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The Kahuimanu vision
The Kahuimanu vision
Why Kahuimanu?
Why Kahuimanu?
Pauline and Steve fell in love with their piece of Waihou paradise in 2017 as they sought to escape the Auckland rat race and live as sustainably as possible on a one acre rural lifestyle property on the edge of a working farm.
Pauline and Steve fell in love with their piece of Waihou paradise in 2017 as they sought to escape the Auckland rat race and live as sustainably as possible on a one acre rural lifestyle property on the edge of a working farm.
Blessed with extensive stands of totara and kahikatea nearby, the property was named Kahuimanu, which loosely translates as a flock of birds. Perhaps aspirational at this early stage, we're hopeful that with extensive plantings of both native and fruit trees, and on-going weed control, under-planting and pest trapping in adjacent reserves we'll realise our vision of an increased population of native birds. Kotare (kingfishers) and piwakawaka (fantails) are already present, and with luck kereru (wood pigeons) and tui will also become more prevalent over time.
Blessed with extensive stands of totara and kahikatea nearby, the property was named Kahuimanu, which loosely translates as a flock of birds. Perhaps aspirational at this early stage, we're hopeful that with extensive plantings of both native and fruit trees, and on-going weed control, under-planting and pest trapping in adjacent reserves we'll realise our vision of an increased population of native birds. Kotare (kingfishers) and piwakawaka (fantails) are already present, and with luck kereru (wood pigeons) and tui will also become more prevalent over time.
The house
The house
The house and guest wing were built by Brown Construction to eHaus (aka Passive House) standards, which assure an excellent level of comfort and economy. Sadly too many houses in New Zealand are still being built to the lowest common denominator of the building code, resulting in new houses that are often cold and damp in winter, and excessively hot in summer.
The house and guest wing were built by Brown Construction to eHaus (aka Passive House) standards, which assure an excellent level of comfort and economy. Sadly too many houses in New Zealand are still being built to the lowest common denominator of the building code, resulting in new houses that are often cold and damp in winter, and excessively hot in summer.
eHaus is different. By paying careful attention to solar gain, insulation, glazing, air tightness, removal of thermal bridges and clever ventilation, eHauses are consistently warm, dry and comfortable year round with minimal heating or cooling costs. Thinking of building an eHaus? Come and stay for a day or three, experience it for yourself, and talk to us about our eHaus experience. Our house is featured on the eHaus NZ site here if you'd like to see more detail, images and performance specifications.
eHaus is different. By paying careful attention to solar gain, insulation, glazing, air tightness, removal of thermal bridges and clever ventilation, eHauses are consistently warm, dry and comfortable year round with minimal heating or cooling costs. Thinking of building an eHaus? Come and stay for a day or three, experience it for yourself, and talk to us about our eHaus experience. Our house is featured on the eHaus NZ site here if you'd like to see more detail, images and performance specifications.
And if you're building, you'll want to make sure you get the kitchen (the most important room in the house) right. Pauline is a kitchen designer and she'd be very happy to discuss ideas with you.
And if you're building, you'll want to make sure you get the kitchen (the most important room in the house) right. Pauline is a kitchen designer and she'd be very happy to discuss ideas with you.
Our house was completed in 2019 and continues to be a delight to live in. Feel free to check out the house, orchard and vege gardens, visit the chooks, have a game of petanque on the pitch or Kubb on the lawn, or just soak in the spa while watching Mt Te Aroha's ever-changing vistas unfold, or the night sky in all its glory.
Our house was completed in 2019 and continues to be a delight to live in. Feel free to check out the house, orchard and vege gardens, visit the chooks, have a game of petanque on the pitch or Kubb on the lawn, or just soak in the spa while watching Mt Te Aroha's ever-changing vistas unfold, or the night sky in all its glory.
The surrounds
The surrounds
The property is located in rural Waihou, between Te Aroha which nestles at the base of the Kaimai ranges to the east, and Morrinsville (home of Mabel the Megacow) to the west. It's within easy distance of Auckland, Hamilton, Rotorua and Tauranga, and is an ideal location for access to the Waikato, Coromandel and Bay of Plenty.
The property is located in rural Waihou, between Te Aroha which nestles at the base of the Kaimai ranges to the east, and Morrinsville (home of Mabel the Megacow) to the west. It's within easy distance of Auckland, Hamilton, Rotorua and Tauranga, and is an ideal location for access to the Waikato, Coromandel and Bay of Plenty.
The most notable tourist attractions nearby are the Hauraki Cycle Trail, Hobbiton and Wairere Falls, but the Waikato offers a wealth of tourist opportunities best reviewed on the following websites:
The most notable tourist attractions nearby are the Hauraki Cycle Trail, Hobbiton and Wairere Falls, but the Waikato offers a wealth of tourist opportunities best reviewed on the following websites:
But don't miss out on some of our local attractions, such as the delightful river walks in both Te Aroha and Morrinsville, The Te Aroha Domain walks, checking out the gold mining history in the Wairongomai Valley, hiking to the top of Mt Te Aroha (you don't have to go all the way, but allow a full day if you do), soaking in the Te Aroha mineral pools, falling in love with Adrian Worsley's scrap metal sculptures in Te Aroha, or visiting the herd of cows in Morrinsville. You can even do a Google Earth sneak peek of the cows! Check out the Virtual Tour on that page.
But don't miss out on some of our local attractions, such as the delightful river walks in both Te Aroha and Morrinsville, The Te Aroha Domain walks, checking out the gold mining history in the Wairongomai Valley, hiking to the top of Mt Te Aroha (you don't have to go all the way, but allow a full day if you do), soaking in the Te Aroha mineral pools, falling in love with Adrian Worsley's scrap metal sculptures in Te Aroha, or visiting the herd of cows in Morrinsville. You can even do a Google Earth sneak peek of the cows! Check out the Virtual Tour on that page.
A special note for two-wheelers
A special note for two-wheelers
If you're a keen mountain biker we've got you covered. Locally we have the Te Aroha MTB trails (typically Grade 3), while a bit further away at Te Miro there's a huge range of trails from Grades 2 to 4.
If you're a keen mountain biker we've got you covered. Locally we have the Te Aroha MTB trails (typically Grade 3), while a bit further away at Te Miro there's a huge range of trails from Grades 2 to 4.
A motorcyclist? We understand the desire for freedom and a more immersive experience, and whatever mother nature throws at us! We can help dry your soggy bike gear if you happen to get caught in a shower.
A motorcyclist? We understand the desire for freedom and a more immersive experience, and whatever mother nature throws at us! We can help dry your soggy bike gear if you happen to get caught in a shower.
Feel free to park your bike(s) in the garage next to Steve & Pauline's for added security, then jump in the spa to ease the strain of hours in the saddle. And if you're heading off to do the Coro loop (whether tarmac or gravel) the next day we might just join you if work allows. Steve has been riding bikes all his life from sports to adventure to dirt, and knows the area well.
Feel free to park your bike(s) in the garage next to Steve & Pauline's for added security, then jump in the spa to ease the strain of hours in the saddle. And if you're heading off to do the Coro loop (whether tarmac or gravel) the next day we might just join you if work allows. Steve has been riding bikes all his life from sports to adventure to dirt, and knows the area well.
Needless to say, there's a well stocked garage with tools, parts, lubes & cleaners if your bike (pedal or motorised) is in need of some quick maintenance. If you need more extensive cycle repairs, Paul Fraser at The Cycle Fixery is just a few minutes away in Waihou township.
Needless to say, there's a well stocked garage with tools, parts, lubes & cleaners if your bike (pedal or motorised) is in need of some quick maintenance. If you need more extensive cycle repairs, Paul Fraser at The Cycle Fixery is just a few minutes away in Waihou township.
Need a shuttle service if you're cycling or hiking? Sue and Pete at https://bikinghikingshuttles.co.nz/ will get you around, and can also help with self-guided tours.
Need a shuttle service if you're cycling or hiking? Sue and Pete at https://bikinghikingshuttles.co.nz/ will get you around, and can also help with self-guided tours.
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