Article by Margaret Church
Well my journey started on March 18th with an overnight stay in Gatwick. Up early, caught the flight and slept most of the way to Singapore. Beautiful clean airport. Then got the connecting flight and arrived in Adelaide at 5.18pm. Alison my Daughter and her husband Ed were waiting for me. Had 3 weeks of relaxing.
We left Adelaide on Monday April 12th on what was an eventful flight. Our connecting flight from Auckland to Queenstown had been cancelled but had not bothered to rebook one and never informed Alison. This had been booked in December 2025.
I then fell over in the airport in Auckland; Luckily I didn’t break anything or it would have ruined the whole trip. Eventually arrived in Christchurch two hours later than planned.
Next day had a trip around the city on a lovely old tram. We visited the botanical gardens and a war memorial.
On the Wednesday we were up early as the minibus picked us up to travel to Arthurs pass. Driver kept stopping to admire the views and amazing scenery. We stopped at Springfield where we had a thrilling trip in a jet ski boat. At Arthurs pass we boarded the Alpine train to carry us home.
On Thursday Ali and Ed picked up the loan car and we drove to Lake Tekapo. Beautiful cottage and after dinner we went out to admire the night sky which was so clear.
Friday we went up to Mount John and later down to the hot springs. So relaxing with the different temperatures in each pool.
Saturday we drove to Tia Arru which was a long drive of about 5 hours. The cottage was very old but had been refurbished in keeping with the 1930/1940 style. Right up my street. It was quiet day looking round the shops and museums.
Monday we were up early as we were being picked up for a boat trip on Milford Sound. It was amazing and we were so lucky as it was the first fine day there for 3 weeks. The waterfalls and scenery were beyond words. Very windy on trip back but that is normal on the lake.
Tuesday we drove to Dunedin. More lovely scenery.
Wednesday we drove to Harnick Castle a beautiful old house and gardens. After a cuppa we went to the Albatross Centre. Mighty large birds with huge wingspan. Some had chicks. Later out for dinner and finished the evening with a glass of wine and a game of cards. Lots of laughter.
Thursday we visited the old railway station and then had dinner later at the Cob and Co at the back of it.
Up early on Friday and left Dunedin on the way to Akoroa. Visited the Moeraki boulders and a steam punk museum at Oamoru. Horrific drive after that on a single track road over the mountains. No barriers just the lake way down below. Really hair raising and in the dark as well.
Saturday the house in Akaroa was set in a woodland area with 8 other holiday homes. Beautiful setting with views down to the lake. Attended the Anzac service. I had laid a wreath Alison and I had made. A very moving service in English and Maori. In the afternoon visited Alpaca farm. We fed them. Very funny when you’ve got about 6 of them all trying to eat out of one bowl.
Monday we drove back to Christchurch. Visited the Antartic Centre near Airport. They had some beautiful Husky dogs.
Back to Adelaide via Melbourne.
3 weeks left before I go home. Alison and Ed spoilt me rotten with all they had organized.
Sad to leave but planning my next trip there.
