10 days with my Mum in Te Aroha is like stepping back from the hustle and bustle and taking life easy.

A bullet point summary of what happened during this time would be as follows:

• celebrating a birthday party
• capturing some street photography
• experiencing Te Aroha Domain day
• walking up to Bald Spur several times
• watching the blood moon
• eating ice-cream

Can totally recommend the Palace Hotel for a most delicious meal!

Meanderings around the main street…coupled with some amazing sunset colours!

Te Aroha Domain Day There were markets, food stalls, croc and music. The Te Aroha Brigade put on a pretty fiery display!

The sign says it’s a 45 minute walk to Bald Spur (Whakapipi Lookout). Distance wise it is a 2.8km walk up the mountain. It’s a constant uphill climb but worth the sweat and tears once you reach the lookout. My best time was 36 minutes – woohoo!!

Blood moon rising!

Road trips and ice-cream!