Sun-drenched beaches magnets for masses

BABES: Amber Page (front), 10 months, and Kacey McIntosh, 15 months, have fun in the sun.

Holidaymakers flocked to Mount Main Beach and Pilot Bay to make the most of the sun yesterday.

Traffic was gridlocked through central Mount Maunganui and finding a park was nearly impossible but that did not put a damper on the day.

Papamoa couple Rachel and Levon Wells made the trek to Pilot Bay for a picnic lunch and a swim with their kids Renee, 10 and Nate, 7.

"It's just good for swimming here with the kids with no waves," Mrs Wells said.

Nate said he had enjoyed spending the afternoon in the water. "I like swimming and boogie boarding and floating in the boat," he said.

Aucklander Kimberley Lassey and her family were staying with relative Rachel Southon in Mount Maunganui.

"We're marae styling it. There's like 10 of us in one little house. We do it every year."

They arrived at Pilot Bay early in the afternoon and set up a gazebo to enjoy lunch in.

Ms Southon said they also preferred the safety of the calm bay. "It's safe for the kids. There's lots of grass area."

Papamoa residents Jacqui and Kevin Sawford also made the trip to Mount Maunganui with their children.

"It took us 45 minutes to find a park but that's all right. It's expected today," Mr Sawford said.

The family chose to go to Pilot Bay so their kids could use their new canoes. "They just got them for Christmas so they've been having lots of fun in them. They've just got their snorkel set today," Mrs Sawford said.