Last of the South Island

Well this is what we have been up to in the last few weeks of being on the South Island, which is of course now tinged with sadness after the recent earthquake in Christchurch - our hearts go out to everyone affected.

So.... On the 5th February we went to Nelson for Pru and Denis' wedding festival, here is the bride arriving with her bridesmaids

... the ceremony

..and the happy couple

Rob and Dave raise a glass to celebrate..

...but the emotion of the day was too much for Sam and Dave!!

Maria and Anna discuss how to revive the boys...

Maria and I have a relaxing drink whilst the boys are out of the way ;)

The day after - it was hell. We chilled out by the pool at Pru's parents house

Then after the wedding we headed around the coast and stopped at countless deserted beaches like this one - the area is full of amazing beaches.

Then on Saturday 12th February we all went off to the Marlborough Wine Festival where all the local vineyards showcase there wines for us to sample :) Here's me, Maria, Caroline and Scott

Scott, Sam, Dave and Spratty

Dave and Sam cool off in the fountain

After a day of sampling wine we got into playing a few drinking games - can you pick up the box with your teeth??!

Apparently Sam can!

Dave excelled at a different game!

Then afterwards we had a week of quiet  time with Dave's parents - included morning walks up in the Wither Hills

A trip to Whites Bay beach for a picnic

And dinner with Dave's aunt and uncle - Here is Rob's treasured wine cellar

Their lovely vineyard

The family - Terry, Toni, Dave, Tan and Rob

And finally a trip back to the bach, for some fun on the water

..and to relax

Then on Monday 21st February we set off for the North Island stopping in Wellington first and catching up with some of Dave's friends - Kara, Kolya and her son Noah

..and Kim, Steve and Erin

and a trip to the local museum to see some traditional Maori artefacts like this Marae, the main house for events.

Well that's got you up to date. We are off around the rest of the North Island and to Auckland next.

Hope you are all well, keep the posts and messages coming :) Miss you all xxxxxxxx