Nice Beach: what’s with all the people???

May 15, 2010 by
Filed under: Beaches in New Zealand, Cost of living, General Budgeting, Life in New Zealand 

Surfers Paradise. White sand beaches, sun, surf, lifeguards. Crowds.

AKA: You know you have lived in New Zealand about the right amount of time when you feel the beach shouldn’t have anyone else on it. Talk about being spoiled!

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We just had a paddle today – honestly I was too exhausted to swim safely – it’s been a tough few weeks and we had hardly any sleep last night. That and the sea do not make a safe combination. So we walked the <2mins from our hotel room to the beach, took off our sandals and waded in. It was bliss. Not too cold, clear blue skies and turquoise sea.

Only downsides are the fact that there’s a load of building work along the front as the council smartens up the waterfront entrances to the beach and if you turn round your view is of skyscraper apartment blocks and more of them being built.

It’s stunning without a doubt, and lets face it – you can’t really swim at the beaches in New Zealand at this time of year – it’s getting a bit “peaky”. So I intend to make the most of it while we are here.

As for the rest of the time: Hubby it turns out is only at the conference for 3 and a bit days out of the ten, so we have plenty of time to spend exploring. I will spend the time while he’s working his socks off planning his time off. There’s some theme parks which I feel should be worth a look – while NZ has one – its not really gonna match my personal requirements for White Knuckle rides – it has a single rollercoaster. Here we have Dreamworld, WB Movie world and a few water parks. Plus of course all the beaches, and Brisbane only and hour or so away if I really find I want to shop more than is available here. I might try it for a day. Just to see what its like.

For eating out we have bought an Entertainment Guide. This is something we buy in Wellington every year. It costs about $60, but that gives you money off vouchers for all sorts of restaurants, cafes and fast food joints. Sometimes its 25% off the bill, sometimes it’s a Buy one get one free which is REALLY useful when there’s just two of you. It’s a must for anyone eating out at all, as the savings can be immense. It’s also a really handy way to find new restaurants to try. Once you buy a local guide (Wellington, Auckland or Christchurch – which you buy from friends, work or companies as a fundraiser) you can then buy guides direct for other cities, including Australian cities. We saved $19 AUD tonight with a 25% off deal, so you can imagine the savings over 10 days, especially if we go for places where its buy one get one free.

Quite helpful when you are on a budget, and while Hubby is now working – there is a delay in getting paid as a contactor – so on a budget we are.

Next job is to find a place that does decent bacon and eggs for breakfast. There’s not much point in hoping for decent coffee – Wellington has the world beat in that area hands down!

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Related posts:

  1. Beach report – Riversdale 26th July
  2. Beach Time
  3. Anniversary Weekends in New Zealand – I’m off to the beach.
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Comments

7 Comments on Nice Beach: what’s with all the people???

  1. anton on Sun, 16th May 2010 10:28 am

    2. You should go to tangalooma and or fraser island ! wonderful places to visit!!!! dont forget the sunshine coast for way less crowds and craziness!

  2. Paola Brett on Sun, 16th May 2010 4:39 pm

    3. Hi,
    Happy holiday! A suggestion, since you appreciate beaches so much – hire a car and drive South to Byron Bay. GORgeous beach there, no skyscrapers and you can walk to the most easterly point in Oz too! We loved it and happily spent a day there when we were in Brissy last year.
    Have fun!
    P

  3. muggins2 on Mon, 17th May 2010 10:57 am

    4. You have at least one reader/follower in Brisvegas and I was going to suggest visiting Byron Bay as well!

    There’s nothing special about the capital (but we’re emigrating, so I’m not impartial), but if you make it up, I’d be happy to break up your shopping expedition and shout you a coffee. I’ll email my details.

    Whatever, enjoy your sunny break. You’ve earned it (I think ? ;) ). Cheers.

  4. Avalon on Mon, 17th May 2010 6:16 pm

    5. Hey guys,

    Hoping to get out a bit at the weekend, cos we dont fly out till Monday. Thursday and Friday are the theme parks and Dracula’s (gotta get a bit of Goth Glam in while I can!).

    Muggins – what a lovely offer :) Thank you so much. Ive got your email, and while it looks like I may not make it down to the “Big City” (its amazing how fast you can fill up a week or so) ill do my best and give you a call if I do :)

  5. Andy on Sun, 30th May 2010 11:50 am

    6. Why the white sand on the pics you posted looks so grey?

  6. Avalon on Tue, 1st Jun 2010 11:40 am

    7. Cos Im a blogger not a photographer ;)

  7. Andy on Thu, 3rd Jun 2010 4:32 am

    8. Ah, so in reality it doesn’t look that bad, right?

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