End of the road at Kaipara

Townie journalist Rae Roadley wrote a book about how she ended up at Batley House, called Love at the End of the Road...if Allyson and the team had of driven any further, past Batley, they'd have needed floats! 

Pictured above are Rae Roadley, husband Res, Mother-in law Zoe, Allyson and photographer Alan Gillard. 

Kaipara would be easily missed by most but what a glorious spot and a stunning old home. From a town with great historical importance, this house has had its share of hosting different industries. Once a licensed hotel, turned to a post office and a general store, now a beautiful country home and at the heart of the home is the newly renovated kitchen. Rae happily hung up her city heels for a pair of gumboots and has enjoyed the simple pleasure of fabulous recipes.

After two days on Northland's unsealed roads we stepped out of the comfort of our dusty Santa Fe and into the warm country welcoming the sweet smell of fresh baking wafting out the front door, an unbeatable way to arrive at the lovely home of Rae and Zoe. Once every crumb had been 'sampled' we collected some great new recipes and hit the road with jolly bellys.

Next stop in Waihi