House Hunters International Season 153 Episode 5 Against the Grain, New Zealand

Against the Grain, New Zealand is the fifth episode of the 153rd season of House Hunters International. This episode follows a couple from San Francisco, California, as they embark on a journey to find their perfect home in New Zealand, a country known for its stunning landscapes and friendly locals.

The couple, Kate and Mark, have always dreamed of living in New Zealand, and have decided to make the move after several visits to the country. They are looking for a home that is unique and reflects their love for nature, with space for a garden and a home office. They also want a home that is close to the beach and has easy access to local amenities.

The episode begins with Kate and Mark meeting their real estate agent, who shows them a variety of homes in different areas of New Zealand. They start their search in Auckland, a city known for its bustling nightlife and vibrant cultural scene. While Kate and Mark enjoy the city, they find that the homes in their price range are not quite what they are looking for - they are too generic and lack personality.

Next, they move on to the Coromandel Peninsula, an area known for its beautiful beaches and lush rainforests. The first home they visit in this area is a stunning property made entirely of recycled materials, including wood from old boats and beams salvaged from demolished buildings. While the home is beautiful and unique, it is also expensive and requires a lot of upkeep, and Kate and Mark begin to realize that their dream home may be more difficult to find than they thought.

After visiting several more homes in the Coromandel Peninsula, including a cozy cottage with a sea view and a modern home with a rooftop terrace, Kate and Mark decide to move on to the Bay of Islands. This area is known for its pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters, and they are excited to explore the possibilities.

Their first visit in the Bay of Islands is to a home that is a bit further out of town than they would like, but it has everything else they want - a large garden, a home office, and even a sauna. They also love the unique design of the home, which features exposed wooden beams and a large fireplace.

Their second visit in the Bay of Islands is to a home that is completely off the grid, powered entirely by solar panels and rainwater collection systems. While this home is certainly unique and eco-friendly, Kate and Mark realize that living off the grid is not for everyone, and they ultimately decide to move on to their final stop in New Zealand - the town of Whangarei.

In Whangarei, they visit a stunning home that is built into a hillside and features beautiful views of the surrounding countryside. The home also has a large garden and plenty of space for a home office. However, it is located a bit further from the beach than Kate and Mark would like, and they begin to feel like they may have to compromise on some of their must-haves in order to find the perfect home.

After several more visits to homes in and around Whangarei, including a modern home with a pool and a traditional weatherboard cottage, Kate and Mark finally find their perfect home - a stunning property with a large garden, a home office, and easy access to the beach. They are thrilled with their decision to move to New Zealand and are excited to start their new life in their dream home.

Throughout the episode, viewers get a glimpse into the unique and diverse housing options available in New Zealand, from recycled materials to off-the-grid living. They also see the challenges that come with trying to find a home that truly reflects one's personality and priorities.