Blogs from Wairarapa, North Island, New Zealand, Oceania

The wedding we have been waiting for, that of Leanne and Jasper, took place on Saturday the 29th December at Brackenridge Winery, just outside Martinbourgh, with the weather playing it's part well, sunshine and enough breeze to keep the temperature hot, but not too hot. Over 180 people enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere and the laid back ceremony out on the lawn, while the evening celebrations were enjoyed with a great meal, magic speeches and quite a few tears shed in amongst the huge smiles with some exciting announcements being made. Dancing was of the usual high standard and by the end of the evening everyone was happy and exhausted. A beautiful couple enjoying their big day together with family and friends. Magic. For the families of Leanne and Jasper this was a terrific chance to catch ... read more

Today, for a nice change, I’m not responsible for the itinerary so no need to pore over guide books and maps selecting destinations and planning routes. Before going out, a tour of the property which starts with paddocks running down to a creek, then turns to woodland and ends at a river. Plus a chance to meet the resident sheep and alpacas. Our hosts’ plan for the day; a trip to Martinborough, part of the NZ Wine Trail. It seems fitting that my namesake town is renowned for its abundance of wineries. Our first winery is Haythornthwaite where we buy a bottle of rose and have a lunch platter. The platter is huge and contains a significant amount of various cheeses. Wine and cheese with friends in the sunshine - does life get any better than ... read more

Day 10: Whanganui to Hunterville, 60km. Wet, wetter, wettest The Donkey only managed to get to Hunterville on day 10. He had planned to go twice the distance but when he woke up that morning it was raining cats and dogs. The Donkey liked using that expression as he did not really like cats and dogs, they messed with his head. Of course he did not really want it to rain cats and dogs as it would be dangerous to go outside, but the thought that cats and dogs could splash down en masse pleased him. The Donkey decided to wait a while and catch up with some administration. He was resigned to the fact that he was never totally going to catch up with his administration, which was not in his nature; it was always ... read more

The early start worked really well and we had an easy drive to the airport, only taking about half an hour along the main roads. The driver let us out at the high speed drop off point but we had his tip all ready in an envelope which we gave him before he rushed off. It was a bit difficult to work out which gate we should go through initially, but they directed us to the correct one, and then we could sit down and relax and eat out packed breakfast from the hotel. It was not very inspired, but much easier than trying to find something that early in the morning. We had no problems checking in with Singapore Airlines and took the opportunity to rest and I think snooze on the way to Singapore ... read more

Well today we have been on a walking tour around the city of Wellington and our guide was actually a Glaswegian! She has lived in NZ for over 40 years but has still kept her accent and was a bit of a feminist to say the least! Very knowledgable and very fast paced. We nearly ran round the city but it was very informative and interesting. Saw all the government buildings, theatres, harbour and lots about the history etc. New Zealand is such a new country that none of the buildings really date back much before the 1890's but there are some really beautiful ones's although a lot of them are closed now due to earthquake damage from the Christchurch earthquake and they have to go to the expense of making all the old building earthquake ... read more