Not beating the ash cloud

Unfortunately Steve and Helen were not as fortunate as Steve and Nicky and were stranded in Auckland. They arrived to check-in for their Emirates flight at Auckland having heard nothing about the Iceland eruption and its effects and were told that UK airspace was closed because of the volcanic eruption. "What volcano!" was Steve's understandably horrified response, no doubt picturing Stoke-on-Trent being devoured by basaltic lava.

As well as the great feedback below, we have some brilliant photographs which are much appreciated Steve and Helen.

Dear Paul


Just a quick not to say that Helen and I are now safely back at home and it will be interesting to see how long it takes us to re-adjust to UK time.

We would both like to say a big "thank you" to both you and Rebecca for your help, firstly with the holiday and secondly for our additional 2 weeks of volcano delay. The accomodation you arranged for us was ideal from a comfort and location point of view and allowed us plenty of freedom to do what we wanted, when we wanted. The activities that you arranged for us all went well and in addition to this we managed to add quite a few first for us as well. The weather was really kind to us and didn't stop us from doing anything. 


As an additional bit of information that you may not be aware of is that The Church in Hahe is up for sale. Also, apparently the beach level at hot water beach has changed recently and the tide doesn't go out as far as it used to. This leaves a smaller area of beach in the hot water area, but it's still a lovely beach.


Thanks again


Steve Nuthall

On the neve above Franz Josef Glacier

Fox Glacier on a typical West Coast day!

Cruising on Milford Sound

Morning mist on Lake Tekapo

Kaikoura Peninsula

Dusky dolphins off the Kaikoura coast

Sunrise over Queen Charlotte Sound

High in Tongariro National Park

Cathedral Cove, Coromandel Peninsula

Auckland's Sky Tower on a bit of a grim day...

..but Russell makes up for it

A bit of All White!!

Great result for New Zealand, 1-1 against Slovakia.  As it stands, the All Whites basically have the same chance of winning the World Cup as France, Italy and England.  Most importantly though, they actually have a better chance of winning the tournament than Australia!

Beating the ash cloud

Steve and Nicky first contacted us back in April 2009 to ask us to help with their plan to travel to New Zealand to get married. We therefore had time to plan everything perfectly and, despite a Singapore Airlines schedule change in September presenting us with some challenges, all was looking good and we were set to go.  In steps Eyjafjallajökul.


Of course the volcano caused disruption to many, many people and we had some clients who were stranded In New Zealand and others who had to cancel their holidays.  For Steve and Nicky this was much more than a holiday though.


They could do nothing other than watch the crisis deepen as their departure date approached and I felt so sorry for them, especially as I could do nothing to make them feel better other than assure them that we would do everything we could to help.


Then, just as it looked as though there was no hope, the wind changed and airspace reopened.  In case of any doubt, the photos below prove that they got to the church on time!

Hi Paul

Now the dust has settled and reality has set back, being back at work etc, I thought I'd email you some wedding photos. I'll also send off the feedback form over the weekend. Also, when we got back to Christchurch we were expecting a 'normal' room, however, we ended up in a three bedroom, split level suite! A fine way to end our stay in New Zealand. We've already said we'll go back for our 5th anniversary! Time to start saving.


We had a most memorable trip, stayed in some amazing places (Maison De La Mer and Adrift deserve special mentions), done so much that we wanted to, but there is still so much left to see and do.


I know it's a cliche to say it was the holiday of a lifetime, but for us it really was. Your organasition etc certainly helped make it so and our thanks go to you.


Regards


Steve & Nicky Rosendale