Life in Levin has been pretty good. I wasn’t looking forward to our enforced stay in the town but the longer we stayed the more we discovered and the more we liked this little town.

There is a huge amount of pride and confidence in Levin. It’s also a no-nonsense place. Even the sign that greets visitors as they drive in simply says ‘Levin’. None of this ‘welcome to’ or ‘have a nice day’ puffery, just the name of the place in a sign made of stone and wood and metal. Straight up, solid and reliable.

The people are a little the same, all going about their daily business but still able to find the time to point strangers to the nearest supermarket or takeaway shop. Which reminds me, Levin must have more takeaway outlets per head of population than any other town in the country. We’ve counted seven fish and chip shops on the main street alone. Additionally there is McDonalds, Burger King, KFC, Subway, Pizza Hut, and Dominos all within a half kilometer of each other. And if your taste runs to something more exotic there are Indian, Thai, Chinese and noodle takeaways. There’s even a takeaway roast meal outlet.

With this preoccupation with takeaway food you would think that ‘eating out’ might be difficult. And it is as we struggled to find a restaurant for dinner although the local Cobb and Co has good reviews on Tripadvisor. We did, however, start each day with eggs and toast at Whispers Cafe located on the main road. They do great eggs and even better coffee so we have become a fixture in the mornings after we’ve visited the girls – they have even invited us to join their coffee club.

And if you’re staying in Levin try Bassingers Motor Lodge. It has everything you could want for a stay of a week or a night. The rooms are big and comfortable and spotlessly clean. The owner has a laid back Kiwi charm and friendliness that means nothing is too much trouble, much like the town in general.

Levin, thank you for your hospitality.