Work is usually done by noon or a little later, which gives me the whole afternoon off, unless the unexpected opportunity for a job at the local bar pulls through. I worked one day to cover for a staff member who was sick when they unexpectedly had a rush day and really had fun. The owner is lovely -we chatted about how travel helps people become more self-aware, among other things, and she gave me a hug goodbye. Other than that one day, I've been spending the afternoons working out and visiting one of the many beaches within walking distance. It's a little cold for swimming at this time of year, but I might get my courage up one of these days if the sun is shining fiercely. The ocean is dotted with tiny islands which instantly reminded me of the description by CS Lewis of the sea serpent in "Voyage of the Dawn Treader". The coils of the serpents body bump above the water and Lucy thinks they are islands, until she realizes they are shifting and moving. Imagine my surprise when I found out this is actually where "Voyage" was filmed!
On my first visit to Hahei Beach, I walked to a far corner to find my own little spot (thank goodness it's the off season!). I found a lovely little spot with Pohutakawa trees overhanging a cliff. Naturally, I scurried up the cliff and climbed out in the branches of the tree, my own little haven. So how to react when someone invades my space, some beach walker unaware of a girl in the tree watching him. It's amazing how people don't bother looking around them, and especially up. I used to sit in a tree on campus, drinking coffee and whistling and laughing at the people who would stare around them looking for the source of the noise. But when you're not trying to prank people, how do you introduce yourself from a tree? You don't, and hope they go away quickly.
There are several other bays in the area, the most notable being Cathedral Cove. It's stunning. The main feature, and no doubt how it earned it's name, is the rock arch that dominates the beach. I didn't notice it at first, as the stairs come down almost over the top of it, directing your view away from it. Then I turned around and it stole my breath away. I almost shrieked in excitement and instantly ran inside. On the far side of the arch, the tide was lapping at the edges of the beach, and the ocean and skyscape beyond. It was spectacular.
After a couple hours at the beach, it starts getting quite cold, so I spend the late afternoon and evening just relaxing at the staff house. The town is, as Lyle said, quite touristy and therefore outside my budget as far as eating out, and there's not much else to do, but the staff from the hostel have their own little house up the hill to hang out in. I have my own giant room, complete with king size bed, and my own bathroom. I think it's the first space I could call my own (beyond a tent) in the past six months. It's lovely.