For me, summer isn’t the time to plan ambitious getaways. Here in Mohua Golden Bay, we tend to keep things local and let the season come to us.
That leaves plenty of space for small adventures and gentle exploration right here on our doorstep. These mindful micro-adventures are intentionally simple: some invite much-needed solitude in a social season, others celebrate whānau and wider community.
I hope there’s something here to inspire you to slow down, adapt, and savour summer in your own way.
1. Sunrise walk with BioBalance Matcha Powder
This one is just for me and the dog, while the rest of the household makes the most of a summer holiday sleep-in. Nothing ambitious — just a gentle 20-minute stroll along the beach as the sun comes up, with a matcha latte to ease me into wakefulness. It’s a luxury that’s hard to come by once school and work routines kick back in, so this is a January ritual I really enjoy.
|
2. Foraging adventure with Pacific Harvest Kombu Strips
A favourite with the kids, whether we’re collecting cockles, raiding a wild plum tree, spotting hakeke (wood ear fungus) in the bush, or picking edible wildflowers for tea — red clover and dandelion are summer standouts. Proposing a half-hour foraging mission is one of the easiest ways to get the kids outside and engaged with nature. Pacific Harvest’s wild harvested kombu is delicious addition to soups or stews.
|
3. Birdsong meditation with Absolute Essential Stress Less (Organic)
Often this is a very micro micro-adventure: simply sitting on a bench under the trees for five minutes with my eyes closed, listening to the birds. It works beautifully in the kids’ treehouse, or on a well-placed seat on my way back from a morning walk. Having a signature essential oil blend associated with this time helps me drop into a calm, sensory space quickly — even in a small window.
|
4. Brisk hill summit with COOLA Rosilliance Tinted Moisturiser SPF30
There’s nothing like a bit of elevation to get the blood pumping and reward you with a fresh perspective. I always feel more expansive after a hill climb. COOLA sunscreen is my go-to for vigorous movement — it’s so light and breathable, while still giving my skin reliable sun protection.
|
5. Frisbee with friends, with Weleda Arnica Sport Cooling Gel
We’ve been loving simple lawn sports that everyone can join in on, regardless of skill level. Frisbee is a winner — even 15 minutes of movement in the afternoon or after dinner lifts the mood, especially when laughter is guaranteed. A little arnica sport cooling gel afterwards helps keep bodies happy after doing something slightly out of the ordinary.
|
6. Afternoon tea on the lawn with Organic India Tulsi Peppermint Tea
This micro-adventure often follows naturally from the previous one and can include any number of friends and whānau. A couple of picnic blankets under the trees is one of the simplest, time-honoured ways to savour summer. The kids love hauling out cushions and making tea — there’s something novel about seeing adults relax at grass level. A pot of Tulsi Peppermint and a pot of Earl Grey seems to cover most bases.
|
7. Moonrise stroll with Tui Balms Extreme Bug Spray
I don’t do this one often enough, but when I do, it feels truly magical. (That said, nothing takes the shine off a dusk beach walk like sandflies and mosquitoes, so I plan accordingly.) Even if I don’t spot the moon until it’s well up over the horizon, just being outside under moonlight for five quiet minutes before bed is a grounding ritual that makes me feel more connected.
|
These micro-adventures help weave more wellbeing into the everyday moments of summer, keeping it close to home, close to nature, and close to the people we love.
Whether you try one, adapt a few, or create your own, I hope they support a season of connection, ease and simple joy, wherever you find yourself.
|