shared lunch and a trading table

Gail and John moved to New Zealand in 2002 with the aim of living a more self reliant lifestyle. They lived for 7 years at Kohatu Toa Eco-Village (where Koanga Gardens used to be based) and moved to their 65 acre property which overlooks the Waima river, just over 3 years ago. Gail still works for Koanga Institute & they grow heritage seeds and plants. They have developed a large garden and orchard. They also have a small flock of Arapawa sheep, a small herd of Dexter cattle, a clydesdale horse plus assorted ducks, chooks and geese. John is a green woodworker amongst other things.

Directions: 279 Classen Road, Omanaia. From the north can either go to Rawene via the ferry or via Kaikohe. From Kaikohe head west along State Highway 12 towards the Hokianga. Go through Taheke and Waima and over the hill into Omanaia. Turn right into Duddy Road (on a long straight piece of road and has an electricity substation on the corner). Drive along Duddy Road for several kms. Eventually the road splits and the left fork is Classen Road. Drive right to the end of Classen Road (past the cattle yards & a driveway on the left) and through the gate with 279 on it. Carry on up the track onto the ridge and the house is set back on the left.

From Rawene. Drive to SH 12 and turn left. Duddy Road is the 2nd road on the left. Follow instructions above once onto Duddy Road.