It’s not over yet. Summer, we mean.
The weather is still settled, the evenings cooling to a balmy 16 or 17 degrees, and the water is still warm. Stretch out summer-into-autumn as long as you can.
1. Watch the sunset
The sun is not setting until nearly 7.30pm, so indulge in evenings and admire the spectacular skies we get around this time of year. When the clocks go back to winter time, sunset is at 6pm, right on zoo hour, so make the most of it now.
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Switch off the telly, bring dinner or a calming drink out to the deck and enjoy the night sky.
If you really want spectacular, you’ll be hard pressed to beat the view from this house in Ventnor Road, Remuera. Auction, April 4.
>>> Go straight to the listing.
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2. Bubbles with a view
About now, a warm hot tub comes into its own. Switch on the bubbles, bring out the bubbles and savour the views from the tub.
A beach house in Langs Beach, Northland, sets the bar high, this is year round beach living at its best. Price by negotiation.
>>> Go straight to the listing.
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3. Mountain views
Because, you know, winter is coming. Sure there’s snow and skiing on its way, but Central Otago is spectacular at this time of year. Great autumn food, wine harvests have started the earliest they’ve ever been (March this year, instead of the usual April).
Head down April 21 for the Clyde Wine and Food festival, the biggest in the region, and stop by Jacks Point for the house of your dreams in the best mountain location. Asking price $1.595 million.
>>> Go straight to the listing.
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4. Head lakeside
The best thing about Rotorua is that it’s a great autumn and winter destination. The international crowds have thinned out, there’s a nice nip in the air, the leaves are turning colours and the trout are heading back into the deeper parts of the lake, or stream mouths ready for spawning.
And a hot spa is just the ticket. Dream about a lake house with spectacular views from the bedroom. By negotiation.
>>> Go straight to the listing.
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5. Restock the wine cellar
Because harvest is early, word is the fruit is good after a great spring and another great vintage on its way.
Another Rotorua waterfront beauty shows you just how you should treat a wine collection. By negotiation.
>>> Go straight to the listing.
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6. Keep on barbecuing
Who needs big and fancy kitchens, when you can still cook and eat outside? This is our favourite find of the summer - an outdoor kitchen, outdoor dining room on the sweetest section left in Omaha. The owners have created a glamping bach around a classic Kiwi garage, only 700 metres from beach and boat ramps.
We could spend all autumn and even winter, right here. Offers over $895,000.
>>> Go straight to the listing.
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7. Talk a walk through the glades
Sure, you could go to the park like everyone else. Or you could have your own country spread in Franklin, with trees, leaves and all the space you need. Auction April 24.
>>> Go straight to the listing.
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8. Sit around the outside fire
A cool night? Just light the fire and head to the outdoor sitting area after dinner. A glass of something to fend of the cool air. You’ll never need to leave home, if you picked this home in Auckland's Freemans Bay. Auction March 27.
>>> Go straight to the listing.
