NZ : Welcome to the magazine and wine party

When we arrived in KeriKeri far from the beaten track, we crunched up the gravel path toward one of the most gorgeous houses either of us had ever seen. We were looking frizzy, windswept and pretty shattered from all of our diving but were welcomed with open arms by Vanessa and the family. We had arrived at the Owens in the Bay of Islands for what was supposed to be a quick two day Help x experience, but as we stepped in to this delightful home and were welgiven home made bread and seafood chowder, we both realised that a short stay was not going to be possible at somewhere this lovely.

Vanessa and Richard were kindly letting us stay in Driftwood Bach (NZ term for a holiday cottage) and when we saw the place we could not believe our eyes, a vintage looking cottage with  fully equipped kitchen, washing facilities and a DVD collection that could keep us busy for months, there was definitely a happy-dance performed as soon as we were on our own.

Whilst you're travelling heaven = clean clothes, a place to cook, hot water and clean linen:
As we looked out over the astonishing view of the Bay of Islands and sky full to bursting with twinkling stars we both remarked on how truly blessed we are on this trip that such unexpected and wonderful experiences seem to find us.

We spent the next day working with Vanessa sprucing up the new headmasters abode. We painted a water tank, a shed, lots of fencing and carried more buckets of mulch to the raised beds than we care to remember. It was a hard slog but all worth while when we cooked up a lovely meal of bangers and mash and lay our heads on the feather pillows to watch some movies!

The weather was fine the next day and we made our journey up to the very North of New Zealand, Cape Reinga. It was a pretty big drive but rewarded by the views of the turbulent ocean where the Pacific meets the Tasman Sea creating big foamy, impressive wave formations coming in at angles to one another.

 From this raised point looking out in to the vast ocean beyond you could see the curvature of the horizon. This was to be our first night sleeping in the wagon, we parked up at Spirits Bay, blew up the mattresses, munched on our dinner and were tucked up by 6.45pm, it gets dark early in the middle of nowhere with no electricity.

We spent the evening reading our books and listening to the howling winds and rain that had started up outside. It certainly was a different kind of experience sleeping in the back of the car and as we headed back toward the Owen estate we were pleased to be offered some warmth and a comfy bed for the night.

We simply couldn't resist the delightful family and beautiful surroundings so we ended up spending another 3 days with the Owens. Vanessa had us painting vintage caravans and cutting out appliqué for the decorative cushions, Susie was even able to help Vanessa's daughter Millie to groom her horses. We were invited to join the family for a Sunday roast which was delicious and much appreciated before we headed to the Bach to catch NZ Xfactor taking Molly, their teeny dog with us for some extra company.

I think we fell a little bit in love with the whole family and were sad to say goodbye to them as we departed with our goodies of homemade cupcakes and fig chutney. We were headed back down South hastily trying to make up for lost time and prepared ourselves for the big drive to Piha beach and beyond...

Peace and Love,

Jan and Sooz.