My renovated period vacation home overlooking the mouth of the Whanganui River is an idillic retreat in the heart of Wanganui township. Perched on a hill, up some stairs from the river road with no vehicle access, it is a secluded haven with polished wooden floors, two bedrooms and a sun-drehced study for those creative projects.

Wanganui is the perfect adventure holiday base, with local jet boat and canoe adventures, bush walks, mountain hikes, a surf beach and just a couple of hours from the snow of National Park and Mt Ruapehu, or the bright lights and culture of the capital city, Wellington.