We are experienced home exchangers and home sitters that are looking for an exchange from June to Sept 2010.

We have a contemporary, urban home with a distinctive cabin feel and native New Zealand timber throughout. The house itself is nestled on a secluded back section backing up against the Port Hills with the Bridal Path nature reserve as the “back yard.” And while we are only 15 minutes from downtown Christchurch, we feel as if we live in the country when we sit and listen to the sheep and goats meandering through the hills. Each room in the house has a stunning view of the Lyttelton Harbour and the Banks Peninsula beyond. You can spend hours relaxing and watching the ships bustling in cargo for the entire South Island or cruise liners dropping off tourists. We have an expansive, open floor plan on the ground level with room to hide away in a quiet mezzanine nook. Skylights throughout the main floor let in heaps of natural sunshine. There is an antique wood burner when a chilly “southerly” blows in or if you would just like some added ambiance. Our kitchen has modern, stainless steel appliances. There are two bathrooms. One downstairs with a toilet and sink. The other upstairs bathroom has toilet, sink and also a claw foot tub/shower for a bit of luxurious relaxation after a day exploring the area. The house sleeps six comfortably and up to seven in a pinch!

Just over three thousand people make up this tiny, eclectic harbour village. All of our neighbors are very kind and more than willing to help out if you need anything at all. A short stroll down our hill brings you to main street Lyttelton, which is brimming with cafes. There are also many bars (including the legendary Wunderbar) and fine-dining restaurants as well as the standard fish and chip joints that are a staple in New Zealand (actually, the best fish and chip shop voted in all of New Zealand for 2007 and 2008 is in Lyttelton). Everything you need is in walking distance: a grocery store, dairy, liquor store, upscale clothing boutique, a barber shop, library, bank, atm, chemist, book stores, antique store, gift shops, etc. On Saturdays there is an outstanding fresh farmers market and artisan sale that brings in people from miles around. The entire town of Lyttelton was recently declared an official historic area by the New Zealand Historic Places Trust. This includes our former jail, cemeteries, steep streets, 19th-century timber cottages and volcanic stone walls throughout the town. From the harbor, you can take boat rides to several spots on the South Island. You can also take just a 10-minute boat ride out to Quail Island and canoe or kayak or take a chance at seeing dolphins on your way out to the French village of Akaroa. If you want to stay on land, there is cycling everywhere throughout the hills as well as beautiful hikes and even a gondola ride. Located on the South Island, our house also can serve as a home-base while you explore highlights of New Zealand, such as Christchurch, Akaroa, Kaikoura, Queenstown, Wanaka, the Milford Sounds, Nelson and the Marlborough Sounds, Franz Joseph & Fox Glaciers, Stewart Island…

For more information on us and our home, our home exchange website is: http://homeexchange.com/show.php?id=65136.

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