This morning we got in contact with Margaret who we know from Circa and she was kind enough to ask us out to visit her on her life style plot (Kiwi for a 10 acre farm).
In addition to visiting with Margaret, we got to visit some of the other residents. Deb is feeding Pansy.
This is WIng Nut, the resident ram and pet of sorts.
The rest of the residents were a bit less accommodating preferring to keep their distance. Might have to do with the fact that one or more is headed for the freezer in short order.
One of the cows is going to end up there as well but they have more time left.
Margaret also has a nice garden full of fresh veges.
The yard is also home to apple trees, a walnut tree, guava tree and plums trees among many others. The neighbors yard sports a beautiful flower garden.
Both Deb and I have been impressed by the variety and quality of fruits and produce here. The things Deb brought back from the local farm market were spectacular. Prices, however, are no bargain. According to a recent study, the cost of living in Auckland is on par with living in London.
After a nice visit with scones and home made plum jam (yum), Margaret was off to the beach and Debby and I went for a drive up the Tutukaka coast. The following pictures were taken around Whale Bay. While not far from Whangarei, the roads to get here are torturous and steep with numerous switchbacks. Average travel speed is not much more then 35 miles per hour. Bridges are typically one lane (smart these Kiwi’s) – reduces construction costs and each one indicates in advance who has the right of way. ALong with traffic circles and clear “give way” rules, things function pretty efficiently (except when an errant American forgets to stay left).
On the way back to Whangarei, we stopped by Whangarei Falls for a quick visit. The falls are over 80 feet high and very impressive.
Best
Pete and Deb