I've occasionally come across street art in the Auckland CBD and often thought to take a photograph of what really are, some pretty cool pieces. The following showcases only one of the murals, but over time I'll look to add to it as and when I run across projects that are just too good to ignore.

Braving one of New Zealand's best known beaches on the West Coast of Auckland in the middle of winter is not most people's idea of a great time. And doing so at dawn will have most people wondering just how geographically challenged I might be, given the sun rises completely in the other direction.  But you might just be surprised at how worthwhile a trip to a west coast beach is at this time of day, where all the right ingredients are already in place to greet the sun's rise.