and Dolphins in Ngunguru.

Ngunguru - Beautiful

Well if you are heading to spend anytime with us here in Tutukaka, if you are coming up from the South you are more than likely going to be passing through the most wonderful of seaside settlements, Ngunguru - (Nung - a - roo).  It is my personal opinion that as soon as you come around the corner and pass Munro Place you know you are somewhere special.  Infact I will be so bold as to say you will take a deep breath in.  I still do, after two years, I still draw breath.
From Ngunguru you look over to the pristine sandspit, and with a lot of work from very dedicated locals this sandspit has been given back to the people of New Zealand for the generations to enjoy that have yet to see day.

Last game of the season

Today, being Saturday, our household was up early with the usual scurry of Saturday sports activity.  It was Jack's final game for the season, so ALL of us had to go and watch.  Seems strange that so much effort is made when it is someones last time doing something, or last time for a while doing that thing, I was thinking today that if that much effort was put into everytime someone did something this world of ours may just spin a little smoother for many.
So our team played well, aged around 9 they are starting that competition feel and also the game has become more about flash play than forward play, which makes for a very quick game with much cheer from the side lines.


Mum and Dad enjoying the day

 On the way home through Ngunguru, and just after that deep breath that I have warned you about we heard a sqeal of delight from our daughter in the back seat.  "There back!" she gasped.  As all eyes looked at the estuary we saw what her proclaimed delighted was about - Dolphins.  A pod of 5 or 6 playing in the blue water between the moored boats.
So we pulled over and scrambled down the banks to watch.  Amazing to see them about 20 meters away playing and jumping around.  Pure magic.



Dolphins playing in Ngunguru



So on your way to stay with us at Oceans and as you pass through Ngunguru and take that breath in as you pass Munro Place, keep your eyes on the water for the dolphins.  Take the time to stop and enjoy the beautiful scenery that has been returned to the people.  And if you have the time (you should always make the time) turn right towards the school before you head up the hill to Tutukaka.  Stop and get out of your car and walk on the sand and climb the dunes and explore what is NZ at its best.  And if you are lucky watch the dolphins play.

My meaning of life for today that was found?  Seeing Nature and being honoured enough to observe the Dolphins at play.  Who knows if they have stress about things to get done, or wondering if that dolphin really likes them or is just after something else...who knows, but if they do have stress they take time out to play.  Lesson there.

The Sunday Market was AWESOME!

Oceans Community Market

So Tutukaka had its first (since Oceans opened) Community Market and it was FANTASTIC.  So much so that we are going to do it again on the 25th September.  And if that one is even half as good as Sundays one then you can bet your bottom dollar that there will be one on the last Sunday of every month.  It was fantastic to see so many locals out enjoying the warm sun, great food and looking over the 30 stalls that were crammed full of stuff!  Hand made - home made - unloved items - much loved items and items with no home.  There was food, drink, sunshine, music from two very talented locals and a real happy buzz in the air.

Inside the Oceans Ball Room

Eclectic had racks and racks and racks of clothes out for people to pick through, their shop was a buzz with all of their wonderful items.  If you are looking for something totally amazing to impress your dinner guests at home, go in and see Wendy and the team and have a look at their dry produce for sale.  Pasta that has AMAZING colour!  including black spagetti.  Imagine that with yellow and red peppers.  WOW!!!
Tutukaka Surf had their shop open with some great stuff also.  Necklaces, homewares, surf gear, cards, t-shirts, kids clothes etc etc etc.  Seriously if you have a shopping addiction these two shops alone will serve as satisfaction!  Must admit my husband rolls his eyes when I say that I am just going to go and say "hi", he knows better and I always come back with something.  If you are a surfer or you want to be then the team here know there stuff.  You should call them or pop in and talk with Mel and Simon about heading out with them for lessons.  Check out their new website too!

Steve and Fi with just some of the magic

Steve Moase - a very talented local artist was also there.  If you ever want an orginal or a print of some of the most beautiful art I have seen then you need to meet Steve and his wife Fi.  The Spirit of the coast series is STUNNING.  Oceans Resort Hotel is very priviledged to be able to host just some of Steve's Art in our Restaurant for all to enjoy and to purchase. 
Karen from INTIMO also had her wonderful selection out and I know for a fact that a few people will be back to her.  Check out her website for a sneak peak before next month.


Outside enjoying the day



We have to thank Bianca for all her work, she did a fabulous job along with everyone else that came and supported.  so excited for the 25th and I am saving my pennies now.  Saw some great stuff but was way toooooo busy talking to get to the stalls.  not next time mark my words, you will see me there, I will be the one that you can't see due to all the purchases I am carrying and my husband will be beside me rolling his eyes:)