Titorangi Bay is at the end of one of the Marlborough Sounds, at the end of a two hour tortuous twisting road. There is a sandy beach and a farm that lets you camp in a paddock, and a bay with fish.

We arrived just as the rain was clearing. All the tents were huddled near the back of the sand dunes and the wind-swept trees grew sideways, so while it was still during tent-set-up, we had a clue as to the wind potential.

Somehow I never got a photo of a windy day, but the calm was picturesque.

Looking out from the point where the land-bound fishermen held their vigil.

A fresh water creek made a good place to rinse the wet suits. Many mornings we awoke to sheep being moved to a new paddock by the farm dogs.

Bath time

Our friend lent us this “flash” (i.e. fancy) tent for our trip. Room to eat inside when it’s windy and cold.

The main draw to Titorangi is for the fishing, and the fishing improved for our fisherman once our buddies arrived with their boats to occupy the bach next door. They arrived with a passel of kids, so our kids gained playmates as well.

There is a proud fisherboy! Jeremiah pulled two blue cod out of the bay whose stomachs were full of perfect miniature paua, which I gleefully kept for future adornments.

Gurnard, with its startling upwards gaze and surprisingly decorated fins, is hands-down the prettiest fish of the catch. The sea is generous there, providing a smorgasbord for those who can jet off to the good spots in a motorized craft. Guess what our fisherman has been shopping for….