Back to the UK

They say that all good things come to an end and I guess that is true about our stay.

We miss our family and friends in the UK and need to settle back into right-way-up mode. Cath & Paul need their space back.

Its never easy to say goodbye to close family especially when the distance is so great and time is so precious.

They say of New Zealand "Take only photos and leave only footsteps" though in our case we also leave treasured family.

Goodbye and God bless Cath,Paul and kids. Goodbye NZ.

Some Photos

A few photos from our travels

ChCh City

























A few more tranquil views

NZ Notes

Dear reader(s), as Carole and I are now firmly in domestic mode with the return of Cath & baby Mia, I have struggled with the subject matter for the next blog entry. Carole, ever helpful, says "You can talk about the baby coming home and how the girls are helping their mum" and other similar offerings. In the spirit of Carole's urging and true front-line reporting, I toyed with such headings as Milton Re-discovered, the 37.0 degree bath.....etc.... but I concluded that as wonderful and beautiful baby Mia is, writing about the domestic chaos sorry I mean bliss and harmony which accompanies the emerging larger family would be interesting but a recipe for instant blog-drop (unless you happen to be studying Sociology).

Therefore I have elected to summarise (well researched and in-depth analysis in no particular order) a few likes and dislikes about life in New Zealand.I should point out that however I try, my view is formed from living in the bubble that is Sumner (or Pomner as it is called by some kiwis), short visits to other S.Island areas and a lot of reading the national daily and news magazines.

The things I like (The Pros)

- The climate is much more Rheumatoid Arthritis and wrinkly friendly. We visited last in 2010 from March to May and this time around even though we are fast approaching the hour going back, the Summer weather continues and we are well into Autumn. I understand NZ winters can be cold but nothing as yet.

- It is law that Cars must park facing the direction of travel and must not encroach onto pavements. (Imagine if that were enforced in Linthorpe!)

- People are generally friendly at the South Island locations we have visited.

- Most NZ Bus Drivers are helpful, friendly and wait for the old to get to their seats before taking off.

- Stunning scenery wherever you go.

- If you are the outdoor type (Hartley et al) NZ is made for you.

- Kiwi culture generally not risk-averse.


Things I dislike (The Cons)

- The cost of living is frightening. If you don't believe me I refer you to an article in this Aprils edition of "North & South" magazine "The Great Kiwi Rip-off - Why we pay such a high price to live in NZ". Apart from residents surviving these crazy prices, the deciding factor in coming to NZ for a holiday isn't the air fare but the cost of living here. Click Here

- Cost of going out for a beer or a meal.

- No free Healthcare for most working people.

- TV has sold out to Sky so terrestial is rubbish, all TV sport costs.

- National figures crowing about high NZ integrity and values (Interspersed with stories about greed and corruption in high places)

- The Kiwi Rail Network, expensive and limited destinations.

- National pre-occupation with Gluten-free food and health supplements

- Earthquakes (only felt the earth move once since I arrived!)


No Difference to being at home

- Dog Dirt, in spite of warning signs and the many plaggy-bag-carrying dog owners there's plenty around.

Baby Mia arrives

Cath & Paul are proud parents of their Daughter, Mia, who was born at Christchurch Hospital on Friday 8th. March 2013.

Mia weighed in at 6lbs 07oz. even though she was 4 weeks early.

Some photos when Carole and I took Maddie to see Mum and Mia on Saturday 9th. March;

Trip to Kaikoura

We decided to spend a few days away from the ranch in Kaikoura before Cath had her baby. I trawled the internet for a B&B where I opted for " A Rest n Kai" which is Maori for sleep and food.

The Journey

After ruling out the much-touted Coastal Pacific rail we booked and travelled via the Inter-City Coach service.

Though the choice was made on price (Train $360 v Coach $80) the coach experience was a real gem!Well-appointed and scrupulously clean modern coaches with drivers who knew the terrain and its history. Both driver commentaries were interesting but the return driver got the prize with his knowledge of how the incredible countryside views had been formed by the agriculture, the boom in wine production and tree-planting by both the early Europeans and latterly the NZ Forestry Commission. About one hour North of Christchurch you pass through the Waipara valley which are stocked with relatively new vineyards. I am sure we have all enjoyed NZ wines from this particular area.The road winds its way up into the foothills of the Kaikoura seaward mountain range before dropping down to the coastal road and onward to Kaikoura, a seaside settlement which represents the most northern district in the Canterbury region on the east coast of the South Island.

We were met at the drop-off by our landlady, Carmel Tindall, who took us on a tour of the area and helped us plan our walks, restaurants etc. - she offered to take us to walk starting points as required. The hospitality and her local knowledge and help made all the difference.

The estate where the B&B was located is known locally as the "Waiting for God" estate as virtually all its inhabitants are 70+ (I think we brought the average age down to 81.5).

The annex to the right was our room.



The view from our window





A pictorial record of the walk from South Bay back to Base (Our longest walk).

200yds into the walk




You can see the path incline ahead




Looking back about 30 minutes in




The first vantage point




Looking into South Bay



About halfway - looking South




Looking inland towards the seaward Kaikoura range




The end of the hills section




A favourite spot for seal watching - the beginning of the long flat coastal walk back to base





Back on the flat we stopped to sample the locally caught Crayfish. You select the one you want and it is bbq'd with butter and served with bread and salad.

Our meal



The Crayfish "Restaurant"



Carole - post Crayfish



Carole wasn't too impressed and I had to help her out! Actually it was tasty but a little tough and I found from a restaurant-er that they were pre-cooked and warmed up which could explain the less than succulent texture.


Our Kaikoura Experience

The place is wonderful with many different and exciting things to do - Whale watching (By boat, Helicopter or fixed-wing)Kayaking, Guided Walks (1/2 Day or 3 Day), swimming with dolphins, boat fishing....... to name most of the expensive options.

Apart from the long walk from South Bay we busied ourselves with basic aimless wandering and window shopping in the consistently sunny and warm conditions. The local museum, run by volunteers, was nevertheless interesting and another reminder of how short NZ history is. Rain did come on two nights but by then it was dark and we were ensconced in a restaurant or bar - we only got one real soaking. We ended up in an Irish bar on two nights where we were the oldest by 20 years. We found out on our last day that the place is renowned for fighting and stuff on the weekend!

We enjoyed local fish first night, spag boll the next, finishing with good old sirloin at an "organic" joint. The latter probably took the honours - the meal was superb and Carole had saved her allowance and we enjoyed the best bottle of wine in ages (A Marlborough sparkling Sauvignon Blanc called "Violet")

Carole managed the whole week without a fall until Thursday morning when she tripped over some fresh air and pulled something in her left leg. Fortunately it does not seem to have done lasting damage.


A selection of photos from the long esplanade;






















When we returned to B&B on Wednesday evening there was a message from Paul that Cath had been admitted but all was well. What good timing!!

Godley Head walk, Staying at Okains Bay & Stuff

Obviously all our thoughts have been with everyone at home since the tragic loss of Celia. Let us hope that matters will soon resolve and her family are then able to celebrate her life and the happy times and memories.

Godley Head Walk

"This headland is a breathtaking coastal location, with sheer 120 metre-high cliffs towering above the Pacific Ocean.Built in 1939, the Godley Head WWII coastal defence battery is ranked in the top ten New Zealand coastal defence heritage sites. Note All buildings and structures are closed due to earthquake damage. Most of the tracks in this area are now open. The Tunnel Track and the Breeze Bay Track are still closed."

Godley Head is located on the Northern aspect of the entrance to Lyttleton Port. As you can tell from the published info above, the 2011 earthquake did a great deal of damage indeed the searchlight bunker that was located at end of the walk about 10m above sea-level is now gone (located about 50m below sea-level).


View Larger Map

We did this walk on our last visit (Re: Terror Tunnel ) and armed only with the knowledge that it had been radically changed we set off in Cath's car with only each other for company. In my enthusiasm to get out of the house I had forgotten about the road to Godley Head and its sheer drops from an unprotected road edge. My memory soon returned when reaching the top of Evans Pass, there are only two forward choices - Summit Road Left to Godley, Summit Road Right to Christchurch.
As Carole soon found out being sat in the front passenger seat, the road is narrow and affords an excellent unobstructed view of Sumnervale 800 feet below. I must add at this point that since my altercation with the Sacred Heart Church when I unwittingly drove into its front wall, I have been ultra-cautious anyway and would have preferred an obstructed view (Road barriers perhaps). You can imagine me with my hands welded to the steering wheel, Carole saying "I know what you mean about being in this seat" and both of us praying that another vehicle didn't appear travelling the other way as there were very few wide sections for passing.

Arriving at the walk's starting point we parked up and in the knowledge that the drive back would be on the side away from the edge we relaxed a little.

In the event the new walk (route) was less challenging and to some extent less interesting.




A less than interesting picture of me halfway through the walk (the one I took of Carole didn't turn out)

Staying at Okains Bay

The cottage is located in the centre of the valley about 500m from the half-moon shaped beach. Adjacent to the beach is a camp-site with all the basic facilities - unfortunately no clubhouse etc. This may explain why it was quiet with only a handful of camper-vanners enjoying the seclusion. About 500m inland from the cottage there is a shop and the "Colonial & Maori Museum", the latter definitely worth a visit if you happen to be in the area.



The Bay



The Campsite looking inland

The plan was that Carole and I would have the main bedroom with Cath taking the smaller room. Paul & the girls were to camp in the ample grounds in their tent.

Views of the cottage






Putting the tent up................







At last........................




The cottage was great with a well kitted kitchen and a very comfortable lounge area. It also had a great selection of DVDs to keep me and the kids occupied. We all watched the latest Muppets Movie which was especially moving for me as for some reason images of my dear friends sat in the corner of the TC kept flooding back ..............

I did select a movie called "Seven Years in Tibet" starring Brad Pitt which I thought looked good but after about 6 hours I found myself watching it on my own - some people have no stamina nor taste when it comes to epics! Not to be defeated I managed to watch the final 7 hours on my own the following day and I must admit it was a challenge.

While myself, Cath & Paul were mid-epic on the first night, Grandma was playing "Chase the Ace" with the girls. All was relatively quiet when a minor disturbance between the card players caused us movie watchers to look up. At this point, Carole obviously feeling she had to give an explanation, said "You want to try this without a full deck"...................... I rest my case (again).


Snakes & Ladders with Maddie


OK then I'll let you win next time.

Time on the Beach





A Boules lesson from Hannah






Carole and I have said it loads - but Charlotte, Elliott and Jake would have a great time here, mind you I wouldn't dare take the boys on some of the walks!

A Little Walk to Little Okains Bay

Little Okains Bay is "Just twenty minutes walk from the Camping Ground" actually as it is a moderate climb it took Carole and I about double that time. However,it was worth it for the stunning sights as we made our way over, on the downhill section into Little Okains the slope was gentle and much easier on Carole. As access to this bay is exclusively via footpath it is more than likely you will have the beach to yourself.



Carole - halfway to the top



"Why do you keep saying Back a bit?"

When we did finally make it into the bay it was certainly worth it and just as the brochure had said deserted, apart from a couple of lads with their children that is.

Little Okains Bay from the highest part of the walk




Me tramping off to ask the lads if we could get back via the "level" around the headland.



When I did ask the two kiwis about their route and if Carole would be able to manage they pointed to their young charges and said "Yeah Mite they menaged OK". Bouyed by the prospect of not having to walk up that hill, we set off into the rock-scape fully expecting a level, rock-free path to appear at each subsequent turn. What I neglected to factor into their opinion was the fact that kiwis don't see risk and their kids are experienced rock climbers by the age of 3.





It's OK after this bit....



Surely it levels out soon...



Where's the path gone?



We eventually made it to safety but not before a really scary bit where the path had literally gone into the sea leaving just an 18" wide helter-skelter loop track which descended about 15feet down and back up the other side. The other problem was a 2ft gap at the bottom of this loop. The drop on the sea-side was only about 12ft but it was enough....I didn't take a photo as it was too scary for this blog and also I forgot.

The last leg




This sign is located at the start of the access path to the remains of a jetty which used to serve the Okains Bay community and latterly was an alternative access to Little Okains Bay. Since the earthquake a great deal of the path has been lost to the sea and the advised route is the one we took in the first place. Typically, the kiwis still use it anyway - I think they should put a warning sign at the other end.......