It's one small step for NZ and a GIANT leap into a camper for Ken and Heather!!

Kia ora (this means 'Hello' in Maori - although some of you may remember this as the name of an orange juice sold in the UK, especially at cinemas, some years ago).  

Our journey continues from when we left you last week in Katikati. Some of you will know that Simon, my son, and Katie, my new daughter-in-law, spent a year travelling around NZ in 2014 - we now seem to be following in their footsteps and having the pleasure of meeting some of the lovely people they 'woof'd' for ('woofing' - working on organic farms).  One such person is Dave, who owns an enormous kiwi orchard near Katikati. It was great hearing about Simon and Katie's hard work on the farm which two years later has helped produce a bumper crop!! We took beer and Dave gave us delicious golden kiwis!!

Ken and Dave with beer (a gift from Simon and Katie)

We then went on to Raglan (West Coast) and made it in time for Merlin’s walk (Merlin is an Elk hound) along the beach.  We stayed with Vicky and Shaun Stuart-Jones - Vicky (nee Short) used to be in YF with me at St Stephen's Church 37 years ago! (Good friendships really do last!!).

Vicky regularly paddle boards across the estuary on Sunday mornings for her coffee - we enjoyed kayaking (Ken bravely took Merlin or perhaps it was Merlin who was the brave one!!!) - the coffee, views and serenity of the water were definitely worth it.

Ken and Vicky with Merlin 

Vicky and Shaun with the ubiquitous Merlin 

A lovely trip around the estuary to see the 'pancake rocks' and inlets was beautiful!

Heather now knows how to take photos from a video!

Nonstop talking seems to be the way in NZ (Ken's comment: I'm not convinced this has anything at all to do with NZ) - we had a lovely time sharing all our news, family catch ups and future ideas and plans.  Vicky and Shaun have their own Pilates studio in Hamilton. If you need to 'stretch out' or need a specific exercise for an ache or pain, Vicky can provide one for you via her website: www.pilatescentre.co.nz

Thanks Vicky, Shaun and Merlin for your lovely hospitality at your quiet weekend 'batch'.

A drive back to Birkenhead - drop off car and repack ready for our flight to the South Island.

On Tuesday we arrived in Christchurch and picked up our 'home' for the next 11 days.

White Van Man with wife - Happy Campers - Hi di hi!

Christchurch, as you will remember, was very badly hit by an earthquake in 2011.  It is still recovering - there are many buildings needing to be rebuilt, wide spaces of land where ruins have been removed and a lot of building work taking place.  We spent some time walking around the centre, feeling the shock, sadness and devastation as well as the hope, perseverance and new life.  

Ok, now for some more beautiful places where we have been staying - you may know them too!

Lake Tekapo - enjoyed the lake views and also the hot tubs!

Ken playing Superman on the shore of Lake Tekapo

Queenstown - gondola ride up Bob's Peak with incredible views, luge rides down, gasping at the bungee jumpers and then visiting Simon and Katie's 'woofing' friends in Frankton, Queenstown, Paul, Paula and boys - lovely to meet you!

Gondola on Bob's Peak

Ken and Heather 'luging' at Bob's Peak

Chair lift down from the luge

Update on 'Books for Ekta Vihar' - Simon has a contact with FedEx who has indicated that ALL the books could be sent by them, either free of charge or at 75% of the cost - this would be amazing!!!  We are waiting for more news.  Thank you to all of you who have been sharing your ideas and praying! Have a look at Asha on Facebook who have a page about their 'Book Drive': www.facebook.com/ashasociety1

As Spring comes to England, Autumn is showing its beautiful colours on the trees in the South Island. The evenings are getting chillier, but the days have so far been sunny and warm. 

 

We have been warm and cosy in the van, but Vicky might be getting an email shortly asking for help over stiff necks, aching backs, frozen knees and rigid toes - other than that, we're fine!!!  Just 5 more nights to go!

E noho ra   (Goodbye)

Love

Heather and Ken

xx