Ann and John Watts

Ann John Watts

Ann and John Watts

Our 2018 New Zealand Adventure starts with us leaving Richmond, VA on September 1st and arriving in Christchurch, via Los Angeles, on September 3rd. We will be in the South Island of New Zealand through October 30th. As always, our primary focus will be son Philip. his partner Melissa, and our wonderful grandchildren - Luca and Lola. We will be joined for three weeks by dear friends from Virginia - Chip and Sandy Woodson.




A Tale of Two Trips. One from Sumner to Dunedin and back, and after two days at home, Sumner to Nelson and back. WHY! The Dunedin trip was primarily to watch a three day soccer tournament that grandson Luca was participating in. The tournament was a great success for his team as they reached the finals, but unfortunately lost that game. Needless to say a big disappointment to Luca and his team, which dissipated once they realized how well they had done to reach that final game. While the games were going on, Ann managed to take Lola to the Dunedin Museum where they had a fun time - especially in the butterfly exhibit. There was also a visit to the Cadbury's Chocolate factory, with the obligatory bag of chocolate treats. After the tournament, Philip and ... read more
Dunedin Soccer - Team Shot with Medals
Dunedin Soccer - Luca with Grandparents
Dunedin Railway Station

Oceania » New Zealand » South Island » Queenstown October 11th 2016

Queenstown and Milford Sound and Fjordland: One of the side trips we had wanted to do was a trip to fjordlands on the west coast, a rugged coastline which looks as if it was lifted from Norway and dropped down on the bottom of the world. We drove through beautiful agricultural land, heavily populated by sheep and cattle and deer. It took a day to drive the 490 kilometers, winding roads passing through little towns with names like Geraldine, Twizel and Cromwell (markers of the European settlers that came after 1840.) This area is blessed with beautiful finger lakes slotted in between mountains. The lakes have maintained their Maori names such as Tekapo and Wakatipu on which Queenstown is located. Queenstown is the outdoor sports capital of the South Island, located as it is near lakes, ... read more
Queenstown Activities
Queenstown Gondola Trip
Queenstown from Hotel

Oceania » New Zealand » South Island » Christchurch October 1st 2016

The main reason for our visit was to spend time with Philip, Melissa, Luca and Lola. It has been a long four years since we were last together, so catching up has been a lot of fun. From watching Luca play football, chaperoning a school activities trip with Lola's class, sleepovers and walking to our local movie theatre and many meals together, we have reconnected and it is wonderful. Lots of talk and chatter around a dinner table with everybody pitching in - treasured moments. I will keep this short as the purpose is to share some family images. Enjoy and many thanks for all of your comments.... read more
Ann and Melissa
Ann and Philip - Lyttleton Port in background
John and Philip - a break from work




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