Mountain Road, South Hokianga, North Island
Tuesday 29 June 2021
The day started with two marine electricians, both named Chris, turning up as planned to check out a couple of non-functioning pumps and electrical connections … at least, that’s what we think it might be … but the good news is that my “problem” is now someone else’s problem – for a price of course.
Mid-morning Linda and I loaded up John’s twin-cab with our bags and personal belongings for a land-based adventure, over to the western side of Northland – a region known as the Hokianga – to where John and a large swath of his family call home.
Twenty-five years ago, John and his wife Maryke began forging a self-sufficient home and existence out of 1,000 acres of what you could only call bush, or scrub, some of it extremely hilly – mountainous to us Aussies. It’s had its ups and downs, but as for tonight, Linda and I are feeling very spoilt as we enjoy the unique delights of staying in a separate, self-contained wing of the home – while John batches down on the floor in a spare room.
The self-contained wing is up about 2-3 storeys high and has a commanding view down the valley – and being 5 kilometres off the main highway, in the middle of nowhere, it’s as quiet as bro…
It’s been a big day of travel, with John assuming the role of tour guide leader – taking us to a range of places, including the absolutely enormous Kauri tree “Tane Mahuta” – and when I say enormous, I really mean it – the entrance to the Hokianga Harbour, Opononi and of course up here at the property
We’ve just finished a wonderful meal, and after a month and a half living on Chimere, I’ll even be sleeping in a real bed tonight. But I’d better not mention sleep, or beds, anymore because the urge to simply lie down and shut my eyes might become too great. More words tomorrow. For now, I’ll again let the photos do the talking
Smooth seas, fair breeze and land adventure
Rob Latimer
NZ2020 