Hike to Te Raukawa Moana Lookout

I used to dislike summer. Summer for me was a series of hot and humid days. In my hometown city, sometimes people can fry an egg by just leaving a frying pan with some oil outside under the hot sun. Summer also means that I couldn't go out much because the sun is too strong, plus the humid heat makes me feel suffocated. It is even worse at night. As I lived in a small place I couldn't sleep because the heat was everywhere.

Those were the harsh summer days when I lived in the capital of Vietnam. Since arriving in New Zealand, summer is one of my favourite seasons, the one that I miss the most whenever we get a bad weather day. I love the feeling of gratefulness and appreciation to have a nice day and to know that I will have a very long day ahead to enjoy life.

That's why I always cherish and spend all the time I have enjoying warm summer days. Today let's join me on a walk to a beautiful beach in Wellington. I did this walk several weeks ago when we had great weather.

We took bus no.1 from the city centre. After 25 mins, we arrived at the bay. I could see some people were sunbathing, walking their dogs or swimming. I told my partner, what a great day but not many people out there. But then when I looked further to the sea, there was a line of black things that I couldn't tell at my first glance. Then suddenly a strong wave came in and all of the surfers stood up to ride the wave.

_{The beach looks empty at my first glance}

_{Only some people around to play with their children and their dogs}

_{Do you see them? Out in the sea, these black spots are not rocks, they are surfers waiting to ride}

We continue our way to a small track named Te Ranga a Hiwi Track so we can have a full view of Wellington airport and the bay.

_{It is quite steep at the beginning and I could tell it is not well-maintained as grasses grew everywhere and there was a part with a scary-looking atmosphere}

There is an area right at the start of the track where grass couldn't grow but low, wet bushes covered the area. I was a bit afraid to walk in this grove, even though I knew that there were no snakes or other poisonous creatures in NZ.

As I passed through that area, I imagined the gloomy scenes of horror movies, so even though I went uphill, I tried to go as fast as I could. Fortunately, it wasn't long before I was able to see my surroundings and the beautiful wildflowers and grass that I liked.

There it is, that place is Wellington airport, the scene is starting to be poetic and beautiful. Now I just have to wait and see if any planes take off or land so I can take good pictures.

Airport at a closer distance

Nice photo with houses on the cove overlooking the airport

_{I am not afraid of height but standing on a small path on the top of the hill and looking down like this was a bit scary too}

After waiting for a while, there was no plane, so we continued along the trail to see other areas. In summer, the trees here are overgrown. One of my favourite things about Wellington is that dills grow everywhere. I often just go for a little walk and then came back with herbs like dills or parsley to use for the week.

Arrived at the lookout, I could see a 360 view of Wellington Habour and Island Bay. I took a bit of time to just sit still and be immersed in these wonderful views, imagine if I were a bird flying over the big blue sky or if I were a fish, I would ride the fast and furious wave down there. I appreciate and cherish every moment that I have on this beautiful planet and I told myself I should do everything I can to protect and preserve it.

It was a short walk from the starting point to the lookout and then back to the beach. We spent less than 2 hours on it. I was glad to do this walk as I haven't visited this place before. Until next time my friends, cheers and have a great week.