Ronald and Dzidra’s place is great! It is a repurposed cottage about 50 yards from their home, secluded from it by a hedge. They are extraordinarily generous hosts, friendly and personable, allowing us to pick fruit and some vegetables and encouraging us to wandering around their acres of fruit and nut trees, horse pastures and lovely grounds. Conversation is welcome and interesting. There are hens, a very sociable cat, and up to 6 horses. Bikes are available for riding.
When you arrive, fresh eggs, fresh flowers and olive oil from their trees await you. The walls are hung with large photos taken by Ronald and paintings of Dzidra’s horses. It is a happy welcome. The kitchen is quite well equipped and useable. A Mac computer is available for guest use and internet access excellent. The washer is easy to use with a large clothesline near.
Walking is pleasant and easy through the rural neighborhood with a shopping area and shoreline close by.
The house is not completely wheelchair friendly but someone with a walker or some ability to navigate indoors with support should be able to use it as a ramp leads to one door.
Dzidra’s business is one-day horse trips originating from at least two locations, including her home. She is very adept at it, quickly and clearly teaching how to work with the horses. She succeeded in getting one of us, a woman in her 70s with no appreciable equestrian skills and 3 artificial joints, on and off Nugget without mishap. It took Dzidra, my husband, myself and Nugget to manage it, but we did and had a delightful time on a short ride to the shore and through waves. Take a ride!
Clive is located about 14 km from Napier and easy to get to. We had no problem finding parking in Napier although that might change during summer months (Dec-March).
This is a stop we heartily recommend to one and all. Stay for a long time to get the full flavor of the venue and interesting places nearby. Our 3 days were not nearly enough.