Noel Edmonds and his wife Liz endured a terrifying ordeal when they were forced to flee their New Zealand home following a series of earthquakes. The former Deal or No Deal presenter relocated from the UK in 2018 to begin a new chapter, purchasing the expansive River Haven estate with ambitions to cultivate a vineyard and open a unique pub named the Bugger Inn.
Chronicled in his latest TV series, Noel’s Kiwi Adventure, Noel’s return to television marks his first significant appearance since his 2018 stint on I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! Despite the excitement around his new venture, Edmonds has openly admitted to facing financial difficulties, revealing in his show that he is “haemorrhaging money” while establishing his business in New Zealand.
Adjusting to New Zealand’s natural environment has proven challenging. Noel highlighted the stark contrast in climate and terrain compared to England, noting frequent landslides, intense tropical rainfall, and seismic activity. Reflecting on the earthquakes, Noel recounted to The Sun: “During the first one, we were sitting outside with a glass of wine, and I noticed the surface of the wine rippling. That was a mild one." However, the largest quake forced Noel and Liz to grab their dogs and run outside as the house shook violently and cutlery rattled.
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Thankfully, River Haven remained intact, sparing them from further damage, but the experience underscored the unpredictable risks of their relocation. Noel also spoke about adapting to New Zealand’s heavy rainfall, a stark change from the light drizzle he was accustomed to on the English coast, impacting both daily life and business operations.
Financially, the venture demands significant upfront investment, with staff hired ahead of guest arrivals, causing cash flow pressures. Edmonds emphasizes the need for a strong end to the year to stabilize finances: “We’re going to have to have a spectacular November and December to balance the books.”
At 76, Noel is candid about the uncertainty of his long-term success but remains hopeful. “New Zealand is a great place to come to but it’s not the easiest place to set up a business,” he admitted. Yet he remains optimistic: “We’ve done a fascinating thing with the River Haven adventure. Will it be the move that sustains us for years to come? Watch this space!”
Viewers can catch more of Noel and Liz’s journey as they confront new challenges like facing frost damage tonight on ITV One at 9pm.