A Week in Waikuku - Our first house-sit!

Where? 25km north of Christchurch, Canterbury

With? Pepper the Pitbull

When? November

Most memorable moment: Pepper getting SO excited about going for a walk.

This dog would change any negative perceptions of pitbulls forever. He is so kind-natured and just wants company. I miss him already.

So much love

Most frequented café: The Brick Mill

This great café is right on State Highway 1, but has the feel of being in a village somewhere more remote. The ladies are so nice here, they recognised us after our frequent visits, and even gave us a free flat white on our final day! Worth the $4.80 flat white. Pancakes good too.

Most run route: ‘That Gravel Road’ – Kaiapoi Pa Road

Always felt longer than it was, but always ended at The Brick Mill Café. Happy times.

Most visited gym: Crossfit Waimakariri

A friendly gym where we could use the open gym or jump into a class as we pleased.

Happy to accommodate us and a nice group of members too! Worth a visit for $25 ($120 for 6 passes).

Most walked trail: Rakahuri Trail – Waikuku Beach

We walked many times with Pepper on the lead along the Rakahuri Trail behind Waikuku Beach. Though Pepper loves fetch so once he has got used to us we took him to a nice spot along the Okuhu River and trusted him to be a good boy off the lead. I’m not sure what we were worried about – he never once took his eyes away from the stick.

Most visited supermarket: New World, Rangiora

45minutes free WiFi and 6 cents off gas, what more could you want?! Though we did visit PakN’Save where the red peppers were cheaper…..

Best Day Trip: Akaroa

It's a twisty-but-worth-it drive from Christchurch to Akaroa, a town on the banks Peninsula to the South of the city. The views are beautiful and the fish and chips very large and very good!

We were blown away by the trust our hosts placed in us and the kindness they showed. We cooked for them, they cooked for us, and we really have had a great time. We loved our 11 nights in Waikuku Beach, especially getting a taste of local life by spending time at farmers markets (Ohoka Domain Friday Market, above middle and Riccarton Sunday Market above right) and searching for the best flat white around (Little Vintage Espresso, Amberley)! Onto the next!

Thank you!

We have arranged all our house sits through kiwihousesitters.co.nz. It costs around £40 to sign up for a year, no other costs. New house sits are advertised daily. You can contact owners directly if you are interested in their house sit. House sitters like us also have a profile, where owners can contact sitters directly. Some of our sits have been arranged through each of these initial contact routes. There is also a UK site that works in the same way.