Slowing Down in New Zealand’s North Island

We came back to New Zealand’s North Island for a second time, but this trip felt completely different.

It was slower. Softer. More intentional—without actually trying to be.

Three weeks. Three places. Each one on the water. Each one offering its own kind of magic. And somehow, somewhere along the way, I felt like I came back to life.

There were no packed itineraries. No pressure to “see it all.”
Just walks, playgrounds, beach days, and space to breathe.

And it was exactly what I needed.

Piha: Wild Beauty & Soul Reset

Our first stop was Piha, and it wasted no time pulling us in.

From our very first full day, we were walking to the beach, wandering into town, and stumbling upon a surf competition. Lunch at the surf school, dinner with friends, and a sunset that felt like a painting—it all just flowed.

Even the windy days didn’t slow us down. We explored North Piha, watched Evan boogie board endlessly, took long naps, and leaned into the quiet.

Piha gave us more than just beautiful scenery.
It gave us connection.

We hiked to waterfalls, had long conversations about life, shared meals with friends, and even had those moments where you fight for your friendships—and come out stronger on the other side.

We met locals who showed us eels, spent hours in the ocean, read, rested, and just were.

It was raw, real, and so good for the soul.

Bay of Islands: Culture, Adventure & Joy

Next, we made our way to the Bay of Islands—and instantly fell in love.

We stayed in Russell, where even the rainy days felt cozy and memorable. We walked to Long Beach (more than once), hiked to stunning lookouts, and ferried across to Paihia to visit the Treaty Grounds.

The cultural performance there stayed with all of us.
The chanting, the dancing, the storytelling—it was powerful.

There was something deeply moving about the way gratitude is woven into everything. Honoring the land. Thanking the ancestors. Calling on those who came before.

It felt grounding. Like a quiet reminder of what really matters.

And then there was the sailing.

Our half-day aboard the R Tucker Thompson was a highlight for all of us. We helped raise the sails, jumped into the ocean from every possible angle, and laughed nonstop.

It was one of those experiences where you look around and think, this is it—this is what it’s all about.

The boys were in heaven—especially Wes, who became completely attached to his boogie board (it went everywhere with us, like a beloved pet).

We balanced adventure with slow days, great meals, beach time, and even cozy movie nights watching The Mighty Ducks (yes, all of us yelling “Charlie, Charlie, Charlie”).

Our Final Stop: Where Everything Slowed Down

Our last stretch might have been the most special.

This was where everything softened.

We spent our days walking to beaches—Smugglers Bay, Little Munro Bay (with tiny baby crabs scattering through the water), Ocean Beach, and beyond.

We hiked, explored sand dunes, discovered hidden coves, and found our “favorite” playground (an elementary school, of course).

There was live music, community events, movie nights, and simple rituals like soaking in the spa and plunging into cold water.

But more than anything, it was the slowness.

No rush. No noise. Just family time.

We were outside constantly—feet in the sand, bodies in motion, salt in our hair. And something about that rhythm—nature, movement, fresh air—shifted something in me.

I felt it.

That quiet return.

Coming Back to Life

I don’t know exactly what did it.

Maybe it was the oxygen.
Maybe it was the cold ocean swims.
Maybe it was finally moving my body every day again.
Or maybe it was simply giving myself permission to slow down.

But somewhere in those three weeks, I felt it:

Rejuvenated.
Awakened.
Re-inspired.

Alive again.

And deeply, deeply grateful for this time in New Zealand.