If you need to escape the heat or just fancy a change from the beach while you’re in Otaki, the pine forest is a great place to go. It’s sheltered and peaceful and you might stumble across the huge rope swing (how did someone get it up so high??) or one of the many little huts that hide amongst the fallen trees and branches.

It could be easy to lose your way in here but keep sight of the hills in the distance (always east) and you know that the sea is in the opposite direction (always west). If you go too far north, you’ll come to fenced off private land (clearly marked), so you’ll know to turn around.