Youth Voice – World at our doorstep

The last month of 2021 is upon us and it is looking like another year of spending the holiday season locally. 

For some this will be a challenging time, not being able to travel internationally to visit family and friends overseas. For others, the idea of exploring different sights and scenes of other countries will be missed. However, if you look close enough you may just realise that you do not have to spend thousands of dollars on a plane ticket to have an international experience. 

For the readers who live in the Millwater, Ōrewa and surrounding neighbourhoods, you may not realise that just a 20 minute drive north east of your residence, is a charming little Portofino inspired town, otherwise known as Gulf Harbour! The marine village features a number of eateries which can be enjoyed overlooking the canal. Italia is closer than you think. Just press play on Andrea Bocelli, order a pizza and you will be transported to la vita italiana! 

Or perhaps you would prefer a trip to Egypt to discover the mysteries of the ancient pyramids. Well, you may not know it, but the Hibiscus Coast features its very own pyramid, which could be considered a candidate for the seven wonders of the world. Just five minutes down the road from Portofino lies the Egyptian wonder. Looking out from Matakatia Bay you will see Frenchman’s Island, a lonesome triangular structure sitting offshore. This may be an ancient wonder for you to explore! 

Now, I know for some that travelling to Europe and Africa is a bit too far from home. So for those who may appreciate a trip across the ditch, the paradise of the Gold Coast is only a couple of kilometres away. The long sandy beach, otherwise known as Ōrewa, is the perfect summer destination. The boulevard of restaurants will provide the fine dining experience to top off your day swimming, tanning or surfing at the beach. Be sure to get there early….as it sure does get chockablock! 

Banter aside, the point is if you look hard and get creative enough, that fantasised international experience can be right on your doorstep! At the same time, we live in our very own Coastal paradise which is an iconic corner of Aotearoa and the world on its own terms. You may not be where you’d rather be. However, let’s face it, we live in a beautiful and unique part of the world and this we should not take for granted!