James & Clare, Coddiwomplers Inc: Farm sit at the seaside, Hawkes Bay

New Zealand's longest place name ... can you say it?

Wow, a farm beside the ocean! That's pretty special to us. We had never been to this part of New Zealand. It is the kind of 'off-the-beaten-track' place that you only go to if you are going there %-) We really enjoyed the journey out to the coast. This part of the country is the New Zealand that we all know and love ... well, before dairy farming and forestry took over the natural resources - like rivers and native bushland. Sigh ....

A view of the ocean from high up on the farm

So, what were we going to do here for two and a half weeks? Aha ... look after these absolute cuties

The three wise monkeys

Farm dogs Yogi (10mths) and Banjo (4yrs)

As you can imagine, Yogi was still learning to be a farm dog. He had a wonderful bark on him and he would run around trying to round up the sheep and cows which all looked at him with some amount of amusement. Not a fellow for them to take seriously, yet anyway.

Banjo, on the other hand, could be relied upon to help round up any stray sheep that had got out of their paddock.

And then there was this cutie ... Simba, the four month old kitten that stole our hearts.

Simba certainly had both the dogs under control,which was rather amusing considering the size differential!

Roar like a lion

Our daily duty was to ride the four wheeler to run the dogs up the farm and into the forestry to check the water tanks to ensure there were no blockages in the pipes through which the springs fed water to the farm. On the way back we would check all the water troughs to make sure the stock all had fresh clean water.

We were really impressed with the condition of all the animals - farm and domestic. These farmers really do care for their stock. Just like farming should be. Plenty of food, water and shelter for all. And as you can see by the photos, even the farm dogs were allowed pride of place in the house when not out on the farm.

We walked every day in the forest. The dogs loved the extra exercise, as did we. Yogi particularly loved to rush around the place chasing rabbits, hares and goat. at one point rounding a whole herd of goats right past us.

We ventured down to the Chapplewick village fair to enjoy some Rewena Bread smothered in butter and golden syrup. A real kiwi treat. Mostly we just did what we do best .... hung out with the pets, soaking up the atmosphere of a wonderful location not previously experienced!