***Please read full profile before requesting to stay***

We live in Stratford district 35km south of New Plymouth. We live in the countryside 8km from Stratford town. There are buses from New Plymouth to Stratford and vice versa. Hitching is reasonably safe.

Married with two children (14 and 16) Professional couple and fun to be around! I am a Food Safety and Quality Specialist and my wife is a Social Worker Manager for Dept Vunerable Children- NZ Government) We have pets (three cats and three dogs).
We own our own home and have just finished renovating. We are a very busy family so you must make yourself at home.
We love to travel and learn about other cultures.

NOTE. We live near Stratford , Central Taranaki, very near to main access to Mt Taranaki and 35km south of New Plymouth.

We are very close to the mountain, and all other activities in Taranaki such as New Plymouth, the beaches, lakes, parks and New Zealand's largest wetlands thriving with wildlife and fauna. We are very fortunate to live in a unique part of the world where you can surf and ski in the same day!

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

Learn, meet other people. We love to host visitors. My children love meeting other people. We offer travellers a safe, friendly environment.

Interests

Travel, sport, animals, history, music, world events. I love going to concerts. Movies. Meeting people. Drinking the odd wine or two with good food. Fiona likes to hike, read and do yoga.

• reading
• tourism
• travel
• learning new things

Music, Movies, and Books

Action, drama. Love music..mainly rock. Pearl Jam, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Bruce Springsteen and Rolling Stones to name a few!. Been to many concerts. Favorite movie Into The Wild. I also like Star Wars, Game Of Thrones, The 100 and Vikings. My favourite author is Wilbur Smith.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Safari in Africa...amazing! Charged at by a bull elephant in Botswana . White water rafting on the Zambezi.
Staying with a tribe in the Okavango Delta. Fishing among the elephants, hippos and lions!

Have make cakes/pastries for Michael Jackson, Madonna and the Royal family.

Teach, Learn, Share

NZ way of life. We live rural so have wide open green space to chill and relax if you wish. Travel tips and travel experiences. I am a qualified baker, pastry chef, cake decorator by trade and can teach you to bake/cook, also how to be a barista and learn the art of making good coffee.

What I Can Share with Hosts

***Lonely Planet names Taranaki world's second best region to visit in 2017*** Read here! http://www.stuff.co.nz/travel/destinations/nz/85691801/lonely-planet-names-taranaki-one-of-the-worlds-best-regions-to-visit-in-2017 Great friendly safe place to stay New Zealand style. Advice on travelling NZ. Good company shared over a wine or two.

We are central to all attractions in Taranaki. I can offer you the best views of the mountain! Close to all the major mountain hiking tracks including Dawson Falls. New Zealand's largest wetlands reserve is only 10 minutes drive away where you can see native birds, native plants and native fish!

If you stay over during weekends it is possible I can show you around and perhaps go for a nice drive around the mountain....this is a cost to me in petrol and time...please remember and don’t expect it.

During the week my wife and I both work so we can offer tips on what to see and do. If you don't have your own transport you may need to hitch around. It's not too difficult- many couchsurfers do with ease and it's reasonably safe. Of course I can assist where I can if you need a ride or to be picked up- we just need to work together and plan.

Our home is reasonably busy with our two children and pets. If you don't like children or animals our place may not be suitable. Be respectful and keep the couchsurfing 'spirit' alive! Looking forward to meeting you :)

Countries I’ve Visited

Australia, Botswana, Canada, England, India, Italy, Kenya, Malawi, Malaysia, Namibia, New Zealand, South Africa, Tonga, United Kingdom, United States, Zambia, Zimbabwe

Countries I’ve Lived In

Australia, England, South Africa, United Kingdom