Before being caught in a certain earthquake in Christchurch, we actually had an amazing holiday in New Zealand. It really is one of the most stunning places we've ever been and I for one can't wait to go back.
As it was only 5 short weeks since our last holiday we really didn't feel ready for another trip. Consequently both Lydia and I were totally underwhelmed by the prospect of the planned 10 days of planes, hirecars and boats that awaited us in NZ.
Within 24 hours of reaching Queenstown however we were well and truly switched to holiday mode. Nine and a half years after my last visit (an adrenaline packed boys trip with my friend Olly) and once again I was in love with New Zealand. Our thanks for this must go in no small measure to the wonderful hosting of Julie Brown (and husband Julian) a good friend from distant Glasgow years. They laid on a fantastic barbeque and introduced us to their beautiful and carefree children. Sipping wine made from vines growing in your own garden whilst your children play on the lawn overlooking uninterupted lake and mountain views. You guys certainly have the life! Great to see you all - we'll be back come ski-season!
We spent four days in and around Queenstown and could easily have spent another week. Wanaka and Arrowtown are two other fantastically scenic towns and everywhere you go the people are incredible, the roads are empty and the views sensational. Celia loved the paddling (even if the water was freezing) and Max just seemed like a different wee boy thanks to the fresh air and a bit of daddy time!
We can't recommend it enough.
From Queenstown, through a combination of plane, car and boat we made it to Marlborough Sound and the seclusion of Furneaux Lodge (http://furneaux.co.nz/accommodation) on the north coast of the North Island. This was the main reason for our trip to NZ - the wedding of another university friend Olly and his new kiwi wife Sarah. This was a four day affair in a location only accessable by boat (or a 3-day walk). The combination of fishing, diving, walking and wine on the veranda with mates I haven't seen for 10 years made for an incredible few days. The wedding wasn't bad either!
Thank you so much for the invite Olly and Sarah. Your vows were memorable. The wedding was stunning and we wish you all the best for a happy future together. We'll be waiting patiently for news of those first grandkids!
From Furneaux, via Picton it was back to Christchurch and a couple of nights in the tranquil beachside suburb of Sumner with its surfing, great coffee and scary scenic mountain roads. Yet again we found a great little town, with lovely friendly people and amazing scenery.
On 22nd February 2011, three hours after we left the hotel for a walk round Christchurch before heading to the airport, Sumner was very near to the epicentre of the Christchurch earthquake. Our holiday ended a little unexpectedly but thankfully we have some terrific memories of the previous 10 days to balance the rather more scary times of the next couple of days.
I'll be back to New Zealand again in September for the rugby world cup. I can't wait.
As it was only 5 short weeks since our last holiday we really didn't feel ready for another trip. Consequently both Lydia and I were totally underwhelmed by the prospect of the planned 10 days of planes, hirecars and boats that awaited us in NZ.
Within 24 hours of reaching Queenstown however we were well and truly switched to holiday mode. Nine and a half years after my last visit (an adrenaline packed boys trip with my friend Olly) and once again I was in love with New Zealand. Our thanks for this must go in no small measure to the wonderful hosting of Julie Brown (and husband Julian) a good friend from distant Glasgow years. They laid on a fantastic barbeque and introduced us to their beautiful and carefree children. Sipping wine made from vines growing in your own garden whilst your children play on the lawn overlooking uninterupted lake and mountain views. You guys certainly have the life! Great to see you all - we'll be back come ski-season!
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| Why can't all gardens be like this? |
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| BBQ and great company by Julie Brown. Wine by Amisfield. http://www.amisfield.co.nz/ |
We spent four days in and around Queenstown and could easily have spent another week. Wanaka and Arrowtown are two other fantastically scenic towns and everywhere you go the people are incredible, the roads are empty and the views sensational. Celia loved the paddling (even if the water was freezing) and Max just seemed like a different wee boy thanks to the fresh air and a bit of daddy time!
We can't recommend it enough.
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| Nice! |
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| Simon says - put your right hand up |
From Queenstown, through a combination of plane, car and boat we made it to Marlborough Sound and the seclusion of Furneaux Lodge (http://furneaux.co.nz/accommodation) on the north coast of the North Island. This was the main reason for our trip to NZ - the wedding of another university friend Olly and his new kiwi wife Sarah. This was a four day affair in a location only accessable by boat (or a 3-day walk). The combination of fishing, diving, walking and wine on the veranda with mates I haven't seen for 10 years made for an incredible few days. The wedding wasn't bad either!
Thank you so much for the invite Olly and Sarah. Your vows were memorable. The wedding was stunning and we wish you all the best for a happy future together. We'll be waiting patiently for news of those first grandkids!
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| Furneaux Lodge |
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| Mr and Mrs Roberts |
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| Get a room! |
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| Chip of a very old block |
From Furneaux, via Picton it was back to Christchurch and a couple of nights in the tranquil beachside suburb of Sumner with its surfing, great coffee and scary scenic mountain roads. Yet again we found a great little town, with lovely friendly people and amazing scenery.
On 22nd February 2011, three hours after we left the hotel for a walk round Christchurch before heading to the airport, Sumner was very near to the epicentre of the Christchurch earthquake. Our holiday ended a little unexpectedly but thankfully we have some terrific memories of the previous 10 days to balance the rather more scary times of the next couple of days.
I'll be back to New Zealand again in September for the rugby world cup. I can't wait.
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| View from top of Queenstown hill |
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