The old Hikurangi Hotel

Last time we passed through Hikurangi I made a point of stopping outside the local historical hotel.  This baby is just outside Whangarei and is also known as "The Hika" and was established around 1882.

In 1862 about 12,000 acres of land was purchased for the Crown whose interest in the land was because of forests of totara, kauri, rimu etc on it's land. Transport roads were opened and the road to Whangarei in 1875 led to the start of the timber industry.

The hotel was built around this time when thirsty workers needed rest, food and lodgings. It's built from timber and has sash windows and originally there were other buildings also on the property such as a butcher's stop and stables. These days the hotel is privately owned and the only access that people have inside is in the public bar and bottle store.

Linking up with Skywatch Friday.

Rodrigo Rozas in Hikurangi

We are finally here back home, the house is a mess with unpacked boxes but we are getting there slowly. We have my 3 teenagers and my oldest son's girlfriend - we are no longer on town supply water, we have a large water tank behind the house that we rely on from the rain so we have had to implement a 5 minute shower timing system and each cycle someone does of the washing machine has to be limited to 30 minute eco wash. 3 of us are working full-time but myself and the other 2 will be job searching this week. I have an interview on Tuesday so fingers crossed.

On the 2 hour drive yesterday we stopped in Hikurangi, my 3 children now know that anytime they get in the car with me it turns into the "Camera Express" because I frequently stop to take photos. This one on the side of the one of the retro buildings is by Northland local artist Rodrigo Rozas. Now back to the unpacking...

Linking up with Monday Murals and Our World Tuesday.

The old Towai Tavern

After a long 6 hour drive up on Monday we are now in Kerikeri and settled in the new house. It really is quiet here - we live down a quiet street in amongst some other equally lovely new houses and yet if we walk up the road 5 minutes we are on the main street into town which takes about 15 minutes on foot. So far we've only had to use the car once but other than that if we need something we walk so it's been good exercise.

Do any of you have Netflix? We've had it for about 6 months now and it really is very good. I like learning things about different cultures so I enjoy watching international movies (with sub-titles). Yesterday I watched an Italian movie called "Holy Goalie" about a group of monks who form a soccer team to win a championship and last week I watched a movie based on the artist "Jackson Pollack". My mum's father was an artist who held exhibitions in Auckland City during the 1960s so myself and various cousins have artistic abilities that we enjoy in our spare time so I guess some of those genes have sprinkled through the family.

The above photo is of the old Towai Tavern situated in Hikurangi just outside of Kawakawa. This place is on the historic places trust of NZ. It was established approx 133 years ago and was then moved in 1933 further up the hill on rollers, guess it makes sense to have it right next to the state highway. Looks quirky on the outside, we didn't stop and peek inside but will have to go back sometime and check it out properly.