Life at No.22, Snapshots of Tauranga

Snapshots of Tauranga #42

Suzanne

There was a wonderful sense of positivity in our city neighbourhood over the first few weeks of January. The air was charged with pre-teens’ and teens’ energy, lively chatter, and deliciously adorable moments that made me smile.

Of course, their families followed two steps behind, towing a trolley laden with athletic gear. All gearing up for some cheerful athletic competition (2026 North Island Colgate Games) at the Tauranga Domain, two blocks from us.

Onwards, and down the hill, I wander along the harbourside walk and cycle path.

The harbour bridge is to the left, and if you keep walking to the right of this photo, you will eventually come across the views in the following images.
A new, fun activity before arriving at the playground.
Carving on the harbourside walk – telling a story or two of our area.

Waterfront Playground

There were to be more adorable moments that morning to cheer me along.

Climbing, swinging, sliding, swirling, swerving, swivelling, swaying, to-ing and fro-ing.

I have never been past this playground when it’s unoccupied, unless it’s very early, like 6 am, when the area is without flapping and shrieking as children eyeballed the next play activity or came close to a cat, who just isn’t any cat, but ā€œthe toughest tom in townā€ ā€“ a large black cat with the meanest yellow eyes and ears torn from backyard battles. Scarface Claw, archenemy of Hairy from the dairy book fame.

Even years after my last reading of one of those famous books, I can still picture and hear in my imagination ā€œEEEEEOWWWFFTZ!ā€ as Scarface Claw yowls. He’s a bully who is somehow globally loved, loathed, and feared in equal measure? And now, rightfully set in bronze on top of a pole. Along with half a dozen of his cohorts. 

The sculpture honours the renowned worldwide children’s writer Lynley Dodd. I still smile when, on the odd occasion, I open one of her books. Such fun books.

I, for one, enjoy being a passive watcher of families enjoying our harbourside as I happily walk on by. Each dollar is well worth spending on the next generation, who, in turn, bring us “oldies” along.

Who are eating our way through the $5 million cost of the new playground, one savoury scone and one flat white from an array of cafes, or two pieces of snapper from the local chippie further along the harbourside, where you can view the fishing boats that brought the fresh fish to your newspaper plate.

Pohutukawa, boats and the Matapihi bridge.
Looking out towards the harbour and beyond to the Papamoa Hills

Never underestimate the pull of families when there is a modern playground that a wide range of ages can enjoy.  Especially when the adults can relax in a stunning harbourside environment.

Heading towards home. Finishing last year with an explosion of pohutukawa blooms.

Don’t tell anyone that I’ve enjoyed a swing at 6 am as the sun came up. It was the best start to that day by a harbourside mile.

Swinging at sunrise.

Ā Linked toĀ Joā€™s Monday Walk.

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Published by Suzanne

I'm a lover of creativity and movement, expressed through photography, words, travel and sports. . . . . . .

29 thoughts on “Snapshots of Tauranga #42”

    1. Gravel on my knees were in my case caused by cycling and being chased by another annoying kid šŸ˜‰ It is a beautiful spot that I keep trying not to take for granted. We just need all the construction to be finished and perfection may be reached. Not to mention the cultural centre and a museum. We live in hope.

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    1. You’re right there aren’t too many swings with a good view. Though, in various other parts of our harbour and especially at Kulim Park there are other swings with a view. No, I haven’t tried those yet, usually too many early walkers in that area.

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  6. A swing at 6am sounds like an absolutely delightful way to start the day Suzanne. Loved this virtual amble with you. Lots of smiles and fun along the way by the sounds of it. Keep on swinging my friend!

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  7. There’s so much solace to be had in a stroll like that. Stunning views, aren’t they, Suzanne! Absolutely good for the soul. A few places here have giant swings facing out to sea, for big kids, but I’ve not seen a comparable view. I enjoyed your descriptions so much, darlin. Many thanks for sharing xx

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    1. Jo, you’re more than welcome. It is a stunning area, and when the rest of the city construction is complete, it will be fabulous. I’m happy that our lovely waterfront is being utilised and enjoyed every day by families and for exercising x

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  9. Your waterfront area looks wonderful and so well maintained. And I loved seeing Scarface Claw! As a former children’s librarian I always enjoyed reading the Hairy McClary books aloud at storytime šŸ˜€

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    1. She’s a gifted author who happens to be from this area. There aren’t many people, if any, who don’t know her books. They are such fun books that bring the child out of all of us.

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  11. Ahh the pull of kids’ playgrounds. May and I climbed to the top of the big rope climbing ‘ball’ at one of the local Hutt Valley playgrounds late one evening last year, when it was unoccupied, and I pointed out that we were technically 10 times too old for this – but it was still fun.
    Very nice photos too

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