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New Zealand

October 28, 2016 By Ainslie Waldron 2 Comments

Poor Christchurch Cathedral - after the earthquake

Poor Christchurch Cathedral – after the earthquake

Our latest home exchange is in the town of Ashburton on the South Island of New Zealand. Ashburton is about an hour’s drive south of Christchurch. The house is very comfortable with very large grounds which include a grass tennis court and a magnificent garden which is in full bloom this springtime. Ashburton had a beautiful domain park with gardens as well as a very interesting museum and heritage centre and air museum. We even visited an automated dairy farm where the cows almost milk themselves – an amazing use of technology. The south island has moved away from crops into dairy over the last ten years with farmers having herds of around 3000 cows – dairy on a grand scale.
Cherry is a great barman at Speights brewery in Dunedin

Cherry is a great barman at Speights brewery in Dunedin

The worlds steepest street is in Dunedin

The worlds steepest street is in Dunedin

We have made trips south to the Scottish area of Dunedin where we visited the famous Speights brewery, as well as visiting many little towns on the road there and back. We particularly enjoyed the town of Oamaru, which had a lovely Victorian shopping area where not only were the shops Victorian, but the people dressed in Victorian costumes. We also visited the nearby boulders on the beach which are marble shaped.
on the road to lake Tekapo

on the road to lake Tekapo

Very windy at the Mt Hood observatory

Very windy at the Mt Hood observatory

Lake Tekapo was a day trip for us and the scenery was spectacular.
Nearby Christchurch suffered a tremendous earthquake in 2011 and the city is still rebuilding its heart. Tens of thousands of people lost their homes and 185 lives were lost. Driving through the red zone (where many houses have been totally demolished) was an eerie experience. The spirit in the town remains one of optimism for the future.
Driving north we attended a friends Oktoberfest party over a weekend and also drove further north to enjoy swimming in the warm waters of Hanmer Springs.
Yours truely taking the waters in Hanmer Springs

Yours truely taking the waters in Hanmer Springs

one of the magnificent bays behind Christchurch

one of the magnificent bays behind Christchurch


We thoroughly enjoyed our stay in the South Island and hope to return soon to visit the many scenic places we have yet to discover.

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: Ainslie, Ashburton, Christchurch, globetrotting, New Zealand, South Island

Ashburton Show, South Island, New Zealand

October 28, 2016 By Ainslie Waldron Leave a Comment

img_4872Had a great day at the local show.

one of the roosters in the competitions

one of the roosters in the competitions

some winners in the baking competition

some winners in the baking competition

So much to see and do. It was great to see the children and adults all enjoying themselves in different ways. img_4860

Kiwis have a great sense of humour

Kiwis have a great sense of humour

Free parking at the show-grounds was a welcome bonus as was the free admission for children under 15.
 a winner

a winner

A bit of a nip in the the air but otherwise fine weather and a very enjoyable day out.
Women sheep shearers in the shearing competition

Women sheep shearers in the shearing competition

All the fun of the fair for the children

All the fun of the fair for the children

Some great wee highland dancers doing the sword dance

Some great wee highland dancers doing the sword dance

img_4859

some creative craft in the children's competitions

some creative craft in the children’s competitions

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: A and P show, Ainslie, Ashburton Show, globetrotting, New Zealand, South Island

About Ainslie

About Ainslie

Ainslie Waldron is an Australia-based businesswoman, travel writer, and blogger at MyPlaceforYours.com.

Now semi-retired, she continues the global travel that characterized her career but with an interesting twist: she has mastered the art of Home Exchanges, the hottest new trend in travel.

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