It’s vastly different to the UK. The festive season here in New Zealand falls in the middle of summer. Is it better or worse?
Twenty 2020 Gratitudes
Twenty-twenty. It's been a traumatic, often terrifying, yet strangely transformative year few will forget in a hurry.
NBAreandare’s Blasted And Coated Underside
Our beloved floating home was taken out of the water last month, to have her hull cleaned and coated. Debdale Wharf generously sent us photos.
Celebrating Barry’s 65th Birthday Back In Gisborne
We arrived back in Gisborne on Tuesday 1st December, in readiness for Barry's 65th birthday party on Saturday 5th. What a party it was!
Waitara To Taupo Via New Plymouth
Following our two-night stay at Whanganui, we meandered northwards to spend a couple of nights at Waitara Holiday Park with Marilyn and David.
A Wander In Whanganui
We left Wellington Sunday 22nd November, kindly driven by Tracy & Rod back to Waikanae to pick up NZAreandare from Marilyn & David's drive.
Five Fun Days & Nights In Wellington
Our recent visit to Wellington was wonderful. Helped enormously by Tracy and Rod's convivial hosting, friends who used to live in Gisborne.
A Spectacular Coastal Pacific Journey
For countless years it's been a desire of mine to experience the Great Train Journeys of New Zealand. Planning a trip to Christchurch without NZAreandare, allowed us to book a treat on one of these.
Snippets Of Akaroa and Canterbury History
Crikey, so much for slowing down to smell the roses! We frequently hear people our age, saying they wouldn't know what to do with themselves if they stopped working.
Adventures Around The Garden City of New Zealand
It's been many years since either of us properly visited Christchurch, garden city of New Zealand. We had a blast last week there with Jamie.
Traveling South To East To West Then South
It's hard to believe that only five days ago we were in the Art Deco capital city of Napier. Between then and now we've travelled far & wide.
Wairoa to Napier Via Lake Tutira
I realise I’m being repetative when I say there’s an abundance of treasured memories for me in New Zealand.
Apologies For The Broken Link
Yesterday's post isn't working for many of you. Try going to this one https://barryandsandra.com/2020/11/08/magical-morere-and-mahia/
Magical Morere and Mahia
I believe some places in the world are truly magical. For me, two of these are Morere Hot Springs and Mahia Peninsula.
Tauranga To Gisborne For Friends, Family, Food And Wine
As the UK heads into a second lockdown, we're celebtrating being in a COVID-free country having a wonderful time with friends & family.
Resting At Rays Before A Weekend With Friends
Our next camping spot after leaving Auckland on Wednesday 14th October was another fantastic free one at Ray's Rest Reserve.
Amigos & Ancestors In Auckland
Continuing our journey down the east coast of Northland a couple of weeks ago. We spent a few days catching up with friends and visiting Auckland.
Treaties And Toilets
A rather interesting combination, treaties and toilets! You'll understand how both are significant icons of New Zealand as you read on.
Discovering More New Zealand History
One of the reasons Barry often quotes for loving England and the UK is its long history. He’d often ask me, what the history of places we visited was.
Cooler From Karikari To Kerikeri
We'd been lucky on our journeys around the north of the north island, until last Thursday. At Te Paki Sand Dunes, the sky suggested impending darkness