Wainamu Lake

There are these days when you are under a lot of pressure. It’s a weekend and the weather is awesome and you want to make the most of it. But you don’t have plans. Grant, the kiwi housemate, is around so I ask his advice as usual. Of the many options he suggests, I decide for a place close by called Chelsea Sugar Café which is good for a stroll and of course coffee. 

Of the many things Gagan, the Indian housemate, so used to sharing his wisdom, once said, “Bhaiya (brother) whatever you do, don’t ever fall in love with coffee. It will ruin you here in New Zealand.” And I kind of agree. Coffees in NZ are good. And expensive. And I am increasingly getting fond of them. Am on course to get ruined! 

 Anyway, I head out. And on the way stop for coffee and meet some happy souls, dressed in beach, summer wear. On an easy banter I find that they are heading for Wainamu Lake, which is far and quite in the opposite direction of where I am headed, dressed in jeans and pull-over. But then at times you say what the fuck, who cares. So I said, “What the fuck! Who cares?” and set my google maps for Wainamu. 

Situated on the west coast of Auckland, this lake is part of one of the many regional parks. A loop takes about 90 minutes but then I wandered around and ventured beyond. 

By the time I am back to my car, I have spent four hours at the Wainamu lake - exploring, idling, walking. I also spent some time doing nothing. 
I love puddles if I am the one splashing... Walk with me on the Wainamu Stream.
The lake is surrounded by black sand dunes where people of all ages slide joyfully
The loop's mid point is this water fall. As I reach here, I find a few youngsters walking down alongside the fall. On talking to them I find that you can walk up the falls. So I head up. Check this video Exploring Wainamu Waterfalls. 
That's cute!
I reach up to the 9th or 10th water fall after which I give up. Going further would mean risking the phone and wallet. 
The loop circles around the lake

Kids and elders slide these giant dunes...

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