The Jensens of Taupō

A lot of New Zealand is beaches: stunning cliff-hugging beaches, long sandy beaches, beaches with harbors, beaches with surfers. It’s an island, after all. So, Catherine and I (and Jim, when his travels intersected with ours) spent a lot of time communing with Neptune–walking along, wading in, watching the vast vast expanse. In lovely Russell, we even spent a day sailing with a small group–a first for me–in the Bay of Islands.

It was exhilarating and wonderful. I saw dolphins. I burned my feet.

But some of the most memorable experiences I had in New Zealand were about as far from the sea as it’s possible to get on the North Island (81 miles), in Taupō at the Jensens’ beautiful, peaceful home. Kathy and Ian (Spike) Jensen have been friends of Catherine and Jim for over 20 years, and they welcomed me as though I were part of the family.

The 17-acre property (about 7 hectares) where the Jensens built their home is tucked up into the hilly pastures just outside the metropolitan center of Taupõ, a secluded sanctuary with sweeping views of distant mountains and forests and of their neighbors’ “Let’s Go Brandon!” flag, waving incongruously in the breeze for no one to see.

Although it was overcast and raining most of the time we were there, the company was so warm, the food so good, the dogs and cat so sweet, the laughter so easy, that we didn’t miss the sun. These Kiwis are living the good life with a focus on care–for their property, their simple, elegant home, their health–and appreciation for all they have. I am so fortunate to have shared that goodness as part of my New Zealand adventure.