Original subtitles

- I'm on a hunt to help find everyday Kiwis their perfect country house.

Things are a little different out here in the country.

You still have the hustle and bustle.

Your neighbours can sometimes be a bit noisy.

Time moves a little slower.

But you don't get this in the city.

www.able.co.nz Copyright Able 2023

On today's show I'm in the Bay of Islands with Rainy and Neil.

Look, if the theme doesn't appeal so much to you, just look at this place as a blank canvas.

You could really transform this. - No, but I like it.

- Oh, you love the theme? - I like it!

- We'll tour three houses, but will it be a fairy tale ending?

But an offer has been made on one of those three houses, so put me out of my suspense.

- Well, which one do you think?

- Rainy and Neil initially planned a short voyage to the Bay of Islands.

But once they got here, they decided to settle permanently.

For the last year, they've been living aboard their boat.

But now they're keen to put down some roots.

So, Neil, he's pretty gung ho about getting a fixer-upper.

But Rainy knows him too well.

She knows the house will be full of half-finished projects.

So she's keen on finding something shipshape already.

So let's set sail on another house hunt.

- The reason we kind of chose up here ― or ended up here, more realistically ―

is I started looking for a new boat, a catamaran and...

- Just to go sailing. Not a business.

- That's right. We were just looking to go sailing.

And I saw quite a nice one for sale in Tahiti.

I saw one here and I saw one there, and then I saw this one up here, but it had a business attached.

And then all of a sudden we kind of got slightly diverted in the intentions,

somehow ended up buying a business instead of a true retirement.

So I've ended up with the oxymoron, you know.

- Retirement job. - A retirement job.

- I just want a nice kitchen and bathroom.

I don't want to do any renovations cos they won't get done,

cos Neil's good at that, but he never finishes anything.

And I'd kinda like a beautiful kitchen with sea views and a wine fridge.

- Right.

Yeah, we've got quite a wide-open budget.

You know, I'd quite like to kinda be able to go low,

which allowed us to keep our original home in Nelson,

and something then we'd be renovating ― which obviously doesn't appeal so much to Rainy.

But you know... - If it's the right house.

- Right house, we'll sell down south, and.... you know, up to a couple of mil, sort of thing.

- The Bay of Islands is located just over 200km north of Auckland

and is a subtropical microregion known for its stunning beauty and history.

For those who love beaches and water activities, this area is paradise.

But am I going to be able to find Rainy and Neil a home in this little slice of heaven?

Our first house is this newly renovated option on the hill that has some spectacular views.

Here they are. Kia ora, Rainy. - Hey. Nice to meet you.

- You too. And Neil, how are you going? - Morning.

- Excellent to meet you two finally.

I think we're gonna have an awesome day looking at houses in the Bay of Islands.

Five years ago you came out to Aotearoa New Zealand just for a holiday, right?

- Yes. My brother lives here, and I took a sabbatical from work for three months and cameout here.

- And then along came Neil.

- Well, Neil's an electrical contractor in Nelson, and my brother was one of his clients.

And I borrowed Neil's bicycle, and that's how I met him ―

the second day I was here, and I still have the bike, and Neil.

- A bicycle borrowing turns into this. - A bicycle built for two.

- Neil, tell me about what you've subjected your beautiful partner to over the last five years.

- A life of luxury and an unlimited adventure. - Yeah?

- Now you can tell the truth. - OK.

We started off in a little house bus I had.

On a beautiful block of land with a beautiful view.

But after battling council... - With pigs, sheep and chooks, let me add.

- And I'm hearing a bucket was involved.

- Oh yes. An orange Mitre 10 bucket ― that still scare me every time I see one ―

which was my night-time toilet.

- OK. Less said about the bus, the better.

You're living on a boat currently, though.

- Yeah. I think it's a step up from the bus.

- But a step down from a house. - True.

- Let's get you in a house today, eh? - Yeah, definitely.

- As you walk up to this house, the first one I've brought you to, how does this one appeal?

- I like it. - Yeah, it's got a nice kind of street appeal.

- Nice colour, too. - Good colour.

Just the stairs. Me in my old age going up, carrying the shopping.

But she'll be right.

- Well, shall we put them to use now and head up those stairs?

- Why not? - Let's do it. - Come on, then.

Managed to survive the climb up the stairs, did you, Neil?

- Ooh, a bit of a workout. Felt like Goats Pass.

- But once you're up here, you really get a sense of why this place appeals.

Obviously just the backdrop, that bush right in your backyard ― incredible.

But check out this view. Obviously this lounge has an incredible view of the bay.

They've, as I said, renovated it really recently and done such a great job ―

put in these skylights, so there's plenty of light in here.

The natural wooden floorboards have been sanded back to reveal that beautiful floor.

So from living on a boat to imagining yourselves living in a lounge like this, how does thatfeel?

Dry?

- Stable, I'd imagine. - Spacious. - Yeah.

- Well, shall we head through to the kitchen and take a look through there?

- Come on. Is there a wine fridge?

- The kitchen keeps its original feel, but with some modern touches.

Again, there's nice wooden floorboards.

Original cabinetry with new handles.

The main feature of the kitchen, though ― that view. Look at that.

Just looking around for a wine fridge.

- There isn't, unfortunately.

- But we can pull out the washing machine and put the wine fridge in there.

- Well, no, because our house in Nelson,

he told me that if he takes the dishwasher out, I can replace it with a wine fridge.

Four years later, the dishwasher's still there and we have no wine fridge.

- Unbelievable, Neil. What's going on here, mate? - Oh, just my procrastination.

- I'm gonna leave you to have a good look around the rest of the house.

There's a really nicely renovated bathroom, so make sure you check that out.

Have a look at the main bedroom.

And once you're done, come and find me.

- It's pretty nice, eh? - Yeah. Nice view.

- I like the colour. Very feminine.

- I'm not kind of a pink girl. - You're not a pink girl.

I do like that nook ― reading nook, and the deck out there.

I can see myself having a glass of wine out there.

- The bathroom's really nice. Really nice bathroom. - I love the bathroom.

- Hey. Just out on this beautiful entertaining deck.

And I was thinking ― I don't know about you guys ― I love a spa pool in the evening. What aboutyou?

- Definitely. - Oh yeah. Could do a spa here.

- Can't think of a better spot for it with that view.

- Frighten the neighbours. - Glass of wine.

- Now, just above us is the separate dwelling, so you would have had a look in there.

Two bedrooms, completely separated from the rest of the house.

So potential for rental income all year round, or Airbnb.

Obviously a popular spot for Airbnb right here.

- Yep, Airbnb and when our friends and family visit.

- What do you think this place might be on the market for?

- In today's market, it's very hard to judge these things.

- It is. It's a tricky one, this one. It's going to auction, as well.

So we don't know exactly where it's gonna sit.

But I can tell you that the indications are it will be just within your budget.

- I'd probably have to consider it more as a project

to create something that's more us than the previous owners.

- And he does like a project ―

that most probably never gets finished.

That's why I don't want a project. - As long as it's operational.

- That's the first one. I've got two more options up my sleeve.

So let's hit the road to house number two.

- Fantastic. - Let's go.

- After the break, I show Rainy and Neil a home that's a bit more suited to their life at sea.

- Welcome back to our house hunt, with Rainy and Neil in the Bay of Islands.

Our first contender was a newly renovated house on the hill, which I think our couple liked.

But for house two, I thought I'd show them something that's not so different

from what they're used to on the water.

All righty. Here we are at house number two.

I'm excited to show you this one.

You kinda gave me a little bit of an open brief with what you were looking for.

So I thought, why not bring you to quite an interesting home for house number two?

There's almost a nautical theme to the style.

Are you noticing that, Neil?

- Yeah, definitely got the blues from the sea and things like that.

- Little porthole window. Little porthole, yes.

I like it. It is very different. And I love the greenery.

It's the bush. Yeah, it's very peaceful.

Can we go in? - Do you want to?

- Yeah. - Go on, then.

I'm looking forward to seeing your reactions to this house, this space. - Oh, wow.

- I did say there was a nautical theme.

And they have definitely continued that through into the kitchen.

Obviously the steering wheel there, mounted to the side of the kitchen.

You've got your little mate there on top of the post.

- That's a little quirky, a little bit twee, but...

- Look, if the theme doesn't appeal so much to you, just look at this place as a blank canvas.

You could really transform this. - No, but I like it.

- Oh, you love the theme? - I like it!

- In that case, it's staying. - I can see myself sitting there.

- With a patch on your eye. - Put my steampunk outfit on. - That's right.

- Make sure you go downstairs and check out ―

I don't even need to tell you which room; you'll know when you're in it.

- Oh yes? Sounds interesting.

- And I'll be the back having a look at the bush view. See you soon. - Cheers.

- Ooh. - Wow.

- This is very different, isn't it?

Yes.

- What's...? An entertaining room, I guess. - It's very Turkish, eh?

- Pull out the hookah.

I struggle a little bit with the style, but they're things that can be adapted, aren't they?

- I'm liking the style. - Yeah, it's very you.

Steampunk and nautical and,... yeah.

- It is really quirky. I like it. it's a nice space.

The ceilings are high.

It just feels relaxed and it's peaceful.

- And it's got nice bush outside and good decks.

And surprisingly, like, that outside shower area is kind of quite private.

I can see a spa pool out there, I guess.

And it's a good sized garage for a workshop.

- It would be quite cool chilling down there and having a read.

- Maybe. - I think so. It's kind of a reading room, eh?

- Yeah, I think I'd change the colour somewhat, though, but...

- OK, shall we go and find Matt? - I guess we should. - Come on.

- You managed to drag yourselves away from the... the den, I suppose you could call it?

- The oubliette? Yeah. - Only just.

- It's an amazing little space, though, eh? - It is.

- It's pretty comfortable. - That is really different.

- It is bit of a freak-out when you first walk in.

But look at this view up here.

Beautiful bush view from this side of the house and obviously the sea views from the other.

So, what are we thinking about this house?

- It's a very interesting house, and it has the potential ―

you know, obviously with maybe a few colour changes.

- Yeah. No. It is. I like it.

- You do, eh? You really like it.

It's got great bathrooms.

- It has got great bathrooms.

And there's room for a wine fridge.

And I think we could fit in a little spa out here too.

- Yeah, there's definitely room for a spa out here. - Awesome.

If you are quite liking this place, we probably should talk price before we get too carriedaway.

- Any guesses? - I haven't got a clue.

- Paihia is really difficult. - Yeah, I struggle with prices.

I'm guessing sort of probably about one and a half or something like that.

- Maybe. Yeah.

- Yeah, not far off. That's pretty much what we're thinking would get this house at the moment.

A bit of negotiations. It's definitely gonna fall within your budget, anyway.

Right, shall we move on to the last house, house number three?

- Yeah, let's. - Moving off this way? - Let's hit the road.

After the break, I meet up with Owen to learn about Waitangi's significance

as the place where Te Tiriti was signed

and how the Treaty has shaped the history of Aotearoa.

- Best place to find the foundation of this place, to know New Zealanders

and to learn more about our wonderful history.

Where else would you go?

- The Waitangi Treaty Grounds welcomes you on a journey of discovery

through Aotearoa New Zealand's most important historic sites.

And what a welcome it is.

- Owen, why do you think this is such a special place for everyone to come and visit?

- Well, Waitangi ― of course it's the place where Te Tiriti was signed

on the 6th of February 1840, between the Crown and Maori.

So visitors who do come here,

they will get to learn more of that great history.

- As a visitor arriving to the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, what can they expect when they arrive?

- Besides a smile at the front door, you'll come through, you'll have two days' admission.

You'll be able to see our two museums,

have all access to the treaty grounds, all of our heritage buildings,

a 50-minute guided tour and a half-hour kapa haka cultural performance.

- Amazing. Tell me about the heritage buildings here at the Treaty Grounds.

Obviously there's some beautiful buildings ― Te Whare Runanga, for example.

- Yeah. Built in 1940 ―

an elaborately designed Maori carved meeting house, representing all of New Zealand.

Next we have the Treaty House.

This is otherwise known as the British Residency or James Busby's House.

Noted as the first British Resident to live here,

one of the older buildings here in the north, in New Zealand.

- And we can't not talk about this beautiful taonga, this waka that is just so incredibly carved, isn't it?

- Definitely so.

So I introduce you to Ngatokimatawhaorua.

It is our ceremonial war canoe.

It is launched every single year on the 6th of February.

So if you're back here on Waitangi Day, come for a hoe or a paddle.

It was built in 1940 for our centennial celebration.

And it is housed here underneath the shelter, Te Korowai o Maikuku.

- Every New Zealander should visit Waitangi, shouldn't they?

I mean, everyone that visits Aotearoa really should come here.

- Yes, definitely.

It is the best place to find the foundation of this place,

to know New Zealanders and to learn more about our wonderful history.

- Where else would you go? - Exactly. Kia ora. Thank you. - Kia ora.

Well, it doesn't look like the weather's gotten much better for our final house tour.

But let's quickly get inside and see if house number three is the one to win over Rainy andNeil.

All righty. House number three.

And Rainy, somehow you've managed to bring your namesake along.

It's absolutely hosing down.

But on a good day ― trust me, on a good day, the view from this property

is one of the best in the Bay of Islands.

- At the moment, you can't see anything.

- You probably don't believe me at the moment, but that's all right.

It's a really great property, this one.

How does it feel to you two so far? - I love it already.

Really? Yeah.

Modern. I love the outside, how it's done ― the wood, the stone.

Neil was saying, the planting here, the trees.

I hope it's as good inside.

- Let's get in there and have a look, eh? OK.

This is pretty special, isn't it?

- It sure is. - Oh!

Drawing you away from that view for a second.

I know you're pretty excited about this house, aren't you?

Already I can kinda sense that this is ticking a few boxes.

The house itself ― beautiful. Brand new finish, obviously.

You've got the cedar and kwila ceilings.

I love those. What do you think of those?

- Very modern, but classic at the same time.

- Yeah, and obviously the view ― you can't help but look at the view from here, from the main lounge.

- Which view?

We were told that this place was gonna have a stunning view.

And we look out, and we can see about 100m through the fog.

- Nah, actually the view is spectacular. - It is spectacular.

- It's actually obviously the best view we've had today.

- Hey look, I know you are enjoying the house from what you've seen so far,

but there's more to take a look at, so wander around.

And once you're done, let's catch up and talk through the price.

Mm.

- See you soon. - OK.

What do we like about this house?

- There's not a lot I don't like about the house, Neil.

- That's the problem, isn't it? So far, there's only nitpicking, really.

- I assume you mean the gas fire. - Yeah, I don't like the gas fire.

- Would it be quite a bit over our budget?

- It is going to be pushing our budget.

But yeah, we'd have to work hard to be able to afford it.

- But... - We can have baked beans on toast. - Baked beans on toast and...

It's totally unfurnished now. It'll probably stay that way for quite a while.

Oh, well. Better go and face the music, see what Matt's up to

and find out what he reckons the place is worth. - I suppose so.

- So, I know that you've got a good sense of the property market here.

So where do you think it sits there?

- In real terms, it's kind of that mid twos, you know?

- With the house prices dropping...

- Maybe they might be interested in a lower-two price.

- Well, how good are you at negotiating?

I'm hopeless. My philosophy is buy high, sell low.

- OK, well, let's let Rainy do the negotiation.

Rainy, I'm told that if you make an offer around the $2 million mark,

there'll definitely be a conversation.

- Oh, OK. That's definitely worth thinking about. - Yeah.

- Well, it's been a fantastic day. Three amazing houses, all very different.

- And the houses got better as the weather got worse. - That's true.

I'll let you two go and have those conversations.

When you're ready to get back together again, give me a call.

And again, hopefully there's some good news.

Let's recap our three options.

The first one was a newly renovated house on the hills with spectacular views.

The second home was a nautical themed house that Rainy really loved.

But for Neil? Maybe not so much.

And our third house was a recently built modern home that seemed to really impress them both.

So after some time to think, I got the umbrella out again and met up with Rainy and Neil

to see which house they've made a move on.

Neil, Rainy, another rainy day here in the Bay of Islands.

What is it with us and bad weather? - I think you guys bring it.

- Possibly. But I didn't bring any champagne, because I hear there's news,

but it's not quite news ready to celebrate just yet.

- Not yet. - Not quite. - OK. An offer has been made?

Yeah, an offer has been made. Hopefully we'll get a positive outcome.

- OK. So there is news.

But before we get to which house you put the offer in, let's just recap the houses we did view.

There were some amazing houses.

The first one, you'll remember the steps most of all, probably.

- I know. Such hard work.

I could totally get over carrying my shopping up there.

But the pink bedroom especially was just right for you, eh, Rainy - Not quite.

- The second home we looked at ― really quirky.

A lot of different styles there. - I loved that home. - You loved it, eh?

- Yeah, I did. The themes. You could do different dress-ups in each room, couldn't you?

She loves to dress up.

Then the third home we looked at, really brand new ―

completely brand new; you'd be the first people living in there.

Amazing house that one, wasn't it? - Yeah. Absolutely stunning.

You were pretty excited walking around that house.

I could sense a lot of excitement from both.

- Yeah, it ticked all my boxes.

- But an offer has been made on one of those three houses, so put me out of my suspense.

- Well, which one do you think?

- Well, just judging by your reactions when you walked into house number three,

a betting man would put money on that one, I reckon.

- Yeah, well, you'd be a winner if you did.

- So you've made an offer? - We put it offer in, yeah.

- How was it received? - Oh, with trepidation. - Yeah, OK.

- It was definitely a low ball, you know, by its original starting price.

It sounds like there is room to negotiate, and so we're working on that.

- We're in negotiations.

- So in that case, all that's left to say is good luck.

Hopefully it works out for you.

And hopefully that's the house where you can finally drop anchor.

All right. Well, all the best. Lovely to meet you two.

- And you. Thank you. - Grand. Thanks.

- Rainy and Neil put an offer on the third house.

But I'm sorry to say I don't have a happy ending for you this time.

So for now, they're still looking for their dry-land house-to-be.

Good luck, you two.

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