At the end of our 3 month trip to New Zealand we found ourselves with conflicting emotions. This country has really got under our skin and we feel so sad to be leaving but equally we have missed our three sons so much that we can’t wait to get back to England to see them again. Perhaps if they all moved to the other side of the world ……..
Our time in the land of the long white cloud has been absolutely fabulous and we feel so lucky to have been able to visit so many incredible places and also to have met so many wonderful people. As we always say, it’s the people that you meet along the way that make travelling so special and this past 3 months has proved that time and time again.
We had always planned to stay with a few friends that we had met as Airbnb hosts on our previous NZ trip but the joy in renewing those acquaintances plus the new friends we have made greatly exceeded our expectations. We feel as if we have friends all over the islands now.
So a huge thank you to Sheryl and Bob in Ahipara, Kay and Chris in Charleston, Liz and Steve in Napier, Mike and Tania in Dunedin, Robyn in Waianakarua, Miriam in Gisborne, and Jilly in Mission Bay for being so amazing. Also, Gary and Yoko in Baylys Beach, Owen and Jenny in Ruakaka, Olive in Auckland, June and Tim in Nelson, Tristan and MJ in Wanaka, Pauline in Methven, Pam and David in Christchurch, and in Mount Eden. You all helped to make our trip so unbelievably unforgettable.
Special heartfelt thanks though go to our friends Leonie and Martin from Taupo, Andy and Helen from Epsom, Sheena and Malc from Queenstown, Bruce and Jeanette from Twizel, and of course Gill and Ross from Wanaka. Our little adventure would have been nothing without them.
So many memories and so many stories to tell. We will never forget our JWalking 3 trip to wonderful New Zealand. Thank you again to all of our Kiwi friends and also to everyone that has followed us on our journey and commented on our blog, it really does make us feel closer to you all. Here’s to the next adventure.
11/02/2018
JWalking 
If it helps, I can’t wait to see you xx
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Can’t wait to see you too Lydia, counting the days.
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Was very cool meeting you guys and envy your lifestyle! Safe travels and hope to catch up again some day.
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It was great meeting you and Liz too Steve. Loved our stay in Napier and fingers crossed we’ll be back very soon.
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What a brilliant trip it’s been Jon. Thank you both for sharing it with us all.
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Thanks for all the support Mayo, appreciated so much.
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Jon and Jo , perhaps just move to NZ! It sounds like that’s where your heart is. Stunning Island. And sons can visit and enjoy it too. And… you’d just be across the water so can House/dog sit when we travel 😉
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We’d love to do it but not sure we could ever permanently leave England. We do love it here but never say never.
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Was lovely to meet you both and have enjoyed reading your blog – hopefully we will meet again in the not too distant future
Safe travels and more great journeys
Kay & Chris
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Thanks so much Kay. Just wish we could have stayed longer with you guys. Hopefully it won’t be long till we meet up again.
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Wow thanks for the mention – we are so glad to have met you both and hope we can continue the friendship over the miles. Yes please come back soon!
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It’s on the big plan Liz so we’ll just have to see when we can get organised.
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Where oh where will you pop up next? I know that I can’t wait for your next adventure.
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Thanks for following, really do appreciate it. Got a few things planned for this year already so keep watching.
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It was lovely to meet you, Jon and Jo, and great to read your travel blog through NZ. Your time at our Baylys Beach Beaut was brief but I savoured our chat and envied your great lifestyle, as it’s one that I find more and more attractive as I move closer to retirement age. All the very best from Gary, Yoko and Minay, and hope to see you again down this way again some day.
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Thanks Gary. Wish we could have stayed longer in Baylys Beach and it was great to meet you all.
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You obviously had an awesome time in New Zealand which can be seen from your pictures, Jonno! I really enjoyed reading about your adventure!
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Thanks Agness, we had the best trip ever. It’s an incredibly beautiful country with so much to see and do.
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Really great to be able to follow another trip on here Jon, and to see you both fully realizing the plans that began a few years back now.
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Thanks Ben, still loving it so far.
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