Grand visitors from a far away place

When I was in Sweden in July, I helped my parents to plan and book their trip to New Zealand with my best friends' parents, Arne and Kerstin. It was fun to act as a bit of a travel consultant fo them.

Finally it was time and they arrived without any issues to Auckland where Charlie and I met them. They looked pretty pale, almost blue, after not seeing the sun for a few months in Sweden. We didn't waste any time in Dorkland and headed to Coromandel the following day in their new rental car.

It was lovely to see the four of them. Arne and Kerstin was new to New Zealand and there was a lot to show and tell them. My parents appeared to be the NZ veterans after being here three years ago.

Auckland

The NZ boats are VERY large compared to the Swedish.
Dad was dribbling over this one. I think it may appear on his xmas wish list this year...

I had planned their trip so that Charlie and I could come and see them along the way through the country: the first weekend in Coromandel, second in the Sounds and the third back home in Chch. In between, the travel group of four had time to enjoy Napier for some Art Decco glazing on Arne's birthday (he is an architecht), a stop in Wellington, a stroll in Abel tasman, jet boating in Buller Gorge and they enjoyed the bush on the West Coast before joining us in Chch.

Coromandel

The first touch of the Pacific
Behind our holiday batch, typical NZ bush.

Cathedral Cove was impressive.

The hot water beach in Coromandel was full of tourists trying to dig up a patch of beach in the search for a hot water spring. The easterly winds had formed huge waves which constantly drowned the flock of tourists. It looked very silly actually and I am sure that many were upset that they never got to dig their hot water pool with their $5/hr rental spade. We were happy to leave the circus.

The weather was great for almost the whole holiday. They had one day of torrential rain, but that was all the rain they saw.

Marlborough Sounds and Blenheim

We met up with the gang once again the following weekend in the Sounds where we stayed in Tirimoana, at the start of the Queen Charlotte Track. We had a relaxing walk to one of the bays.

I hope I don't look like my dad...
We had the pleasure to visit Libby and Ken, who are family friends to Charlie's family. Ken showed us his wineyard and taught us almost everything about the growing of grapes. Easy peasy mate.

What are they doing?? That is a good question. My parents are drying out my clothes after I was completely drowned by a wave. I was very surprised, lost balance and felt as silly as a cat that has fallen into the toilet.

Forest Walk up Bealy Spur in Arthur's Pass

I took some time off work and met the travellers in Arthur's Pass where we went for a tramp up Bealy Spur. It was a splendid day to show a bit of kiwi beech forest and get some beautiful views without too much effort. Views towards Arthur's Pass village

Last weekend in Christhurch

The Botanical Garden is a must see in Chch.
Nice hair cut dad!


Arne climbing cool vulcanic rocks in Sumner outside Chch.

Thinking back on the time they were here, I can mostly remember lots of laughs, enjoying food,and wine with great company. We ate lots of nice food a la New Zealand (fresh fish, venison, beef, lamb...hrm also green things like kumara and pumpkin) and tried local wines every night. We had an amazing time with them all and I wished they could have stayed longer.

I hope it won't be too long before I will go over to Sweden to see them all again. Until then, they will need to send me some more Marabou Chocolate and spreadable cheese with smoked reindeer meat.