OWLING AROUND CATHEDRAL COVE

Posted on 2011-07-25

A new-fangled internet phenomenon was born this week and with it, a new phrase coined. The practice of ‘owling’ – a sequel to the ‘planking’ craze of 2010 – involves crouching like an owl in strange places and sharing a picture of your roost with friends. Notable spots for ‘owlers’ appear to be staircases, fridges, office tables and kitchen work surfaces but there is a whole world out there crying out to be perched upon. So step out of those four walls and settle a-top this beautiful jagged shard of rock jutting out of Cathedral Cove, New Zealand.

Cathedral Cove in New Zealand’s North Island is an area of dramatic cliff tops, sharp rock formations and outcrops carved by the crashing waves. Any serious ‘owler’ would be proud to call this home. The famous marine reserve, donated to the country by a rather generous Vaughan Harsant in 1971, has some spectacular scenery including a sea cave and the honeycomb cliff face of the bay.

Off-shore islands such as this provide protection for the beautiful bleached out beaches of Stingray Bay and Hot Water Beach. That’s right –believe it or not – the aforementioned sea creature is regularly seen lurking in Stingray Bay and Hot Water Beach is infact wonderfully warm.
But, for the very best view of Cathedral Cove, perch at one of the look-out points dotted along the cliff tops and enjoy the sweeping views of this splintered coastline.

For more information about Cathedral Cove, New Zealand and to book, visit www.blacktomato.co.uk or call on 020 7426 9888.