January 7, 2014

Housesitting Heaven

We really lucked out on the six week housesitting 'job' we now have in New Zealand. We are staying in a wonderful three bedroom bungalow in a surburban area with a beautiful garden.


Our only responsibilities are to look after the garden, mow the lawn, check the mail, and feed some doves, which roam free. 


Most housesitting jobs come with the responsibility of looking after pets, and are thus much more restrictive. We are enjoying staying in the same place, and cooking the food we like to eat, after months' of restaurant food. Say hello to salads, and goodbye to greasy food!

But don't think we have succumbed to couch potatoes! We have rented a car, and enjoy being mobile on our own terms. We have tramped (Kiwi word for hiked) in some beautiful regional parks close to home. Time to get fit again!

Waitakere Ranges Regional Park
This park is located about 40km northwest of Auckland, and features wild surf beaches with black sand, exposed rocky coastline, scenic costal forests, and stunning views - this is Piha.


We tramped the 16km Mercer Bay Loop Walk/Comans- Ahu Ahu track Circut as well as the Pohutukawa Glade Walk, and had a great day.


The vegetation is very different from at home, and reminds us a little of Hawaii.


Tapapakanga Regional Park
Located 70km south east of Auckland, this park offers rolling farmland and expansive costal views. We tramped the 7.4km Coastal Walk followed by a refreshing swim in the ocean - the water is 21C.




Musick Point
We walked along Bucklands Beach to the end of Musick Point, which is named after a famous aviator who visited NZ. We had a wonderful view of the Rangitoto volcano.


as well as through a hole in the rock.


It is so beautiful here!

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