Tour around the North of the S. Island of NZ

We left Woodend just north of Christchurch travelling by car up the coast to Blenheim via Kaikora

We left in Debbie's Honda Accord and went along the coast. Esther bought us a cuppa at Cheviot for morning tea and travelled along the coast until we stopped at Kaikoura Beach for lunch.

Then we motored on to Blenheim and booked in to the 171 on High Street Motel. It was comfortable and well equipped.
WE shopped in Blenheim at Farmers where Esther bought a good quality winter coat for $20 of the sale rack..Then wore our shoes down around the centre of town finally arriving in the Christian Book shop.

Beautiful Park and clock tower in the centre of Blenheim

Downtown Blenheim

Next day we drove into Picton (SE Corner of Map) where the InterIslander Ferry docks in Queen Charlotte Sound.

Picton Harbour NZ

Then we travelled on to Motueka via the Famous Queen Charlotte Drive from Picton to Havelock before going on via Nelson. The Scenery was stunning but the road was windy and narrow in parts. The driver cannot look at the scenery and drive.

New Zealand has so much packed into the two small islands. Your Camera Memory needs to be adequate.

Nelson

I returned to Nelson for the first time since flying in and out on my touch and go flying visit to New Zealand in 1971. I was a first term Missionary from the Congo. Now 42 years later I stop in again on a passing through visit.

Motueka Baptist Church where we attended on the Sunday morning. The fellowship was warm and the worship was inspiring. The worship leader was as good as you get anywhere.

We drove up the Motueka River valley enroute for Westport

To Westport on the West Coast

Why would anyone want to go to Westport? Well, I had met a kind and friendly couple at the Gympie Q. Farmer's Market at Southside School, from Westport, who had owned the Nursery there for 37years. He had been a skiing instructor  but in his elderly years just found the cold of the West Coast too much. Now they are retired in Tin Can Bay Queensland. They said, "You must see the Buller Gorge. So we drove down the Buller River Gorge to Westport.

The Buller Gorge Road

Famous West Coast ferns

Westport - Palmerston St.

Fishing Boast in Harbour at Westport NZ

From Westport we travelled to Greymouth for morning tea then drove over the famous Arthur's Pass through the Southern Alps and home to Rangiora and Woodend to our NZ family.

Viaduct up Arthur's Pass

We covered 1097 km in those four days and we were really wackered when we arrived back in Woodend. But what a Privilege was ours to see this beautiful land.
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Andy and Debbie Thriving in Rangiora Baptist Church NZ.

Here we are at Woodend just north of Christchurch at the Home of Pastor and Mrs A.K. Herschell, our daughter-in-law and our son. They have been here for just over two years.
The church has just had it's 150th anniversary and is one of the oldest Baptist Churches in NZ. The church is outstanding for the number of solid men in the Congregation.

The Rangiora Bible Teacher and Prophet

Debbie and Britti overlooking Queenstown and the Remarkables

We pray that the Lord will do outstanding things through this church in the coming years.

Grandpa and Grandma HOME ALONE WITH THE GRANDIES

Just a few days after arriving here Mother and Father, Deb and Andy left us home alone. They hopped on a Korean Airways flight to Seoul and Paris. They stayed there shortly then caught the Euro-Star fast train to Ashford in Kent UK.

Now we are Home alone with Emily,Jesse and Britanni.

The Sweetest No 1. Grand-daughter.

She is looking after  Grandpa and Grandma especially supplying me with tissues and drinks of water as I have catched a bad cold while here. Last night I slept in the lazeboy in front of the fire covered with a blankie. [Still  there four days later]

Emmie has a friend called Jono who is learning to be a friend to our Emmie. She is so special and feels cared for as we talk together. She did miss her parents when they left and spent a couple of night in bed with Britti. She works in the Church restaurant making coffees etc.

Next there is Jesse Herschell [with friend Nick in green]

Jesse is working at demolishing the condemned homes in Christchurch. He'd left the Meat works where he earned great money and wanted to go into his own business Expresso Coffee Cart at big Events and Businesses. But one day early on he had an accident which has set him back. Now he is rebuilding and it will take time. Some Godly Wisdom and good support will see him through. Great learning curve.

Then there is the gorgeous Brittani Herschell

She is just finishing Grade 13. Soon High School will be finished. Yippee for Brittiiiiiii!!!
Now she has wheels and her Mighty Barina powerful bird gets her places. Who is this guy David? UUmmmmm?
She works at the big M near Rangiora.  Friends yes more friends are the ............ of Britti's life. 
Hey Britti. Just SLOW down a bit pleeeeease! This life is a Marathon not a sprint. Don't burn the tyres out so quickly.
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Gympie Queensland to Rangiora, South Island of New Zealand

Travel to Sydney and Christchurch
We drove down from Qld to Sydney visiting the Stubbs family at the Tweed and then Rob Dexter a newly discovered relative on my Mother's side at Modanville north of Lismore on the way.
Slept the night at Port Macquarie at the Lovely  Best Western.
We visited the Generation Church in Newcastle for sunday Morning service to see our Nephew and his wife Ps. Jono and Kiralee Nicholson.
Arrived at Mt Pritchard, Sydney to see the new Grandson, Lincoln Clark and the family at about 3pm. Sinday

Grandma Robbie and the Grandson Lincoln Benjamin Clark

The faithful Honda Accord

 Spent the next two days recovering and then flew Jetstar to Christchurch from Sydney.

It was a very full flight and we were in with lots of young families. a Big bit squishy for comfort. We survived and arrived at Christchurch on time at 0:45am. The jetstream helped us catch on a late start and a long taxi.

On the weekend I went with Andy to the Men's Camp at Waipara N. Of Woodend

They had many activities and electives including: Chainsaw Maintenance and Use; Dirt Biking; Butchering; Computers; Clay Pigeon Shooting; Archery; Scone Making, Fishing

Andy Butchering

Jesse shooting a Soviet era Shot-g