Try it Out Tuesday - Estelle and her whanau plant trees on Waiheke

Prior to lockdown life returning my whanau and I travelled over to Waiheke for a fantastic change of scene.

And from that visit we now have a place and something to check on when we return.

Niki, who is part of the community of people transforming McKenzie Reserve on Waiheke, took us on a guided tour of the reserve, talked us through some of its incredible history and transformation and then...we planted our very own Totara tree!

It feels so special to be part of the native planting that is being done here and to know each time we return it will have grown and become more of the reserve and landscape. It's currently the same height as two year old Ava, so a pretty good measuring stick for both tree and baby as they grow.

McKenzie Reserve is a place you can walk through as well, there are actually a few designed walks as part of the Waiheke Walking Festival that take you through here and I feel like it's a really unique and fun way to connect with a beautiful NZ location...fresh air, incredible views across Enclosure Bay and a real feel and understanding of a community coming together to nurture a wonderful place.

Highly recommend.

You can discover more about the Waiheke Walking Festival HERE to start dreaming and planning up your own escape to Waiheke.