Maxine immigrated to New Zealand in 1994, then three years ago secured what has become her dream home on Russell Rd, Punaruku, about 15 minutes from Oakura Bay. The dream is, that with time, she will slowly accomplish all that she has planned for the 1.8 hectare property featuring budget family accommodation, B&B cottages plus a huge barn converted to tearooms with a difference.
“I fell in love with the property on sight and could see its potential,” she says. “The cottages would obviously provide me with an income and while initially I lived in the three-bedroom house, I’ve now created a flat above the barn making the house available for group letting.”
Naming her new home Karibu Creek, meaning “welcome” in Swahili, Maxine set about creating a retreat for people who love the simple things in life.
In keeping with this idea, she has been developing a herbal tea garden to be enjoyed by travellers and guests. With the help of WWOOFERs – willing workers on farms who exchange work skills for accommodation – the north-facing, paved courtyard in front of the barn is slowly taking shape. Tables and chairs, potted plants, flowers, herbs, lanterns, wind chimes, outdoor chess and artworks all help to give this sunny idyll its own special character.
Inside the 200 plus sq m barn, big, comfy couches draped with candlewick bedspreads, oak china cabinets, art-covered walls and a myriad of bone china cup, saucer and plate sets hint at a more genteel period in time.
On the wall a huge screen means Maxine’s ‘gold coin donation’ movie nights are popular not just with tourists staying in the area but locals too. She has some 500 DVDs and videos, as well as puzzle and books, to keep visitors entertained.
In winter, passersby can use Karibu Creek’s tea and coffee making facilities free of charge and are welcome to break open their sandwich packs. However, with the arrival of Labour Weekend and the official start of the summer holiday season, Maxine’s tea garden swings into more serious action.
Families and travellers whose budgets don’t stretch to lavish accommodation love the farm environment and children are in their element – Maxine keeps some 60 chickens, 40 guinea fowl, scores of ducks and then there’s the family dog, Mungu.
With swimming available in the boundary stream, plenty of space to hit a cricket ball, room for tents and caravans too, there are some great time-out options at Karibu Creek.
The cottages are clean and cosy with a bed and breakfast option, while the house, with its big sun-drenched deck, is well lived in, so few worries about bringing a little sand or grass inside.
“Some people might think it’s all a bit hodge-podge but everything’s coming along slowly,” says a smiling Maxine who is totally unflustered by the number of jobs she keeps adding to her list.
“Success comes with trial and error and I guess this will be a 20 year project but I’ve achieved so much already”. And indeed she has. With the help of WWOOFERs fences have been built, mosaics laid, paintwork tackled and springs bulbs planted all to charming effect.
Maxine also has plans for a wood fired pizza oven – “I’m just waiting for the right people to come along and help me with it” – and she is now making teas using her own home-grown camellia, hyssop, camomile, mint and more.
Karibu Creek is a truly refreshing change from norm and a country escape from which many city dwellers would benefit.
