 by If It Was Today

When the snow is falling outside, and you are freezing your butt off every time you step out of the door, it’s really hard to pack for a trip to New Zealand summer. Every fiber of your body wants to … Continue reading →

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Mount Maunganui

Posted on February 23, 2025 by If It Was Today

Mount Maunganui – known locally as “The Mount” – was one of our favourite stops on our first trip to New Zealand, two years ago. The beach is amazing, so I was looking forward to walking it again. I celebrated … Continue reading →

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Wairakei Thermal Spa

Posted on February 21, 2025 by If It Was Today

For my birthday, Jan booked a room at The Retreat in Taupo, and made dinner reservations at Roquette. And then this morning, she gave me carte blanche to pick the activity for today. Not complete carte blanche mind you – … Continue reading →

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Taupo

Posted on February 21, 2025 by If It Was Today

Sometimes, when you are on a long vacation, you get to a point where you start missing home. You’re still having fun, but part of you is also looking forward to getting back to your usual routine. Not on this … Continue reading →

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New Plymouth

Posted on February 20, 2025 by If It Was Today

This is basically a driving holiday. We rented a car in Queenstown, headed south, then drove up the east coast of the South Island. Now we are working our way around the North Island, revisiting some favourite spots, and investigating … Continue reading →

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Not What We Expected

Posted on February 19, 2025 by If It Was Today

I don’t really have a favourite beer. I enjoy a variety of beers from a range of styles. Generally I’m drawn to “interesting” beer, whatever it might be. But if I did have a favourite beer, it would be Theakston … Continue reading →

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