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The new year saw the Old Pharts board a plane at Hamilton Airport, destined for Nelson via Wellington. Unfortunately the flight was delayed, with a later than planned Nelson arrival.

The purpose of this five day trip was to celebrate the wedding of Ritchie Stevens and Lucy Ryan in Blenheim. Travelling with the Pharts were friends Tony and Michaela Giles. As the latter were unfamiliar with the top of the South Island, it seemed opportune to have an explore.

Our accommodation at the Palazzo Motor Lodge was comfortable and centrally located.

Due to our late arrival, we were hungry, so wandered into town and found Harry’s Hawker House and Bar. Very nice.

That evening the group were dining with old friends of Blair and Sue .. Cameron and Maria, who are long time residents of Tasman Village, near Motueka.

We all met at the Free House Inn for a drink, then across the road to the Indian Cafe for dinner. Nice food and a good catch up.

The next morning it was back in to town and Morrisons for breakfast, before loading up the car and driving to Mapua wharf, and on to Cameron and Maria’s for coffee in their wonderful garden.

From Tasman Village, we decided to drive over to Upper Moutere. A visit to Neudorf Winery for tasting and purchasing, then on to Moutere Inn, the oldest pub in New Zealand. The Inn was established in 1850, and has been nicely restored.

Time to hit the road in the Mazda CX-5 rental car, and the two hour drive to Blenheim.

Our accommodation was in a recently refurbished 3 bedroom house, adjacent to Lawson Dry Hills winery, and set amongst the grape vines.

Fellow Hamiltonians Pam and Malcolm Harding flew in the next day, and we prepared for the wedding.

With time on our side, we had lunch at Alan Scott Winery on Jackson Road. A nice outdoor setting with a reasonably priced menu.

The wedding went extremely well. Great venue .. the Marlborough Vinters Hotel .. great food etc.

The following day the festivities continued, with a barbecue lunch and fun cricket match at Lucy’s brothers property near Seddon.

With the Harding’s delivered to the airport the next morning, the Gilesys and Old Pharts planned their day. A coffee in town was followed by wine tasting at Cloudy Bay. On then to Wairau River restaurant, and a long, leisurely lunch. Top quality.

We had time to pass before our flight home, so we decided to check out the Omaka Heritage Aviation Centre. This features Sir Peter Jackson’s collection of WW1 aircraft and artefacts. There is also a WW2 collection of warbirds. Well worth checking out.

Back home to the Tron after a really enjoyable five days. The Old Pharts look forward to returning to the South Island in February.

It had been five months since our last visit to our beach house in Whangamata.

The weather forecast was excellent, so we loaded the car with essentials, including golf clubs, and made the 90 minute drive to the base of the Coromandel Peninsula, and sedate (at this time of the year!) Whangamata.

Son Scott and his partner Eva decided to join us from their home at Mt Maunganui. Dinner that night was at Neros .. always a favourite!

The next day Sue, Blair and Scott played golf at the Whangamata Titoki golf course. Although not particularly long, it is an excellent golfing experience, with plenty of variety of holes and stunning vistas.

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Dinner that night was at Kafal Indian Restaurant on Port Road. Excellent Indian food at a reasonable price.

With the weather gloriously fine and warm, it was off to the beach. Blair went for a swim, and described the water as “refreshing!”

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After three days at Whangamata, and minor plumbing household jobs sorted, it was on the road to Mt Maunganui. Scott and Eva have a two month “break” at our apartment, but plenty of room for the four of us. The purpose of the visit is to meet with the Project Manager of the refurbishment being undertaken next year. Also, to watch the Phoenix Foundation live in concert, plus a round of golf.

That evening, we decided to venture into the Papamoa Hills and the Summerhill Estate golf course. On Wednesday evenings, they run a 9 hole pairs ambrose competition, with a barbecue at the conclusion. All for a very reasonable $20. Scott’s friend Guy Wilkins joined us, and was eager to try out his brand new golf clubs.

The course was very undulating, with great views over Tauranga, Papamoa and the coast.

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The next day was gloriously fine, so golf was again on the agenda. Sue, Blair, Scott and the latters friend Todd Barry decided to take on Omanu golf course, Mt Maunganui.

This was the first time playing the course, and we were impressed. Not overly long, the fairways and greens were in wonderful order. Quite a lot of dog legs right, suiting the right handed “fader”. The group all played well, with a personal best of 77 for Todd.

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Dinner that evening was at the Satori Lounge, a quality Japanese restaurant. Following this, Blair and Sue wandered down to the Maoau Performing Arts Centre to watch The Phoenix Foundation, live in concert. After a opening set by Motte, who was to then join the band, they were on. Their New Zealand tour was to promote their new album “Friendship”, but the set list included many other favourites, such as Buffalo.

A great show!

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The next morning, after a visit to Dixie Browns for breakfast, we met builder and project Manager Jimmy from Coastal Builders. All set for next years project, the apartment refurbishment.

Meeting over, into the car and back home to the “Tron.”

And so it was back to where this holiday started, Rydges Latimer in central Christchurch.

Dinner that night was The Permit Room, an Indian restaurant near Cathedral Square. We chose a variety of small plates. The place was humming and the food superb.

After a substantial hotel breakfast, we walked into town, and then to and around the Botanical Gardens. Lunch was at the vibrant Riverside Market. Feeling energetic, we headed to the Travis Wetland Park near the coast, and walked the track around. Then a short drive to New Brighton, and out to the pier.

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Dinner that night was at Francesca’s Italian restaurant, next to the Isaac Theatre Royal. This place is very popular, and with excellent food and reasonable prices, we could see why.

Monday was our last full day in Christchurch, and we were keen to play golf. Son Scott took a day off work, and we played at the Russley golf course, near the airport. Excellent facilities, both on and off the course, and a nice way to conclude this South Island holiday.

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Dinner for our final night was with Scott and Eva at Zaffron. This is a Thai/Vietnamese restaurant in Beckenham. Excellent food and company.

Visits to Christchurch in the future may be less frequent, as Scott and Eva are moving back north. We look forward to seeing more of them.

In conclusion, a great trip. The South Island is hard to beat!

After the spectacular Clay Cliffs, the intrepid travellers stopped for a coffee at Omarama, then back in the car and southwards.

Another of the Old Pharts favourite roads in New Zealand is the Lindis Pass. It begins on State Highway 8 south of Omarama, and runs between the Lindis and Ahuriri Rivers, through to Tarras. The cafe at Tarras is another favourite spot.

Mid afternoon we reach Wanaka, and settle in to the modern and comfortable West Meadows Motel, for the next nine days. On the agenda .. skiing, golf, bike hire, hiking, eating out and catching up with friends. The latter has been affected by another Covid outbreak, moving Auckland to Level 3 and the rest of NZ, Level 2.

Fortunately the ski fields are able to operate, disruptions being numbers in the cafes, and chair lift loading restrictions, whence bigger queues.

Friday was a spectacular day, so we headed up to Cardrona. A “Bluebird” windless day, but large crowds curtailed ski time. An enjoyable day none the less.

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With the long range weather forecast looking settled, the Old Pharts decided to abandon the skis for the weekend, and indulge in other activities. Saturday we hiked to the top of Mt Iron, which looms alongside the township. An easy climb is gives great aerial views of the lake, town and mountains. The scale of growth in Wanaka over recent years is amazing!

Sunday, and we decided to play the Wanaka golf course, for the first time. A glorious day, albeit chilly, the views from particularly the front 9, were spectacular!

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The weather continued to be gloriously fine, so it was back to Cardrona Monday and Tuesday. Less crowds were appreciated, and a lot more runs packed into the day.

Wednesday was a day off the skis, and bike rental and an explore around the Lake. We cycled to the Clutha outlet, and followed the river to Albert Town. Lunch was at the popular Pembroke Patisserie, with its authentic French pastries and breads. Delicious!

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Wanaka is blessed with many fine cafes and eateries. The wonderful Florence’s cafe and food store was a short walk from our motel, and we were frequent visitors. Not normally open in the evening, they do a “communal” set menu dinner on Wednesday night. We attended, and enjoyed the food and company. Other old favourites revisited were Big Fig, Red Star Burgers, Amigos Mexican and Relishes Cafe.

We decided to make Thursday our final day at Cardrona. Four days of excellent skiing. We were happy. Friday, the weather was deteriorating, so we drove to Queenstown and had lunch with old friends Russell and Susan Mawhinney. Russell was a cricket colleague from many years back. A nice catch up.

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For a final night treat, we booked Bistro Gentil, on Golf Course Rd. Excellent food and service, and a fitting end to a really enjoyable nine days.

The next morning, we loaded up the Forester, and headed back to where we started .. Christchurch.

One of our favourite New Zealand road trips is Christchurch to Tekapo via Rakaia Gorge and Geraldine. A bonus this time was a coffee and muffin stop at the Staveley cafe, located near the Mt Somers turnoff. Well worth a visit.

We had two nights booked in Tekapo, and a place we hadn’t stayed before, the Tekapo B2 Lakeview Apartment. Turned out to be a delightful one bedroom elevated cabin, with mountain and lake views. After completing the Cowans Hill walk and explore around the lakefront, we were ready for dinner. We found a Japanese restaurant which was very nice. For our next and final night we booked McKenzies. Always top quality and also a celebration of someone’s birthday .. Sue (55!).

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So far we had been blessed with fine weather, and the next day was another “cracker”. We headed up to Tekapo’s nearest ski field, Round Hill.
A perfect “Bluebird” day, no crowds and reasonable snow conditions. Not enough snow however for the legendary Heritage rope tow. This is a long, vertical run which is probably beyond us! Round hill has T- bar lifts, so after many runs the intrepid couple were worn out.

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After a pleasant birthday dinner at McKenzies, it was time to depart Tekapo for the Ohau Lodge and ski field at Lake Ohau. This was a first time visit for the Old Pharts, and they were really looking forward to it.

Another Bluebird day awaited us at the ski field, after a bone jarring drive up the access road. As a bonus, a fellow Hamiltonian, Jim Fitchett was to be there for the day. Nice to ski a few runs with the silly Old Bugger!

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After an excellent 3 course set menu dinner at the Lodge, a comfortable nights sleep and hearty breakfast, it was time to continue to Wanaka.

However, there was a stop we wished to make on the way. This was to visit the Clay Cliffs, near Omarama. It is a twenty minute drive from the main highway, and well worth a visit.

Having spent the previous six months stuck in Hamilton due to the viral pandemic, it was with great excitement as we boarded our flight to Christchurch.

Almost over our disappointment of the cancellation of overseas travel to the UK and Europe, we were looking forward to seeing Scott and Eva, then travelling south to the ski fields of Tekapo, Ohau and Wanaka.

Our accommodation was Rydges Latimer Hotel, very conveniently located in the central city. When in Christchurch, we always visit the iconic Ballantynes department store, plus the boutique “Tannery” in Woolston. Purchases were made!

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Saturday morning we visited the Lyttelton food and craft markets, then lunch in Sumner and a walk along the Beach. Dinner the previous evening was at Formaggios, an Italian restaurant in Beckenham. Saturday dinner was at MoriMori Japanese restaurant in Sydenham. Both were excellent.

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After a hearty breakfast at our favourite C1 Espresso in High Street, we jumped in our hired Subaru Forester, and made tracks for Tekapo.

The Kinloch Club is a privately owned, Jack Nicklaus signature golf course. It is at the small settlement of Kinloch, on the western side of Lake Taupo.

With the absence of overseas golfing visitors, the club was offering discounted fees for New Zealand residents. My friend Graeme Olorenshaw (Olly) and myself saw this as an opportunity too good to miss.

The weather forecast was good, so Olly and I made the two hour journey to the course. We allowed ourselves plenty of time for a coffee, scone, then some warm up hits, before tackling the course.

There are four tee options, with Olly and I choosing the Blue (second to back). My 12.1 index was a 15 on course handicap, Olly’s 15.0 a 19.

The course is very much a links layout, heavily bunkered, sloping and undulating fairways, with quick and multi-layered greens. Fortunately the breeze was only light. This was going to be a tough test of golf for the lads!

A tough test it was! The rough thick and unforgiving, with some holes protected by around 20 bunkers. The threat of a hole blow out and big numbers was constant.

The lads had a match amongst themselves, with Blair prevailing 2 and 1. The final hole was a par 5, with a lake protecting the left hand side. The duo finished solidly, with a par for Blair, and Olly a bogey. Blair finished with 90, Olly 99.

After a refreshing beer in the lounge afterwards, the golfing pair headed back to Hamilton, and reflected on a most enjoyable day.

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February saw Sue and Blair loading the car, and driving to an area previously unexplored by the couple.

The destination was Taumarunui, just over two hours south of Hamilton. Courtesy of “Forgotten World Adventures”, they did the 5 tunnel rail journey. This is a 3.5 hour self driven rail cart journey through hill country and native bush, to the historical village of Matiere.

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After dining that evening at the local RSA, and a restful nights sleep at the Forgotten World motel, we were off the next morning to New Plymouth. Our route was to be State Highway 43, or the Forgotten World Highway. This 150km stretch of road from Taumarunui to Stratford is very windy. It also includes 12kms of unsealed road. About halfway to Stratford is the “Republic of Whangamomona”, so called due to residents objecting to a council boundary change. A nice place to stop for a coffee and a muffin, a wander and explore.

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It was now on to New Plymouth via Stratford. The former is a city in Taranaki, with a population of around 80,000. It is a coastal city with an excellent walk and cycle way along the coast, art galleries, parks and gardens and Mt Taranaki looming large to the south. It also has excellent cafes, restaurants and golf courses. We decided to play the Ngamotu course of the New Plymouth Golf Club.

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An excellent coastal course, in great condition and featuring stunning scenery. Wind is a constant, so a good test of golf.

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After two very enjoyable days, we drove the Surf Highway around the Taranaki coast, and south to the small town of Hawera. We played the local golf course, and stayed at a very nice B&B. The next stage of the road trip, was to Palmerston North, via a coffee stop in Whanganui. The plan was to play the Hokowhitu golf course of the Manawatu golf club. It was unavailable however due to a tournament, so we played at the Palmerston North golf club instead. As a many NZ golf courses in summer, including Hawera, the fairways were firm and brown, with plenty of run. Both were nice courses. After a meal at a Vietnamese restaurant and a comfortable night at “Destiny on Fitzherbert”, it was a two hour drive south to the nations Capital.
Our arrival in Wellington was via the Paekakariki Hill Road and the Hutt Valley.

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Our stay in Wellington was dual purpose. Firstly, that evening we had tickets to a concert in the Opera House .. Mi-Sex opening for the Stranglers! Two blasts from the past!
We arrived around midday, to a glorious Wellington summers day. Had lunch at the Maranui Surf Club cafe in Lyall Bay, then checked in to our Copthorne Oriental Bay Hotel. As we are at the base of Mt Victoria, a walk to the summit and back was obligatory. Great views, and lots of people sunning themselves at the Oriental Bay beach (although not many swimming!)

After an excellent dinner at nearby “Lola Stays” (great for breakfast also), it was concert time.

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A great show, with both bands in fine form and playing all the old favourites.

The next day was a short walk into the central city, and suit shopping for Blair. With two weddings to go to in the next few months, he decided to splash out. Mission accomplished at Rembrandts.

Dinner that night was at Coenes in the Port Nicholson Yacht Club. Excellent food. The next day it was off to the Wairarapa, specifically Martinborough. Blair’s mother was a Masterton girl, so he has many relatives there. Called in and saw cousin Wendy at her home in Greytown, then on to Martinborough for food, wine and golf. Staying at the Pinot Villas, which is very close to the market square in Martinborough. Lunch, a glass of wine and some purchases at Colombo winery, then off to dinner in Masterton with a number of relatives.

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The next morning, golf at the Martinborough golf course. A hot day, firm brown fairways, nice greens, friendly locals. Most enjoyable!
After lunch it was a short walk to Palliser Estate winery for tasting and purchasing. Recommended! Dinner that night was at the Union Square Bistro in the Martinborough Hotel. A busy place with great food.

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For our final day in Martinborough, we decided to walk to the lookout of the Patangirua Pinnacles, have lunch at nearby Lake Ferry, then wine tasting and purchasing at the Luna Winery. A busy day, finished off nicely with dinner at Cool Change Bar and Eatery.

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With the car loaded with “essential” purchases, it was time to drive north, with the Rangitira golf course our destination. This is on State Highway 1, just north of Hunterville. We had driven past it many times, always saying we must play it. The course is set out over three levels,starting roadside then descending to river level. At the conclusion of the 18th hole, you climb on to a cable car, which returns you to the upper level, the clubhouse and car park. An excellent course, with a nice cold beer to finish.

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Our final night on this most enjoyable trip was in a very spacious and comfortable B&B in Taihape, called “Llanerchymedd”. Situated in the hills above Taihape, self contained and very quiet.

So another area of previously unexplored New Zealand crossed off, the revisiting of some old favourites and confirmation we are blessed with quality and quantity of golf courses.

Instead of the usual family Christmas celebrations, 2019 saw Blair and Sue driving to Auckland Airport. With a group of friends, they were off to Melbourne to watch New Zealand play Australia in cricket. It was the second test of a three test series, and New Zealand’s first Boxing Day Melbourne test for over thirty years!

As well as Blair and Sue, the group consisted of Graeme and Tracy Olorenshaw, Neil Dench and Annabelle Johnson, Simon and Liz Dench, Tony and Michaela Giles and their sons Lachie and Hamish.

Our sons Scott and Andrew were also going, but independently with a group of their friends. Scott met up with us Christmas Day, before heading off with his group the next day.

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Boxing Day, and the group were ready for the short walk from the Citadines on Bourke to the MCG and the big test. There was to be an expected crowd of 80,000, with almost 20,000 of those Kiwi supporters.

Kane won the toss, and asked Australia to bat. The number of NZ supporters was evident early, as Boult took a wicket in the first over.
However, from then on it was all Australia.

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At stumps, Australia were in a strong position, with the NZ bowlers, apart from Wagner, disappointing.

The group discussed the days proceedings that evening in their hotel over drinks and nibbles, before dining in nearby Chinatown.

Day 2, after a hearty breakfast at “The Mess Hall” on Bourke St, the group once again headed to the MCG, in the hope the Black Caps bowlers could pick up early wickets. However, this was not to be, with the Aussies amassing a large first innings total, and the Caps losing wickets before stumps.

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Dinner for the “Gang” that evening was at “ Naked for Satan”, in trendy Fitzroy. With a rooftop bar, and delicious small plate dining, we were happiness filled ( and so was Mumble with the Colman).

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Day 3, and after a hearty breakfast, this time at “Self Preservation” on Bourke St,the group were hopeful of a strong batting display by NZ. However, this was not to be, and they were bundled out cheaply. Australia could have enforced the follow on, but chose to bat. At stumps, they were in a commanding position. A number of the group departed early in response to this poor effort from the Black Caps. However, Messers Olorenshaw and Finlayson stayed until the end, and were impressed by the strong, vocal Kiwi support.

This was our final scheduled day at the cricket, with a private wine tour and lunch booked for the Mornington Peninsula the next day.

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Dinner that evening was at an upmarket Italian restaurant called “Becca”. This was very close to our hotel, and a great time was had by all, with our waitress in particular proving to be very entertaining!

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Day 4, and after cracking brekkie at Self Preservation, we departed for the Mornington Peninsula. Before our first winery visit at Point Leo Estate, we stopped at Arthur’s Seat to admire the views.

As well as most impressive wine tasting area, Point Leo Estate had an extensive sculpture park. The wines were okay, but in the opinion of the many experts in our group, nothing to write home about.

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The next stop for wine tasting was Port Philip. A very nice setting, with the wines once again, just okay. Onwards to Mont Rouge, more wine, and lunch. A nice outdoor setting, with an extensive variety of food. A final tasting for the day was at the Red Hill Estate. As there were many wines tasted throughout the day, the van journey back to Melbourne was a quiet affair. Overall an excellent day in a very pleasant area of Australia.

We arrived back to our rooms in time to watch the cricket on TV, and see Tom Blundell bring up his hundred. One of the few high points in a very disappointing effort from the Black Caps.

Dinner that night was in a local Thai restaurant, “Fomo”. Wonderful food, and a time to reflect on our stay in Melbourne. Sure, the cricket team underperformed, but Melbourne was great, the MCG great and most importantly, the company was great. We will be back!

The second test of a 2 match series between New Zealand and England, at Hamilton’s Seddon Park.

The first test between the 2 sides was played at the Bay Oval, Mt Maunganui. A first ever test at this venue, and NZ’s ninth test venue. The result was a win for NZ’s “Black Caps.”

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In this test,NZ batted first, scoring 375, with a hundred to Tom Latham. England replied with 476, with a marvellous double hundred, to skipper Joe Root, and a century to Burns.

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With a pitch providing nothing for the bowlers, NZ just had to bat for a draw in the second innings. After losing the openers early, and rain forecast for the afternoon, Williamson and Taylor dug in. Just after lunch, and just before the rain, they both brought up their hundreds.

Match drawn. Series won.