New Zealand, January 2018
Early in the new year I flew from Canberra across to New Zealand to catch up with Tanya's family. I landed in Wellington and had fantastic views out across the Sounds at the top of the South Island.
The west coast of the South Island.
The southern tip of the North Island, approaching Wellington.
We spent a few lovely days in Christchurch before driving south to Mt Cook Village.
A mural in Christchurch city centre.
Mount Sefton.
Aoraki/Mt Cook appearing from the clouds.
Mt Cook Village view.
Swimming in Lake Pukaki.
Mt Cook over Pukaki.
We stayed in Wanaka for a few days, swam in Lake Hawea, walked up a hill in the pouring rain, saw friends, and sampled local beers.
Rolling cloud over the Lindis Pass.
Tanya at Lindis Pass.
Lake Wanaka.
Lake Hawea.
Wanaka sunset.
One day we went to the Matukituki Valley. To get there we had to drive up an incredibly corrugated road and cross several river fords. It was worth the effort though, because we walked up through lovely NZ forest to see the Rob Roy glacier from afar.
Beech forest and glacier river.
Rob Roy glacier.
Later on we drove across to Queenstown for the day, and came back to Wanaka via Cromwell.
The Remarkables near Queenstown.
Cromwell wall.
Cromwell's gift to the world.
All too soon it was time to leave again, and Tanya and I went together back to Canberra. This time in NZ was special. We got to spend wonderful time with family, see favourite spots, and remind ourselves of the relaxed kiwi way of things.
Leaving Wellington.
