Kiwi-DX-Lodge  German
262 Waimarama Heights
RD12, Havelock North 4294
New Zealand

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Welcome to the Kiwi-DX-Lodge

We are located in sunny Hawke's Bay on the east coast of the North Island. The Kiwi-DX-Lodge is situated in a peaceful scenic setting with deer all around and with stunning views over the Pacific Ocean and Hawke's Bay. We are high up in the Waimarama Heights (320 m or 1000 ft asl), just 20 minutes from Havelock North or 30-40 minutes from Napier and Hastings. Two of the most beautiful beaches are only 10 minutes away.

Come here for your ultimate time out!

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Hawke's Bay

Hawke's Bay's long sunny summers and mild winters offer the best conditions not only for vegetables and grapes but also for visitors. In 1931 the two major cities Napier and Hastings were devastated following New Zealand's worst earthquake that killed 256 people. Napier began re-building and now the city is world famous for its Art Deco buildings and celebrates its heritage each February with the Art Deco festival.

To find us in Hawke's Bay, please click the image or here.

 
The King Room
The King Bed
The Queen Room
Comfy Queen Couch
The Bathroom
The Vanity
The
Shower
The Guest Wing
Shared Lounge Area
Lounge with Breakfast-Bar
The Terrace
Wild Turkeys
Terrace Flowers
Sunrise and Antennas
Flowerbeds
The House
House with Antennas
Rural Views
Farmed Deer
The Driveway
Red Sunrise
Cruiseship passes

Kiwi-DX-Lodge

A sealed, private drive way climbs up the 2.7 km from the main road to the property which is nestled within farm land. Thus we offer all the quietness & privacy you can wish for. Two bedrooms located in their own guest wing surprise you with spectacular views. The rooms have wide sliding doors leading to the sheltered terrace area. The whole house is wheelchair accessible. You'll share a 70 sqm living and kitchen area with your hosts. Guests will have their own fridge to store food. Free wireless is available in the house.

Your host family is well travelled and speaks German and English fluently. Basic knowledge exists for French, Russian and Spanish. We are always keen to meet new people and learn more about the world. Getting here you'll need a car but we can also organize transport for you when we commute to/from work in Napier. If you need a pick up from the airport or the bus station contact us to arrange details.

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The King Room

Our 'King' room contains a NZ king sized bed with a walk-in wardrobe and beautiful views to Te Mata peak. This room is about 18 sqm/194 sqft in size with stunning views over the ocean and direct access to the terrace. The spacious marble-tiled bathroom is shared with one other guest room. You can use your own fridge and free wireless. All areas around the house and the garden are welcoming you. There is a huge living room that you'll share with your host family for eating, drinking and relaxing. You'll be provided with a key, so you can come and go as you please.

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The Queen Room

Our 'Queen' contains a NZ queen sized bed with a comfy black leather couch to relax. This room is about 18 sqm/194 sqft in size with stunning views over the ocean and direct access to the terrace. The spacious marble-tiled bathroom is shared with one other guest room. You can use your own fridge and free wireless. All areas around the house and the garden are welcoming you. There is a huge living room that you'll share with your host family for eating, drinking and relaxing. You'll be provided with a key, so you can come and go as you please.

How to find us?

Follow the signs towards WAIMARAMA. Once you've made it to Havelock North it is only a 20 minutes scenic drive on Waimarama Road through the country side along Te Mata peak, Craggy Range Winery and Tuki Tuki River. Watch out for WAIMARAMA HEIGHTS signs on your which are located at the end of a steep zig zag curve. Turn right into the driveway. Then you have to climb up for about 5 minutes (2.7 km). When in doubt (intersection) always stay on the left and pass other properties till you can't get any further. The property is called TE MATA. If you are using GPS, try 'Kiwi-DX-Lodge' or our address 262 Waimarama Heights.

Enlarge Map
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Amateur Radio

... was and is a big part of our lives. Holger (now ZL3IO) has been a keen DXer and Contester for over 40 years now (Y31IO, Y58IO, DL7IO). This reflected onto the whole family and so it's not surprising that most of us have decent radio skills and experiences. Birgit (now ZL2YL) got her license in 1992 (DG9WYL) while still studying at university. Shortly after she sat the CW exam and upgraded to the highest class in Germany (DL7VTZ, later DL7IQ). In the 90's and 2000's we did a lot of travelling around the world and operated from 30+ DXCC's. Here are a few of our semi rare places we operated from: 3D2, 3D2/R, 8Q7, 9H, 9J, A31, BV, EA8, FW, H44, J48/SV, T2, TN, YJ, ZB. In 2009 we moved to New Zealand and our daughter Saskia (ZL2GQ) got her license here in 2010 at the age of 14. Xenia (ZL4YL) sat her exam also at the age of 14 in 2015. She is very active in CW. We also host the contest station ZM4T at our place.

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The Antenna situation

... is constantly changing. Wind is still our biggest challenge. We are active from 160 m - 6 m and have directional antennas from 80 m - 6 m. A mix of mono and multi band beams is installed. They typically point into different directions. The set-up currently used consists of:
160 m: dipole/vertical, 80 m: 4 square, 6 m: 5L yagi
40 m:
3L yagi (SA, EU lp), 2L yagi (NA), 2L yagi (AS/EU sp)
20 m:
3L yagi (SA, EU lp), 3L yagi (NA), 3L yagi (AS/EU sp)
15 m:
5L yagi (SA, EU lp), 3L yagi (NA), 3L yagi (AS/EU sp)
10 m:
4L yagi (SA, EU lp), 4L yagi (NA), 4L yagi (AS/EU sp)

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The Station

... is designed/prepared to allow a fully automated SO2R or M/2 operation. You can find the layout hier ZL3IO_station_layout.jpg. The main radio is a FLEX-6600M with RF-Kit amplifier. The second station has an Elecraft K3 completed with a KPA500 amplifier. Antenna & band pass filter switching is fully automated and interlocked. All automation hardware is home made. Deatails can be found here: 6x2 Station Automation.pdf. Some antennas have rotators and some are fixed to certain directions. For fast change of direction or simultaneously transmitting/receiving into different directions 4 stack matches are installed. Our little controllers allow to choose any antenna combination independently for receiving and transmitting. Click ZL3IO_StationAutomation_StackMatch.pdf for a description. For logging we use UCX-Log or N1MM+. You are welcome to bring your own PC or control hardware.

The Location

... was chosen with Amateur Radio in mind. Building regulations limit the tower height in New Zealand (usually between 10-25m maximum), so we had to find a location where the natural terrain gives an advantage. We were after a hill top location near the ocean. As nice as hill top locations are they also have a big disadvantage especially in New Zealand. The country is known for having the highest average onshore wind speeds in the world. The place where we live now is a good compromise. It offers great take-offs from North-West to South-East and is sheltered by a ridge to the West which blocks Middle-East & Africa directions but we can work these regions via long path. So, we still get a fair bit of wind but we are protected from the extreme winds coming from the West. All in all the location is superb and we have set many ZL records from here. Click Contest_Results Kiwi-DX-Lodge.pdf for some details.

Attractions and Activities

The Kiwi-DX-Lodge is a Home stay right in the heart of the wonderful Hawke's Bay and close to Napier the friendly Art Deco capital. Hawke's Bay is known as the fruit bowl of New Zealand. In close proximity you can find numerous vineyards, orchards and farmland with sheep, deer and cattle. Perfect spots for surfers and swimmers are Ocean Beach and Waimarama Beach which are only 10 minutes by car away. The next cities are Napier (population 58000, 35-40 minutes away), Hastings (population 75000, 30 minutes away) and Havelock North (population 12000, 20 minutes away). These are vibrant cities with cafeterias, restaurants, galleries, shops and much more. The Hawke's Bay climate is very mild in winter and very sunny throughout the year. From the house you'll have good chances to watch the perfect sunrise. Ask us for organising customized sightseeing tours for you.



Activity Picture Description Indoors Family Low Budget Walking
Ocean Beach
(10 min)
Ocean Beach Beautiful long sandy beach that allows good swimming (life guards on site) and relaxing in summer as well as romantic strolls along the water in winter. Ocean Beach has a strong rip current and usually has large strong waves which makes it interesting to surfers. MUST DO
Waimarama Beach
(10 min)
Waimarama Beach Another stunning beach with golden sand that offers marvellous views of Bare Island. Waimarama has its own shops and is known as a good surfing spot because of its large strong waves. Life guards are on site for save swimming.
Maraetotara Falls
(10 min)
Maraetotara Falls Hidden treasure that provides a sweet adventurous walkway along the little stream till the refreshing splashes of the falls, good place for picnic and a cool bath in the summer heat, MUST DO
Mohi Bush Reserve
(20 min)
Mohi Bush Reserve Private and compact little patch of original New Zealand bush that provides a sheltered 30-minute walk. Situated beside a golf course. Advisable in good weather only.
Te Mata Peak
(20 min)
Te Mata Peak Panoramic 360° views all over Hawke's Bay, good spot for mountain biking, walking and running, numerous walkways leading through Redwoods and over meadows and hills. MUST DO
Havelock North Village
(20 min)
Havelock North Village The charming village of Havelock North is nested in the slopes of Te Mata Peak and enjoys stunning views across the plains towards Hasting and Napier and the ranges. Worth a stroll, enjoy a coffee or tempt your teste buds at one of the many local wineries.
Arataki Honey
(20 min)
Arataki Honey Center Interesting family friendly visitor center that provides all sorts of interactive information about bees and honey. There is also a variety of honeys to try for yourself.
Cape Kidnappers
(25 min to Clifton)
Cape Kidnappers An incredible walk (18 km in total) or ride (tractor tours) along the beach towards several colonies of Gannet birds. The Cape sits at the end of an 8 km peninsula which protrudes into the Pacific Ocean. Don't forget sunscreen and water in sunny weather or rain coats in bad weather. Watch the tides!! MUST DO
Farmyard Zoo
(20 min)
Farmyard Zoo Get in touch with a big variety of cute and interesting animals in a unique atmosphere. Very family friendly and informative place that provides picnic areas, playgrounds and pony rides. Open 10am - 5pm, 7 days, weather permitting. Springtime is the most popular time with many animals being born.
Splash Planet
(30 min)
Splash Planet This is a fantastic water amusement park on 6.5 ha with lots of both, wet and dry, attractions like water slides, lazy river, bumper boats, heated pools, fun karts, jungle jeeps, mini golf and much more. Opens September to April. Suitable for all ages.
Farmers' Market
(25 or 40 min)
Farmers' Market On Saturdays in Napier (9:00am-1:00pm) and on Sundays in Hastings (8:30am-12:30pm) you can shop a wide range of fresh vegetables, fruits, meat, bread, eggs and preserves directly from the producer. There will be Live music and tasty food too.
Napier Aquarium
(35 min)
Napier Aquarium Experience a wide range of aquatic animals and wildlife like Sharks, Stingrays, Penguins and many more (even a Kiwi) in the National Aquarium (Open 9:00 am - 5:00pm). Check the feeding times.
Bluff Hill
(40 min)
Bluff Hill The perfect lookout in Napier with views over the Napier harbour and the Marine Parade till Cape Kidnappers.
Marine Parade
(35 min)
Marine Parade Great parade walk (or run or bike) along the waterfront of Napier with great gardens, art deco features, terrific playgrounds, skateboard facility, mini golf, bike hire, ice cream, water fountains and much more.
Ahuriri
(40 min)
Ahuriri Discover bars and restaurants and have a drink while looking over the marina. New apartments sit alongside tiny old fishermen's cottages, industrial warehouses and woolstores with distinctive saw-tooth roof lines.
MTG Museum Theatre Gallery
(35 min)
mtg Discover interesting facts about the 1931 Hawke's Bay earthquake. The MTG Hawke's Bay is also the home of a nationally significant collection of art and objects presented in several changing exhibitions. Opens 10:00am-6:00pm
Mission Estate
(35 min)
mission_estate Explore the birthplace of New Zealand wine (since 1851) and improve your knowledge of New Zealand wines (including tasting) or just spend a few minutes and have a look around in the lovely estate.
Ocean Spa
(35 min)
ocean_spa Heated pools close to the ocean on the Marine Parade in Napier. Provides facilities for all ages including sauna. Also nice in rainy weather.
Tangoio White Pine
(60 min)
tangoio This walkway links White Pine Bush Scenic Reserve and the Tangoio Falls Scenic Reserve. White Pine Bush Scenic Reserve is 29km north of Napier and Tangoio Falls Scenic Reserve 27kms north of Napier. The walkway is well signposted on the opposite side of SH2 from the White Pine Bush Scenic Reserve.
Shine Falls
(90 min)
shine_falls The Shine Falls are considered to be Hawke's Bay Region's tallest waterfall with its 58m. Allow 2 hours return for this nice walkway through native bush and grassy paddocks. To get there follow SH2 north.