We arrived in Masterton, in the Waipara region in the very Southern bit of the North Island, last Thursday. A bit later than expected due to me reading the bus schedule incorrectly, (actually it was really poorly written). Oh well, it all worked out.

Anyway, we're now w/Maggie. It's our second Helpx stay and much more of what we were hoping for in terms of work. Even better, Maggie is really nice and has made us feel very much at home and very welcome.

Not sure where to begin...first, the place. We're about 2 miles outside of town on 10 acres of land. Off in the distance we can see the mountains. The property itselft has a big old farmhouse on it, a little cottage in the back where Maggie hosts guests for a B&B/homestay, and a big barn. As you drive up the drive, which is tree-lined, off to the left is the vineyard w/12 long rows of vines and 7 shorter rows. Maggie is growing pinot noir grapes. Around the farmhouse is a big covered veranda and there's various gardens all around. It's very pretty!

We're staying in the house with Maggie and we have a nice comfortable room. There are doors out to the veranda which look out onto the lawn and vineyard.

There are a few animals here. First, Maggie's dog, Peppy. She's a schnauser (sp?)/poodle mix and very friendly. Loves to be chased with her stuffed kiwi bird. Then there's cows out in the back field and a few chickens.

Since we arrived, we've done a variety of things but mostly pruning the vineyard. It's a pleasant job since you can go barefoot and there aren't any bugs to speak of. Today, we're putting the nets on the vines because the grapes are ripening and the birds are eyeing the fruit. It's a big job but it's going well so far. We're taking a break right now as it's nearly 90 degrees. We'll go out again when it begins to cool down.

Yesterday, was hot too so after working in the morning, Maggie decided to take us down to Palliser Point which is the very Southern most point of the North Island. Supposedly you can see both the sunrise & the sunset from that point. It was beautiful! There were a few seals and we climbed up to a lighthouse. On the way home, we stopped at Maggie's brother/sister-in-law's for dinner...fresh fish, crayfish, salad & potatos. Delicous!

I can't close without saying anything about Maggie's wine. It's really good. In the evenings we've been enjoying her 2008 Pinot Noir. Very civilised!