Our latest charges

Maxwell

10 year old Huntaway cross. Max is a very affectionate dog, who is very overweight. This makes getting around very difficult for him. We have been charged with the task of getting his weight down, he is currently 47kgs. We have commenced a strict eating and exercise plan, which consists of low fat dog food and a 15 minute walk twice a day.

He is a very accomplished snorer and has usurped Della in the snoring championship stakes.


Serioja

10 year old shorthaired black cat. Serioja is a very affectionate male cat, who is also overweight. He is very friendly with Max, but Max is not too keen on him licking his ears. Serioja loves a lap cuddle and will talk back to you when you speak to him.

Both animals have entered fully into the daily yoga sessions, usually hogging the exercise towels all to themselves!

We have now got into a daily routine and have all got to know one another.

Kerikeri

The pretty town of Kerikeri is noted for its subtropical climate, citrus and kiwifruit orchards, historic buildings, and an art and craft trail.

The Kerikeri Basin is home to Kerikeri Mission Station, one of New Zealand’s earliest settlements. It was the second European mission station to be set up in New Zealand, in 1819, under the protection of Maori chief Hongi Hika.

The town is a nice size with a selection of craft and knick-knack shops, as well as the essential facilities eg post office, library, cinema, supermarket, pharmacy, etc. There is a good selection of organic produce in the town as well as in the supermarket. The town is situated 10 minutes drive from where we are living.

Surrounding the town the area is dominated with orchards, many of which have now been sold off and used for housing plots. The houses are enormous and each have about an acre of land around them. This makes the town and the surrounding area very attractive. The housing plots have retained the high tree windbreakers on their boundaries, and this makes them very sheltered.

Our house is surrounded by high trees. It is a new build and has only been finished about 18 months. The house is on one level and has 3 bedrooms. There is a large kitchen diner and a separate study and lounge area. There is a double garage and utility room on the side of the house. The only downer is that we have to make do with a 50inch TV!! Great for movies on the Sky channels.

We have neighbours around us, but because of the size of the plots, you wouldn’t know they were there. At the top of our drive there is a quiet lane which has horses and a small plant nursery.

www.kerikeri.co.nz

Northland

We have been to the farthest point south on the South Island, and we are now almost at the farthest point north on the North Island.

Strong Maori roots, early European settlements, a subtropical climate and enchanting scenery - these make Northland both the cradle of the nation and one of its favourite playgrounds. Northland is where Europeans first made their presence felt in New Zealand. It is a region with a history of bloodshed and raw frontier emotions, but is today dominated by holiday fun.

The long history of Maori occupation in Northland is evident in the hillside pa sites and shell fishing grounds around the coast. Maori culture continues to be extensively practised in this region and many Maori tribes live here.

Early post-European history in Northland includes both the whalers, who earned Russell its title of “hell-hole of the Pacific” and missionaries, who brought Christianity to the country. The brothels and taverns have now disappeared, but buildings like the Kerikeri mission station are reminders of early Christian influences.

There is a natural beauty in this area, rolling farmland, white sand beaches, massive sand dunes and rock formations. These views are not spoiled by lots of people. In its forests, with gigantic kauri trees that are up to 2000 years old, it is possible to walk for hours without encountering a single fellow tramper. It is unspoilt and simple. Just the way we like it.

We are looking forward to exploring this final part of New Zealand to be discovered.