[red headed stranger]

It was in 2004. The World Congress on Coloured Sheep was held in Christchurch. November was a lovely time to be there. My flight landed in Auckland. My first few days were spent at the Paihia, because the Congresses tours did not go north. The first Congress tour went south through Hamilton, on to Rotorua, Taupo, Palmerston North, Masterson, through Upper Hutt and Loewr Hutt to Wellington. After crossing Cook Strait we went to Nelson, then to Hamner Springs via Kawatiri, Burnbrae, and Springs Junction. From Hamner Springs it was a quick trip to Christchurch. On the 2nd tour we rode the Alpine Express through Aurthur's Pass to Hokitika. Our coach met us and we continued south to Haast. We went to Queenstown, Milford Sound, Te Anau, Gore, Dunedin, up the coast to Timaru and back to Christchurch. A bird watching tour went to a lot of the same places, but included Stewart Island.

Almost seven weeks was not enough time to see the "small country" of New Zealand. Corgis were seen in Auckland, Paihia (a lovely red and white 13 year old "girl" who took her owner on walks three times a day), Christchurch, and Gore. Friends started showing corgis to me while we were on the coach after my excitement at seeing the first one.

Your country was filled with delightful friendly people, gorgeous scenery, beautiful gardens, and CORGIS. A return trip is on my "must do" list.