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— HOME AT FIRST'S —
THE SETTING: Kerikeri Villas are set
among lush, landscaped gardens with many native New Zealand flowering plants and trees.
The hillside property looks north to Kerikeri Inlet, an arm of the Bay of Islands. The
villas share a secluded, saltwater swimming pool in the garden just a few steps from their
doors. A quiet sandy beach lies at the end of the inlet road a couple of minutes from the
villas. Around the villas are thousands of acres of native sub-tropical forest ensuring
privacy and tranquility.
THE HOSTS: Years ago two Belgian sisters visited New Zealand on holiday and fell in love with the country, so much so that they returned, purchased the villas and began a new life. They bring a cultured, sophisticated European style to the villas that ensures gracious service and top quality accommodations. Their love of their adopted homeland makes them enthusiastic hostesses with a real concern for their guests’ well being. ACTIVITIES POSSIBLE: The hostesses at Kerikeri Villas can help organize many
individual activities, Each year since 1997 Kerikeri Villas have been AVAILABILITY: For current availability information, Get more information about Home at First's travel program
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THE ACCOMMODATIONS: There in one expansive, airy,
multi-level building of Spanish Mediterranean style are three unique villa apartments.
Each has two bedrooms (one with double bed & one with twin beds), full-size bathroom
(with luxuriant shower), large living room with room for living, and fully equipped and
very useful kitchen. Each villa has its private entry, and an enclosed carport on the odd
chance it might rain in Paradise. Each living room has French doors leading onto a
furnished, covered terrace idea for outdoor eating. The expansive views from the villas
look across the Kerikeri headlands towards an arm of the Bay of Islands (Pacific). 
The spacious, comfortable, private villas are beautifully
furnished in a manner consistent with the house architecture. Each villa interior reflects
a fine art theme with inspirations from Dali, Toulouse-Lautrec, and Gauguin.
THE LOCATION: The relaxed
town of Kerikeri—a 5-minute drive from the villas—has several attractions, good
shopping, fine restaurants and beautiful places ideal for strolling. The town has numerous
craft shops and galleries that add to its ambiance as a sandals and shorts resort. Just
outside town is a winery that welcomes visitors. Below town where the river reaches the
inlet is a historic trading post and a recreated Maori village. 
Upstream
from the trading post are the 100’ high Rainbow Falls, reachable by a riverside rain
forest walk.
including sailing, fishing, kayaking, flying, horse trekking, and
golf. They can also arrange therapeutic massage and rejuvenating facial treatments. Golf
courses—there are several nearby—are rarely crowded and always welcome visitors.
They range from local, inexpensive golf clubs to the pricey championship course at