Nothing beats a weekend at the seaside. No matter what the weather or the season the beach always seems to revive the senses and refresh the soul.

 Hopefully you feel like I do and get the opportunity to go to the beach on a regular basis. I used to live around the corner from the beach up in Auckland, I know I hear ya, so lucky, I totally get it. Whenever I needed to fathom something out or clear my head, get my thoughts in order, I used to head down there and stroll across the sands littered with broken oyster shells and small pebbles. There was always a distraction, whether it was a wave rippling on the shore or a sea bird burrowing into the sand. It has remained with me and now on the South Island I try to get to the beach as much as I can – not so easy these days when it’s a good 50 minute car journey away, but I appreciate I am luckier than some in that it is at least drivable. 

Tide is out at Scarborough Beach, Sumner

Scarborough Beach at Sumner is often my top choice. Largely as it’s the closest sandy strip of beach to my home. If the tide is out you have a huge stretch of firm sand to stroll across. If it’s in then there is a large promenade to enjoy. Early morning is my favourite time, but there’s nothing like an evening stroll with a paper folded plate full of fish and chips. The local fish and chip take away in Sumner is pretty good, they usually have a selection of fish such as Gunard, Blue Cod or Hoki, all easily available on the South Island and caught probably just a short distance away. Who doesn’t love fish and chips at the seaside? Such a New Zealand thing to do. 

Exploring the rock caves at low tide at Sumner

If it’s morning I’ll head back into Sumner town to Coffee Culture to grab a flat white and cheese roll – again two very Kiwi things, especially the cheese roll, the South Island sushi – give it ago if you love cheese. Top tip, the ones from Coffee Culture are some of the best (trust me I’ve sampled a few for comparison purposes). At Sumner Coffee Culture there are outside street tables always a good bet to enjoy on a warm day.

You can’t beat a pavement cafe by the seaside

Saturday morning is a good time to head over to Sumner as this gives the perfect opportunity to visit Lyttleton Farmers Market on the way back. The road between the Sumner and Lyttleton has just reopened after being badly damaged by the 2011 earthquake. It’s a construction nightmare cut literally out from the cliff side overhanging the Lyttleton Harbour. If you get the opportunity it’s well worth a drive in its own right.

Hang gliders landing on the beach at Sumner

More to come about Lyttleton shortly…..