A family visit to New Zealand

 We are in New Zealand to visit my family.    In fact we have been here for over a week, and having a lovely time.  Plenty to catch up on, so lots of talking and memories shared, helped along by glasses of good wine and delicious food.

Andreena also came with us, and Margaret met us in Christchurch.   Lots of fun as we, Walter, Margaret, Andreena and me, travel around visiting family.

First stop Melbourne Airport, where the above photographs were taken.

After we collected Margaret, we visited our lovely aunt at her beautiful apartment in a retirement village.  Then it was an early night before we set off next morning, destination Wanaka.

First stop, our favourite cafe in Geraldine.

Morning coffee whilst sitting outside in the sunshine, surrounded by a beautiful garden.

A stop at Lake Pukaki, and a chance for a selfie.   Very funny.

Lake Pukaki, on a clear fine day has brilliant views of the surrounding mountains, and especially Mt Cook (Aoraki).    We stopped alongside all the other tourists, in coaches, vans and cars.   A popular place.

Walter took this photo.

We stayed in Wanaka at our brother's house in Wanaka.    Brian and Susanne run a very comfortable B and B there.   There is also Brian's magnificent garden, full of quirky art and sculpture work which is really captivating.   

The driveway into a two storey house which they rent out.   We stayed there this year, and a very comfortable place to stay in too.   The driveway, shaded, and full of interested is beautiful to walk along.

We visited the Transport Museum, which is full of interesting old toys and vehicles.

I think models of every car we, and our parents, ever owned, were in the museum.   Talk about travelling down memory lane.

We saw the biggest display of souvenir spoons, too many to look at them closely.

There was even an old Air New Zealand plane in one of the sheds.   It was fascinating to look inside the plane at the old seats, with plenty of leg room.

A lovely walk beside Lake Wanaka.

The famous tree in the lake, very photographed by all the tourists.

Brian, Margaret, Walter and me dressed in our warmest clothes.   Quite a cool breeze blowing.

Another selfie, with Margaret looking very smart in her new bright blue jacket behind Andreena.   Perfectly posed, Margaret.

A beautiful 70th birthday celebration for Brian.

I must mention the mostly glorious weather in the South Island of New Zealand.    Certainly no harsh hot climate here.   While Adelaide has sweltered in 40 degree heat, with no rain in sight, we have encountered rain, some 4 degree temperatures in the early morning and some beautiful sunny days, with temperatures in the mid 20s.