Orewa, population 5,000 or so, probably best known for it's beaches that seem to stretch from horizon to horizon. (A slight exaggeration, fine, but they're still quite impressive.) There was also ample parking, particularly around Hillary Square, named after Sir Edmund Hillary, which I think is something noteworthy as well.

Well, if that didn't make it easy to find things, I don't know what would. Thanks, Transit NZ!	From along the beach, given the winds and rain, the surf was something lovely to gaze upon.	And if you lived here, you could have these sorts of views every time you looked out the window.
The beach is also perfect for running with your dog, although as we discovered with this pooch,	a certain someone's Dalmatian wasn't really in compliance with the posted signs about leashes.	Shopping to be done? Why not try one of these cute shops, complete with a light-up Santa on the roof.