Life Lately #8

The first two weeks of 2026 have been a sun-soaked blur—packed with lake days, lazy hangs, and unapologetic frolicking. It feels like a crime to waste weather this good by staying indoors, and we refused to be criminals!

John and I went back to work on the 5th of January, and for the first week it was just the two of us and one other colleague. Everyone else didn’t return until the 12th, which meant blissful quiet in the office where you can actually hear the hum of the air conditioner and your own thoughts echoing. Delightful.

Lake Taupo with its bluer than blue waters
Snow-capped Mount Ruapehu peeking

Our workdays eased into holiday-adjacent mode. We’d roll into the office at a very relaxed 8:30 instead of the usual 7:30. I’d wrap up by 2 or 3 pm once my to-do list was conquered, while John would stay on until 4, heroically chipping away at his ever-growing workload. After work, though, there was only one destination: the lake.

We only get a few solid months of real summer here, so we’re making the most of every warm second. Taupo absolutely explodes during this time of year—our population doubles, sometimes triples, with tourists chasing sunshine and lake life. Swimming, parasailing, paddleboarding—you name it. Finding a free spot along the lakefront is a mission, with tents pitched everywhere, people sunbathing, barbecuing, and fully committing to holiday mode.

Hubby's favorite thing to do:
promising he will read his book but ends up napping

John and I join the chaos fully prepared. We pack sandwiches, chilled fruit, and chips and call it dinner by the water. We read our books while soaking up the sun, John disappears for a quick run, then magically reappears minutes later. We’ll jump in for a swim to cool off, and on most days, we finish with a long walk along the lakeside paths, clocking up four to six kilometres without even noticing.

The lake is full of action, and we are here for it

Dates on Sundays

By the time we get home, the night slows right down. More reading, an old film, or a few rounds of our beloved games. We end the days sun-drunk, content, and absolutely fine with the sunburned noses and soggy towels. 🌤

No Rhyme, Just Reason is a Taupō, New Zealand–based blog by Ariane about books, good food, long walks, and unapologetic naps.