Wolfram & Johanna
Portugal
Jan 1, 2018 - Mar 1, 2019
Peaceful semi-rural setting but near city
New Zealand - Auckland - Auckland, 20k, W
ID : NZ1941
Became a member in: 2011
Renewal Date: 31/May/2017
3Exchanges
100%Response Rate
We are
- 2
- 0
Contact exchange Member
We are a retired couple who enjoy cycling, walking, fishing and a range of musical, cultural and family activities. Our 4 grand children range in age from 3 to 24 years. Our enjoyment of home exchanging is that we get the chance to live amongst local people and to make friends with people of different nationalities with similar interests. We are relaxed, friendly and open to negotiation on our wishes. So far our exchanges have all been interesting and enjoyable. We have exchanged in Britain, Germany and The Netherlands. Each time staying around 2 weeks and between times using other accommodation options. Because we travel from afar we like to stay 6 to 8 weeks in the northern hemisphere when we visit there. We are really only English speakers but try to learn a little of the language of the countries we visit. We speak and understand a little French and German and are currently learning a little Spanish. We are happy to host and be hosted for short periods.
About us
Affinities
Golf,
Plants & Gardens,
Fishing,
Cycling / Mountain Biking,
Hiking,
Wine Lovers,
Foodies,
The Arts,
Music Lovers
MoreLessAffiliations
Retirees,
Seniors
Profession
Retired (Education Manager/ Careers Consultant)
A quiet corner by the pool in summer
Main entrance
Open plan lounge
TV end of lounge near fire
Kitchen and breakfast bar. Dining table separate.
Guest bedroom in separate wing
Guest bathroom
Us in Konstance, Germany
- Sleeping capacity5
- Bedrooms3
- Bathrooms2
Non-simultaneous Home Exchange
Simultaneous Home Exchange
Long-term Home Exchange
Hospitality Exchange Offered
Hospitality Exchange Wanted
Homesit Offered
Smoking Not Allowed
No Children Please
Use of Personal Car is possible
We are looking for a home exchange in ...
| Open to all dates | spain | Portugal | Morocco |
| Open to all dates | Europe | Italy | France |
| Open to all dates | Open to all destinations |
| Open to all dates | Poland |
| Open to all dates | Estonia |
Our Home For Exchange
Description of the home we are offering for exchange
Members since 2011. We are planning further trips to different places around the world so are open to offers. For you information we have recently travelled to Holland, Germany and England so other places would be more attractive to us at this stage.
We are an active couple who love to walk and ride our bikes. Our hobbies include gardening, fishing, cooking, crosswords, films, books and travel. Our house is large and on one level. The pool is heated in summer. Although nestled between vineyards and orchards we are only 35 minutes from the airport, 30 minutes to the city centre and 5 mins from the train station. We are handy to both surfing and quieter beaches. The Waitakere ranges offer many walks among native bush and there are several cycle tracks handy. Farmers markets are nearby and there are a number to choose from. The islands in the Hauraki Gulf are very beautiful and well worth exploring, especially the bird sanctuary on Tiritiri Matangi. There are nice restaurants nearby
Type
House - single floor/ Main Residence
Amenities
- Wheelchair accessible
- Air Conditioning
- Bathroom / toilet wheel chair accessible
- Dishwasher
- Clothes Washer
- Clothes Dryer
- Microwave Oven
- Extensive Grounds
- Peaceful Surroundings
- View
- Fireplace
- Privacy / Seclusion
- Garden
- Heating
- Garage
- Private parking
- Private Pool
- Terrace / Patio
Entertainment
- DVD
- Internet access
- Piano
- TV
- Wireless Internet (WiFi)
Extras
- Use of bicycle(s)
Setting
- Rural
Neighbourhood
Description of our neighbourhood and surrounding area
The Oratia Valley was settled by Dalmation migrants in the late 1890s and early 1900s. They planted orchards and vineyards, leading to Oratia becoming known as the fruit bowl of Auckland. A strong sense of community developed which continues today. We live in a completely private setting with an outlook to trees on the hill tops. It is very quiet here but only a 5 minute drive to the train station. Henderson shopping mall is about 7 minutes drive. There are many nice restaurants offering food of differing ethnicity within 25 minutes drive and several movie theatres also. If you train into the city then you can access concerts, plays and art galleries. The city has a number of jazz bars, many restaurants and a beautiful harbour basin where you can dine or just sit and enjoy the boats. Many people like to walk along the Viaduct basin on a summer evening and enjoy a glass of wine overlooking the harbour.
Outdoor Activities
- Beach
- Biking
- Cultural Events
- Fishing
- Golfing
- Gym / Health Club
- Hiking
- Public Swimming Pool
- Sailing
- Scuba Diving / Surfing
Leisure
- Park / Playground
- Cafés
- Gym / Health Club
- Restaurants
- Shopping
Cultural Activities
- Concerts
- Galleries
- Museums
- Theatre
Transport Nearby
- Train Station
- Car Necessary
Neighbourhood Services
- Corner Shop
- Pharmacy
- Supermarket
Attractions
Our home exchange - places to go and things to do while staying in our home
The Oratia Farmers Market sells a range of local produce every Saturday morning and the nearby night market in Henderson is a local hotspot for ethnic food.
Artisan Wines produces and sells wine from its own vineyard, and also has a restaurant.
The Packing Shed Gallery and Cafe is situated in the original packing shed of the Tara Orchards built in 1908.
“Just Plane Interesting” is a shop selling an eclectic range of antiques, curios and collectibles.
You are never far from a beach here. Piha, a world class surfing beach and Muriwai where you can get close to a large gannet colony, are within half an hours drive. Catch a train into Britomart and take a ferry to Devonport across the harbour, or travel further on to Waiheke to sample lovely locally produced wines and picturesque restaurants and beaches.
Enjoy many walks both beach and bush in the Waitakere ranges and visit the local Arataiki centre for information on these. This grape growing area offers many wine sampling options.
Our favourite restaurants
Cafés & bars
Special places to shop
- St Lukes or Sylvia Park 20 minutes drive away
- Parnell, Mt Eden and Ponsonby
Leisure and cultural activities
- Te Uru, Lopdell Precinct, Titirangi
- Titirangi Theatre
- Auckland central concerts as advertised
Walks or jogging paths
Health or fitness clubs
Interesting day trips
Our Preferences
Our home exchange - here are our Preferences and House Rules
Watering of plants required in hot months. This includes garden vegetables (this involves just turning an irrigation system on and off) and also potted plants. Guests are welcome to use vegetables from the garden. If you travel away for a few days do not worry about this. We are often away too!
Conditions
- No Children Please
- Pets Not Allowed
- Smoking Not Allowed
- Plant care is needed inside
- Plant care is needed outdoors
Use of Personal Car
- Use of Personal Car is possible
Home Exchange Type
- Non-simultaneous Home Exchange
- Simultaneous Home Exchange
- Long-term Home Exchange
- Hospitality Exchange Offered
- Hospitality Exchange Wanted
- Homesit Offered
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