House Sitting New Zealand Photography travel

Culverden Region

by peterpecksen
Comments 2

We were able to take a break from our road trip for a two week house sit at a farmhouse near Culverden on New Zealand’s south island. Being on a farm that is located at the end of a road in the rural area truly gave us the opportunity to enjoy the peace and beauty that accompanies such a location.

Kiwi Cattle
The house sit was on a farm with several hundred cattle. We met many of them on our walks.
New Zealand Sheep
There were always sheep in view as well. However it was rare to get one to stay for a photo. Most of the time they ran off in droves when we approached.
Morning Fog
Every day offered a different spectacle at sunrise and sunset. This day was a fog spectacular.

We did to do a couple of half day trips to explore areas near our house sit. The popular destinations of Hanmer Springs and Kaikoura did not disappoint.

Panorama from the top of Conical Hill
We completed a couple of lovely walks around Hanmer Springs, including this one to the top of Conical Hill. You are able to get a handle on the sustainable logging they do in the area. It is neat to be in a country where trees grow quick enough to make this viable.
Karen in Hanmer Springs.
Karen enjoying the views from atop Conical Hill.
New Zealand Maple Leaves
A reminder of home as we walked through the forest. Hundreds of Maple trees shining in the sunshine.
Queen Mary Hospital in Hanmer
We discovered this hospital which was established in 2016 to help servicemen suffering from ‘shell shock’. The idea was a peaceful setting with recuperative hot springs to relax the men whose nerves were shattered from the experiences of the Great War.
Kiwi Seals
For us, the best part of Kaikoura was the Fur Seals. They were plentiful and photogenic. The little baby in the top left corner was a little sad, as it appeared to have been abandoned and was not doing well. Sometimes nature, despite its’ beauty, can be rather harsh.
Seal Yoga
I particularly liked this one doing some yoga by the waters edge.
Croquet in the Sun
Back on the farm, our days were filled with serious games of skill….
New Zealand Beef
Doing portraits of some of the locals….
Hard Working Sheep Dogs
And watching the farm managers’ dogs round up the livestock, while out walking the owners dogs. Life can be tough at times.
Celebrating Canadian Pride
Of course, every day also consisted of watching our Canadian athletes competing in the Winter Olympics. As always, we flew our flag with pride.
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About peterpecksen

Welcome to our travel blog. Have you ever wondered what it would be like to say, "I'm out of here?" Well we did, and in 2013 we made it a reality. We sold or gave away all of our possessions other than what fit in our luggage and we set off on an endless adventure. Part of our goal is to share our experiences with others and hopefully provide some information, motivation, or just a moments escape. The general idea was to look for a place that would be ideal to settle down in. However in the meantime it is about experiencing life in different countries amongst different cultures and learning how to understand and appreciate each other. A large part of our time is spent housesitting which provides an excellent opportunity to experience more of the "normal" neighbourhoods as opposed to the tourist locales. Though we make sure to enjoy those as well. So through plenty of photographs and a running commentary come and share with us our life on the road.

pecksen.wordpress.com

2 comments on “Culverden Region”

  1. Bryce Sherman
    February 25, 2018

    Looking good buddy. Both of you look like your right in your element. I’d love to experience New Zealand some day as the pics you have in your blog make it quite appealing.

    Thank you, Bryce Sherman

    Sent from my iPhone

    >

    Reply
  2. Dorothy Pecksen
    February 27, 2018

    Liked your blog . Took me back to my farm days , lovely cattle . keep enjoying your travels.

    Not much new in my life, having fun.

    Love, Mom

    Reply

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