Description
My four year old home is situated at Gulf Harbour on the Whangaparaoa Peninsula 45 mins north of Auckland city. It is a comfortable home with sliding doors opening onto a paved courtyard/outdoor furniture in summer, and an open gas fire to keep it cosy and warm in winter. It is two storied with master bedroom, (queen bed) en-suite, office/computer, and 3rd bedroom (two single beds) on the upper floor. The lower floor has the 2nd bedroom, (queen bed) kitchen, living room and another bathroom all with modern conveniences. The laundry - washine machine, dryer and indoor clothes line is in the attached garage which has internal access and an electric opening door.
Both the master bedroom and the living room/kitchen have views over the golf course to the sea and there is a charming garden and water feature.
Neighborhood
Gulf Harbour is a quiet suburb built around two golf courses(I will leave two sets of golf clubs for those who enjoy golf), and the largest marina in Australasia, so caters well for golf, boating, fishing swimming and watersports such as kayaking. There are several beautiful beaches within 5-10 mins and many walks around Gulf Harbour and the four Regional Parks within easy access. These parks have magnificent views of the gulf/islands and Tiri Tiri Matangi, an island which is an open Dept of Conservation reserve is located on an island which is a 15 min boat ride away. In addition in the immediate neighbourhood there is a village and the main shopping are is 12 mins away by car.
Auckland city is easy to access by car, commuter ferry or public transport and has great attractions - Museum, Art Gallery,Zoo, Harbour Cruises, Cruises to many Gulf Islands, beaches and Kelly Tarltons Underwater World - a magnificent experience, especially the Antartic Exhibition where you see penguins from your smowmobile.Dinner at the revolving Restaurant at Sky Tower gives great views of Auckland and the gulf and the Viaduct Basin attests to our sailing prowess in various international sailing events and is the location of the Maritime Museum.
Two of the North Island's premiere tourist locations are approx 3 hours away by car. Rotorua with its geothermal activity, Maori Culture, thermal pools, gondola and adventure activities is a "must visit", and north to the Bay of Islands gives a taste of our beautiful coastline, early NZ history, cruises in the bay observing dolphins, and wonderful NZ bush /forest walks.
About Us
My name is Judy and I am a Human Resources Executive with a large company and I am due to retire in April 2008. I currently lead a very busy life with long hours at work, so I am looking forward to having time to experience France. I am interested in golf, gardening, theatre and travel and want to spend from May - Oct 2008 in France experiencing the French way of life. I have visited France twice briefly as a tourist and this time I would like to have time to enjoy it more, especially the regional differences.
I am single, have a mother in Tauranga(2 hours away) and who will join me in France for a months holiday; a sister and two nephews (born in America) in Auckland and two brothers and their families elsewhere in NZ. We are a close family.
During my time in France I will be joined by friends at different times but I will always be very careful and respectful of exchangee's homes and will look after them as I look after my own.
Destination
I am seeking exchanges betweem 23 May 08 - 30 October 2008 in France and will look to visit Italy for the same period in 2009.
I can accommodate non simultaneous exchanges from Dec 2007 - March 2008 - our NZ summer for times in france or Italy during my nominated 6 month stay.
I would like to spend some time in Paris and am open to exchanges in other regional areas of France.
