Nigella Lawson reveals she's been 'lapping up' the sun on Waiheke Island

Celebrity cook Nigella Lawson has revealed she's soaking up the sun on Waiheke Island, while friends and family back home in the UK battle the "Beast from the East".

Posting to Twitter and Instagram, the 58-year-old has shared an idyllic image of Oneroa Beach. Taken from the hillside, Lawson's snap shows off an almost cloudless blue sky above the quiet, sun-drenched bay.

She tweeted: "I feel very mean posting this given the weather back home - not that I ever mind the cold - but am happily arrived in beautiful New Zealand and just lapping it up."

Followers responded on Instagram with "Haere mai", "Welcome back Nigella to our gorgeous country" and recommendations for Mudbrick at sunset, the Oyster Inn and The Annex during her stay.

Lawson's island escape marks the second time in as many months that she's touched down on Kiwi shores.

Last month saw her make a whirlwind trip here to promote her new book, At My Table, and to host An Evening with Nigella Lawson sessions in Auckland and Christchurch.

NZ Herald.