For our visit to Tongariro National Park, we choose this airbnb about a 30 minute drive from the park in Owahango (pop 200). Owahango in Maori means "the place of wheezy noises".
We've consistently found that plopping ourselves down an extra bit away can make for extraordinary and memorable experiences. This was no exception...
Good Signs
On the drive, we exchanged a few messages with our airbnb host, Carly. Knowing we had two little ones, she asked if they'd be up for feeding the two resident pigs each day. Yes!
Excitement was high as we drove in. The topography was one of our favorites in NZ - lumpy lush green hills with grazing sheep.
A few highlights from this airbnb...
hot tub
outdoor shower (not really but in the pouring rain off the gutter - Sadie's idea)
running - winding roads, no traffic
resident cows 7 pigs just outside the kitchen window
an old and falling apart sheep shed
bee hives
Here's a quick video wrap of our fours days at the house...
What's That Sound?
Sarah and I noticed a buzzing sound every 15-30 minutes. We weren't sure what it was, but it came from the area of a large exposed circuit board. Concerningly, it sounded like an electric short zapping. We messaged our airbnb host, who in a matter of minutes showed up at the door (they live down the road). They suggested we turn off the master power switch overnight and they'd get someone out to look at it the next morning.
Carl the "Sparkie"
The Kiwi name for an electrician, a "sparkie". Carl showed up to take a look. After disconnecting some of the wires, Sarah and I both heard the noise. Carl didn't. Plus he'd turned off all power to the house. Hmm...
Embarrassingly, we realized the noise was coming from an air freshener in the corner on an automatic timer! We had a good laugh with Carl, joking that's what happens when people from NYC show up in the country. We insisted that we pay for his visit, so we handed Carl $60 and have a fun story to show for it!
Here's to another great spot.
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