NZ Lifestyle Blogger

Twelve years ago, we decided to “go country”.  In desperation, after viewing numerous dairying and drystock units and other country properties, I made a list of the ideal criteria for our new home, in order of importance. 

I remember the first was, “Must be sunny and warm”, and the last, “Preferably with a sea view”.  Somewhere inbetween I had a preference for it to be located close to a service town and main road (we viewed so many in the backblocks, you couldn’t see any other houses), but most important of all was that it should feel as though we lived on a large farm.

Although I no longer have the list, we were lucky enough to find a property that ticked every box! 

So here we are today, an hour north of Auckland, New Zealand, on a 10-acre lifestyle block, about 20 minutes east of Warkworth township, close to Matakana Village, living in our own part of paradise!  We see the sun rise and set and as the land faces north, it is bathed in sun all day.  Well …. we do have a sub-tropical climate here in this part of the world, so there can be rain in abundance. 

Auckland appears to be moving up to meet us now that the local Matakana Market and Country Park Market have opened.  At least we can pop in to buy fresh fruit and vegetables, locally-produced wine, olive oil, bread, cheese, whitebait fritters, blueberry icecream, jams, sauces and pickles.  We can also have our knives sharpened while enjoying a cup of coffee with home-baked goodies, listening to some form of “unique” entertainment!

We have a magnificent view over our property to Whangateau Harbour, Point Wells, Omaha Beach, Ti Point to the ocean.

Occasionally, we have farmstay guests, and it’s thanks to Texas Mike and Erin that I learned about blogging.