I'm glad you enjoyed it Stan. As Colin said, New Zealand is a very beautiful country, especially the south island. One of my sisters and her husband lived there for over 10 years, and during that time my wife and I visited on four occasions - then they were inconsiderate enough to move back to Australia
They lived near Geraldine, in South Canterbury, then moved to Landsdowne Valley, about 20 minutes from the centre of Christchurch. The two islands are very different, scenically, and the south island can be very cold in winter, but it is a spectacular part of the world. I once spoke to an Aucklander who told me that all there is in the south island is scenery
, and it's true. There are fewer people in the south island than there are in Auckland. The north island is also beautiful, but in a different way; the volcanic areas of Mt Ruapehu, Mt Tongariro and Mt Ngauruhoe are awe inspiring.
From the perspective of a Britisher, it's a long way away, but the northern hemisphere is just as far away from us
and the long flight is, after all, simply a means to an end.
Peter.