Exceptional Home Exchange in Auckland , New Zealand

Our home exchange at Chris’s house in Remuera area in S/E Auckland was exceptional and one of the best of the 12 exchanges we’ve completed to date throughout the world. 

Frankly the photos do not do Chris’s home justice. 

I was expecting an older home with all the problems that are associated but this home has been completely renovated with relatively new carpets throughout, three large screen televisions plus one in the workout area.

The modern kitchen with its own gas-fired fire price with a thermostat is exceptional.

All in all, I complement Chris on a home exchange of superior quality and thank him immensely for allowing us to enjoy his piece of Paradise.

One of the major features that attracted me to this exchange was its private tennis court. Unfortunately, due to the winter weather we didn’t have much chance to use it. 

It is first class and situated right on a park. 

Also, the large swimming pool appears to be maintained impeccably along with the gardens. Again, since it’s winter we were unable to use. 


It also features many areas to sit outside including a barbecue which also we didn’t have an opportunity to use. 

As Chris states it is like a tropical paradise in the middle of Auckland.

The location is fantastic and a short 10 -15-minute drive to downtown Auckland.

Your view is of a huge park and what may be a soccer field. 

To the east is a duck pond and many very friendly birds.

A short walk across the street and up the hill are some shops and a restaurant including a Japanese, Western restaurant and a small grocery store. 

We enjoyed lovely fresh quality smoked salmon and bagels.

There are some great walks to be had around the Hobson Bay area just a few minutes walk from the front door of this home exchange.

The home is also located near Parnell, which one person said was one of the wealthiest areas of Auckland with plenty of upscale shops and stores.

I highly recommend the Di Mare restaurant (251 Parnell Rd., 09-3003260) run by its owners Marcia and Habib who serve exceptionally high-quality food that was extremely tasty and is served with a friendly Greek ambience. 

We celebrated my wife’s’ birthday there. 

A must see is the Auckland museum, approximately 8 to 10 minutes away by car. The kids will love it. 

 The war museum portion of the museum was exceptional with an authentic size spitfire fighter from World War II and all the paraphernalia. 

 Make sure you take time to see the authentic Maori dance with an explanation of the Maori history. The short 30-minute performance will delight all ages.

During our stay we took a short jaunt to the West Coast of Auckland which features that Mriwai and Bechell Beachs, a Surfers Paradise. 

The scenery along the way with its rolling hills, black Agnes Cows and thousands of sheep was truly memorable. 

 

 

Within a short 10-minute drive is Mission Bay, which unfortunately we didn’t discover until the last few days of our stay. Otherwise we would’ve went there often. The walk along the Mission Bay beach is magical. 

Unfortunately did not have enough time to take in all the sites that Auckland had to offer and are in her final day boys went down and said leftover bread to the ducks in the park bordering Chris's home.