NEW ZEALAND- Farm work Pukenui Part 2

Hello from Raglan,

Yesterday we left the farm with a heavy heart! Saying goodbye was once again very difficult for me.

I will not only miss our terrace with the great view, but above all the wonderful people. Actually, I already do. When we arrived there 9 weeks ago, we hoped that time would pass quickly and we were also afraid that we wouldn't be able to cope with a 7-day working week. But now at the end, I have to say that it turned out better than we could have ever imagined!

The first few days of work were of course very exhausting and everything hurt the next day ^^ but you quickly get used to it. Also, that you don't have a weekend. We received our wages weekly and sometimes you really thought 'oh, payday again?' :D

I was told that you should not spend too much time in Pukenui, because you simply fall in love with this place and don't want to leave anymore. Yes, I can confirm that :P

From this jetty we were able to observe 4 stingrays up close! The stingrays are no longer a special attraction for the locals, as they usually retreat to the port during storms and bad weather.

It was incredible to see these majestic animals gliding through the water- less than 5 meters away. Just the thought that the sting can kill a human makes it more exciting and frightening at the same time!

On a particularly rainy day, we stopped planting after 2 hours. We were therefore home much earlier and took the opportunity to help with milking. Besides the watermelon farm, the family also owns 350 cows. First, we watched as the dogs herded the cows. I always find it amazing how you can teach dogs such things!

But it was definitely worth the experience and a lot of fun!

We always spent our evenings on the terrace with a glass of wine. I have to admit that I not only need to recover from work but also from the time after work :D

'Nocturnal' quad bike trip.. well, a longer story :D

In the last few days, the work became less and less, as the planting of the watermelon plants was almost completed and the watermelon harvest won't start for a few more weeks.

We were still able to hold some in our hands!! Unfortunately, they were not ripe yet.

However, the 'sweet corn' was already ripe. Besides watermelons, the family also grows some fields of corn, pumpkin, and sweet potatoes. We helped with the harvest for two days. The girls stood on the trailer of a tractor and stacked the corn in crates.

Jacqui found her twin :P

The men harvested the corn by hand.

As far as I know, corn is harvested mechanically in Germany. Unfortunately, I forgot to ask why so much extra effort is made here.

We were really happy to be able to help with the harvest! But we quickly realized that sowing and planting is the much better job :D

Lunch break with a view- Again, it's amazing how the dogs herded the sheep from one field to another. Sometimes it was a bit too rough...

The other side of our accommodation!!

For our farewell party, Hordi brought us sea urchins that he had 'collected' from the sea shortly before.

He was still moving a bit here..

Not anymore here...

For the Maori people, the inside of a sea urchin is a delicacy. However, they only eat the yellow part. I thought about it briefly, but I didn't try it.

In the last few days, we have had early finishes or a day off more often. Of course, you earn less money, but it's also really nice to have some time off, explore the area a bit, and spend time together.

Henderson Bay- perfect for spending a free day at the beach :)

... :)

We had our last working day in a particularly beautiful field!

The time in Pukenui was incredibly beautiful and we really hope to see everyone again!

After a short stay in Auckland, we arrived in Raglan today. It is supposed to be the best and most popular surf spot in New Zealand. We haven't been to the beach yet, as we only arrived late in the afternoon and got such an incredibly great spot at the campsite that we didn't want to give it up anymore :D

Now that I am the proud owner of a surfboard, I will of course also try my luck in the water here! :)

See you soon

Best regards from our van with a view :)