My first opportunity to visit the Kauri Trees property since I purchased it in April 2022 came in August 2022. It was shortly after lifting of travel restrictions between Australia and New Zealand, imposed during the COVID-19 pandemic caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. 

Prior to my arrival, the area had received heavy rainfall, and parts of Taieri Plain had flooded. Out of the blue, Mike Gorinski contacted me and asked if he could bring some of his sheep up to the property. The ewes were due to lamb at the end of August. I plan to cut the grass for baleage in the spring, but the ewes would keep it down, and it’s better to help out a neighbour. It also means that Mike is going to keep an eye on his stock and the property. 

I drove from the Dunedin airport, east towards Taieri Beach, turning onto the unsealed Taieri Beach Road for the final few kilometres, and recognised the western entry gate from the real estate agent photos.