Just a little bit further … follow the road to the very end

It’s easy to visit the popular locations, those which are easiest to reach, the place that everyone knows about, and it’s usual the default / safe plan for your trip.  However, if you are prepared to be a little bit more adventurous – consider exploring what’s further down the road … and perhaps follow it to the very end.  Obviously it’s a good idea to have a glance at a map before you do this, as in some parts of the world the road may take you thousands of miles across a large continent.

Our family recently followed the road to the end, primarily to find the last beach along a particular volcanic harbour in New Zealand.  After passing several small townships, we reached the end of the pavement at a nice looking holiday-house type community.  However, we continued onto the gravel road, past the “No Exit” sign, and after a short, but adventurous, drive – we found a beach that our daughter later said was her “favourite beach in New Zealand!”  Best of all, we were the only ones there for most of the time we visited!

The surprising beach we found at the end of the road.

While this little beach looks remote, it was only about 10 minutes from the nearest shops, and about 40-45 minutes from the city.  We loved the fact that  it felt remote, and our view included no developed land (no buildings were in sight) plus a nice view out over the Pacific Ocean.

Feeling remote – not far from town. (Note, if you sailed straight over the horizon, the next place you land would be Mexico!)

We also explored a very short walkway, and found “the niftiest, coolest little rock cove in all the world” – according to our son Luke.  Mind you, I’m with him on this one as it was totally awesome – and photos can’t do it justice (it’s a 4D experience, not suitable for 2D pictures).  There were little caves and tidal pools, shells and shellfish, cool volcanic rocks, natural hanging gardens, old jetty piles from some bygone era, and lots of interesting things for kids of any age … or even those of us just young at heart!

Hidden cove with many treasures to explore.

You’ll note that I’m not sharing the exact location of these beaches … primarily because I don’t want to find it crowded the next time we visit!!  Obviously some of the locals know about it, but I’d prefer to keep it a well kept ‘secret’.

Dad’s Recommendation:
Check the map, but don’t be afraid of exploring a little bit further down the road!