The Flash Bach

It's our last day in the very far north as we're heading down to the bay of islands today. 

I thought I'd end our stay here with another post on the real estate. When I arrived, it was hard to not notice the vast number of empty lots. But the community does have a lot going for it, and though most of the homes below are probably vacation homes, there is a friendly year round population too. 

Starting with the basics, below is your stereotypical NZ bach. Tiny, but enough space to store a boat and fairly popular as a vacation rental.

Decent ones Like the one below, start at about $300k NZD ($240k CAD).

But there is lots of flash around here too. This one is not for sale, but indicative of the nicer houses here.

This one is across the peninsula from us, listed at $860 NZD ($688 CAD).

The terraced looking houses are popular. Here's on just around the corner from us listed at 1.2 mil NZD (IMHO, overpriced).

Another interesting thing is that the local bylaws (covenants) do not seem to have many restrictions on look and feel, or even usage. So you can basically build whatever you like. How about a modern white box?

Or a Spanish villa. (The house below has security cameras, an automated gate and an intercom too.)

Or you can even converted a single car garage into an IKEA style home:

As you've seen over my last few blogs, there isn't that much to do here. Most people who own these homes love this area because they fish. So almost all of the homes have ample parking for boats and their various accessories.

Some houses seem to take boat storage to the extreme. This is actually a home (or at least it is until they develop the rest of the property):

When you're not fishing, there a few other pursuits up here for those looking to burn some money. The Karikari Estates winery is beautiful and has a lovely restaurant.

They are also located across the street from Carrington Resort and golf course. The two establishments are owned by the same company, so you can even drive your golf cart over to the winery after your game.

Also, if you're looking for a place to park your sail boat, there are plenty of options. It's not an area I'd want to stay in long term, but I can certainly see the appeal.

Matai and Waikato Bays

The beautiful twin bays of Matai and Waikato are my the last beach reviews from the very far north.

We spent two afternoons up at the bays. They are nicely sheltered and get a lot less wind than much of the peninsula.

It's a shame I'm not a better photographer, as my pics just don't do them justice. (I think you would need a serious panoramic lens for that.)

Other than being highly photogenic, it's also great for swimming, snorkeling, bird watching, hiking or finding a secluded cove to just hang out in. Also, though there are shells on the beach in some areas, for the most part it's just sand.

There is a small campground nearby, but otherwise the bays are very secluded.

Beach review #4: Matai Bay and Waikato Bay

Rating: 4/5

Best use: Anything that doesn't require a lot of surf. (Bodyboarding possible)

Cool stuff: Apparently it's the best beach-access snorkelling in the far north. There is also pinnacle diving too.

I might have given this beach a 5 if the water wasn't so cold. We went snorkeling once in full wetsuits, but I was freezing in no time. Also, when we went it wasn't low tide, so it wasn't particularly interesting. The bay empties out quite a bit at low tide, so definitely better to snorkel then. 

We've booked a couple of reef dives in the Bay of Islands a few days from now, should be interesting to see if I freeze or not!

-E

Syzygy

Photos of the sun (something is interesting about these).

The lens flare captures the 90% partial eclipse that occurred in northern New Zealand yesterday morning. Only a few parts of Australia witnessed the total eclipse. The giant halo captured in the third pic was visible without a camera for about 15 minutes.

Here on the Karikari peninsula the light dimmed for about an hour or so, the most noticeable change was that the ambient temperature stayed around 10'C until past noon. On most sunny days, it nears 20'C as soon as the sun has been up for a few hours. (I know, all of you in Vancouver just feel so sorry for us right about now.) 

I read in a news article that a total solar eclipse is a type of syzygy, when three celestial bodies line up. (Now don't you wish you could play that one in a scrabble game.) The next total eclipse is in 2015. 

Is it wild life or feral life?

What kind of wildlife lives on a beach? Birds. Lots of birds. But on today's long beach hike we also met one of the other residents.

It started with SP taking the lead as we tramped down Karikari beach. With the waves crashing at our side, we trudged along for about four kms.

Our aim was to reach a rehabilitated bird sanctuary located below Karikari estates vineyard. A collection of swamps, lakes, rivers and lots of sand dunes. We knew the sanctuary would also included a number of estuaries. As we got closer to our destination, we realized that we would need to ford a harrowing river in order to carry on.

Though we searched upstream for a dry crossing, it turned out that we would have to get wet. Thankfully, all of us crossed the mighty three inch deep creek successfully. 

Forging on, we finally arrive at the main event, the outlet of the Wairahoraho river. It's a lot deeper than the first river, maybe 5 inches, so we decide to put safety first and call this the turn around point. It's time for lunch.

Before you know it, SM discovers a foot print in the sand. A giant bird print. We follow the prints for awhile, as it wanders around the estuary. The prints are close together, almost like the bird waddles. On speculation, SM think it's an albatross, I think it's a duck and SP thinks it's a dragon, but we really have no idea. Unfortunately, we don't get to see the bird, all we saw were prints. (Photo below.)

There are a few small birds, enjoying the estuary. Oyster catchers and dotterals mostly. Running around on their spindly legs the birds are too skittish for me to get a decent picture. Besides, now that we have spent over a week up here, they are also pretty regular sightings.

At this point we were somewhat disappointed. What was supposed to be a beautiful estuary teaming with life, was really a lot of sand, a trickle of water and some sorry looking shrubs.

We settle on a somewhat grassy dune for lunch and watched the river meander to the sea. The sad looking grasses, exposed to the ocean and the wind, struggle to stay rooted. With the weather, river and dunes constantly changing, it's a wonder anything grows here at all. Lunch is  quiet. SP and I sit listening to the waves and SM is poking around looking for shells. 

And wouldn't you know it, just when things were dullest, SP spots something moving in the water. Following the thalweg upstream is a huge animal. It turns and huffs itself up onto the river bank, shaking water from it's coat. It's big enough to ride (not that you would). After a second it's trotting off into the shrub, tail wagging. It was a boar. Totally dumbstruck, I didn't get a picture. But I can tell you, it looked like this (except it wasn't riding a bike, and it was very much alive):

A book we found at the library. Hunting boar is common up here.

Dragonduckatross prints

Endless sand dunes

The estuary. 

Karikari beach

SM has always liked seashells. Little did she know that hiding on this peninsula is possibly one of the most prolific seashell beaches in NZ.

There are shells on some of the other beaches too, but Karikari has got to be the best.

SM, ready for action.

Scallops anyone?

How about the curly kind instead?

Black or white?

Even SP got in on the shell collecting action. Actually, his favorite part was the look of mortification on SMs face when he would 'accidentally' step on one of the curved scallop shells. They did produce the most satisfying popping/crunch noise. 

Beach review #3: Karikari beach

Rating 3.5/5

Best use: Shell collecting

Cool stuff: A very out of the way beach. Ocean exposure for big waves.

Pictures of the collection:

About the size of your palm.

This one didn't make the cut, broken ones are no good.

Real Estate at the End of the Earth

Escape from it all. Buy property in the most beautiful place on earth. Advertising is always right.

Lots available now in Tokerau Beach and Whatuwhiwhi. Located at the end of the earth, it's what you've been dreaming of. 

Economic stimulus provided underground power and phone, sealed roads, and community infrastructure (in 2009). Some rainwater available. Once a speculators dream, now it can be your reality.

Building supplies are readily available. This lot comes with corrugated tin. 

Lots available at your budget. How about 50k CAD for ~1/4 acre with a view? (60k NZD, 706m)

For those looking for more adventure (and water), flood plain lots are available for as little as 30k CAD.

Native trees abound in the area. Cleared lots left select trees standing to provide mature landscaping. Purchase a lot and care for NZs natural wonders. 

Multiple offers unlikely, but multiple realtors a possibility. Trades considered.

Just think, this lifestyle could be yours - a dream home, only accessible from the beach. Stay in and get cozy as storm surge traps you inside.

Current owners frequently enjoy the lovely local wines. At least it takes the edge off the long gone market peak, 5 years ago.

The view from Google maps. (The blue/yellow spot is our holiday home for the next week or so.)

All joking aside, these are very nice holiday towns that have been primed for development. Sadly, the timing hasn't been right and the volume of inventory and vacant lots is truly staggeringly. There are other issues too. Outstanding land claims being on the list. 

Seen as we are in the area for awhile, expect beach reviews, a look at the local wildlife, and more (free) coca cola then you could drink in a lifetime.

-E