My First Solitary Road Trip
For Christmas this year I decided to go on one last road trip and this time I was going solo. I have been on many road trips over the years with friends and family but never by myself. So I decided to give myself the gift of liberation for Christmas and it was exhilarating. I had the wind in my hair, my favourite music on shuffle, fantastic weather for driving and all the time in the world to get to my destination. To give it extra points, it was a place I have never been to before. It was just me, my little car and a map to guide my way. I stopped wherever I wanted, whenever I wanted. I got to pick whichever music that struck my mood and sang along at the top of my lungs without fear of judgment. I enjoyed every moment of it and drank in the scenery belonging to the beautiful country I call home.
No New Zealand Christmas is without its pohutukawa trees by the waterfront on a sunny day.
My destination was Napier. A seaside city known for its fantastic weather, wine and the devastating earthquake in the 30’s that led to the city being rebuild in the Art Deco style which remains to this day. Though my stay was short, I thoroughly enjoyed a proper summer after a disappointing one in Wellington thus far. It is amazing how a bright summer day can lift your mood and leave you feeling recharged. People in Napier took to the water sports fervently. My favourite was the people paddleboarding in Pandora Pond. A little shop called Pandora Kayaks on the waterfront provides the equipment you will need for the excitement. This is certainly one thing to tick off on my bucket list.
The people of Napier having a blast in the waters under a blazing sun.
The amazing view from Pandora Pond calling you out into the waters.
The city’s waterfront is also dotted throughout with colourful murals, sculptures and compact cafes, bars and restaurants. Walking through the streets of the city gave me a sense of tranquility despite the lively buzz of people out and about. I also loved to find gems in the form of gardens and retro architecture. Being there definitely gave me a sense of being transported back in time which will definitely be even more so during the annual Art Deco Festival.
An emotional and thought-evoking mural at Napier’s waterfront.
Palm trees in the Clive Square Gardens, very fitting for Napier’s sunny image.
A little piano on the streets of Napier for those brave enough to play a tune.
Milk and Honey‘s panfried fish with chargrilled corgette, red quinoa, apple and macadamia salad.
Milk and Honey’s slow cooked Korean spiced pork, red cabbage and apple slaw with salted coconut and pandan sauce, garnished with coriander and peanuts. (This was amazing, highly recommended.)
My journey to Napier also allowed me to discover some treasures along the way…
You could feel the quiet fury building up along the Kapiti Coast.
The impressive Manawatu Gorge which reminded me of the scene of the Flood of Bruinen in Lord of the Rings where the Black Riders were washed away.
The cute little store of The Clock Shop in Waipawa.
This sign in Takapau embodying the spirit of wine in the Hawke’s Bay region.
A cat mailbox among a row of mailboxes in the countryside.
My favourite of it all was the lavender farm I visited on my way back to Wellington. Tucked away in the little roads off the highway through Otaki sits a gorgeous farm waiting to be discovered by passing travellers. I was very lucky to have visited in the right season, a month later and the lavenders would have been gone in the harvest. As soon as you entered the farm you could smell the fresh lavenders. Its rows upon rows of purple was breathtaking. For a small donation fee you could go into the farm to rest and take photos to your heart’s content. Had the weather been better I would have loved to meditate in the field of flowers inhaling the relaxing aroma.
The big sign of Lavender Creek Farm hailing you to stop and visit.
A peek of the lavender farm beyond the fences.
Taking a selfie with the lavenders.
Trying to pose in the field of lavenders.
Trying to pose again in the field of lavenders.
Embracing Mother Nature in the lavender field.
This was a much needed trip for me to end the year on a good note. It has been a step in my forever journey towards self-discovery. I found freedom and joy again on this trip. I urge you to go on a solitary road trip if you have yet to try it. Go on a journey for yourself. I promise it will open up a world of wonders and new appreciation for the world around you, and most importantly, you will discover yourself.
Here is to trying many more things for the first time in the new year. Happy New Years everyone!
Live. Love. Laugh. Liberate.
– Avis Knows
