Secret Garden

I am a Taranaki native and love this out-of-the-way part of our beautiful country. The arts are superbly represented here which inspire me as a designer. There are many great food choices now. I remember when the coffee was only instant and the beer was Taranaki Bitter. Now our little city leads the world with coffee roasting, craft beers and gin.
I love to trek the Maunga Taranaki, our mountain that calls us to settle here; to be surrounded by lush native bush, swim in the wild ocean and wander long stretches of black sand beaches. The world hasn't discovered it just yet and I like it that way.

I have a feeling of peace when I walk onto this place. The feeling that you are miles from anywhere.
The gardens were developed by the orginal owner into a food forest which attracts the birds and gave birth to it's name: Manukorihi - a chorus of birds.

My favourite place to hang out first thing in the morning is when the sun floods into the conservatory I can plan my day and drink coffee before the rest of the household wakes up.
In the warmer weather, the little pond and zen garden is another quiet space to escape to.