Summer

The pohutukawa trees are beginning to show their spectacular colour. Nothing like bright red flowers to show off our NZ Christmas trees.
Add the greenery and the big blue sea and you have some wonderful scenery. 

Native plants

taurepo (NZ gloxinia)

It's always a delight seeing our lovely plants in flower. The Pohutukawas are just starting to flower, kowhai have now finished, and we found many little taurepo flowering this month. This is the only gloxinia found in New Zealand and is plentiful in the Matheson Bay bush area.

Leigh Harbour Walk

Leigh Harbour is a pretty little harbour with a wharf, boat ramp, fishing and leisure boats at anchor. A delightful walk is around the harbour past the Jolly Fisherman's Lodge, through some native bush to a beach. There is a chance to also see dolphins or orca in the harbour or a gannet diving in for a feed.

Leigh Church

Leigh Church

Last weekend Leigh Church celebrated their centenary. Great talks, DVD, books and supper shared with other locals. So good to hear more about this beautiful church and its history.

Leigh changes

Kaka at Tawharanui Regional Park

October at last and starting to warm up with sunny days. There are many changes in Leigh. The fish and chip shop has reopened and is looking great and of course the fish is soooo fresh! Leigh Bar will reopen again this month and the Sawmill Cafe is continuing with their half price pizza nights.
The old derelict Leigh Hotel site has sold and new ownership will take place next year and it will be rebuilt although not as a hotel. Watch this space for more news on what will be there.
Bed and breakfast bookings are coming in already for December and next year, so we look forward to welcoming more visitors to our area. 

Best Summer

Snorkelling at Goat Island Marine Reserve

I can't remember ever having a better summer than this one. So many sunny days, so little swell and little rain. Lots of visitors coming to enjoy the good snorkelling conditions at Goat Island. Many weddings also being held in the area so demand for accommodation has been very strong. End of March and still so warm as we head into April.