My wee sis, her husband and my nephew live in NZ. We did the epic family trip in 2006 to the wedding, and had an excellent time. Well, I say epic – there were only four of us travelling, but it was a hell of a long way. I love NZ, and we’ve just come back from another holiday to see family and friends.
Surreal. That's the bar, not us.
Brian in Bangkok
I first went out to NZ in 1998, when I had a short time in North Island before heading for Australia to work (and dive). It was winter then, but even through the often rainy weather, it was a special place.
In 2006, We flew out to Auckland via Dubai and Bangkok (stopping overnight) and then went straight to Waiheke Island for the wedding. After spending a few days in Onetangi, Brian and I went back to Auckland and flew down to Wellington to look about and to see a friend. It was really nice to see Bobby, who’s obviously settled into NZ life like a duck to water. Then we flew to Queenstown (with a brief interlude in Christchurch) to spend some time doing the tourist thing.
In 2009, Rob and I flew via Hong Kong (never again will I have such a short stopover) and after a few days in Auckland, flew to Queenstown to spend time with family. 
We then drove up South Island stopping at a variety of places, caught the ferry to Welly to stay with friends, and got back to Auckland via the Overlander train .
Me and Bobby, Karori, Wellington 2006
