Beginning 2019 at the beach
A brilliantly sunny and hot summer’s day saw crowds of people flock to the ocean on Taranaki’s first day of the new year.
The temperature hit 25 degrees Celsius in New Plymouth and in Oakura it was hot enough to melt the tarseal under the feet of people at the Carnival Market.
Ritchie Berry, 8, along with older brother Jake, 10, was one of dozens of kids who took to a water slide to cool off between periods of eating
‘‘Yeah it was pretty fun. I’m sort of chilly now,’’ Ritchie said.
Corey Freeman, 13, and Kahn Shaw, 12, travelled from New Plymouth and were enjoying the hot weather as they tucked into sweet treats.
Kahn was another who hit the water slide and, unlike many of the smaller kids, managed to avoid getting dishwashing soap in his eyes even after five slides.
Neither Corey nor Kahn had much to say, but clearly were loving their day at the beach.
Over at the food stalls Jenni Matherson of PLANET B was the only stall of about 20 to offer vegan food. Matherson said she had been too busy to notice how they were fairing against the other non-vegan food sellers but thought having a presence at the market was a great opportunity for the business.
‘‘It’s New Year’s Day, everyone likes to eat and do nothing else really.’’
Back in New Plymouth, the Coastal Walkway was a fury of activity and all the city’s beaches were packed with swimmers and sunbathers.
‘‘There are 1000 people enjoying the beautiful summer’s day,’’ Todd Cations-Velvin of Fitzroy Surf Club said. ‘‘It’s a great day at the beach.’’
Although the beach was busy there were no issues, except for a few bumps and scrapes while people were having fun. ‘‘Everyone
has been really good, swimming between the flags and listening to the lifeguards.’’
Over in Opunake head lifeguard Thomas Bell said a head count showed almost 200 people were at the beach.
Bell said everyone was staying safe in the water and swimming between the flags.
Today the weather is expected to be a bit cooler, reaching a high of 22C with morning cloud and the possibility of morning drizzle but this should clear up by the evening.