April in Christchurch and golden Otago!

Mike is starting to enjoy the cooler days, and seems to spend more time indoors!

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Autumn has been fantastic, with warm, wind-free days, perfect for tennis and walking by the beach.

The Gardens are a joy to walk through, with ever-changing colours which dazzle the passers-by!

It has been a busy month, but so much fun. Birthday celebrations started early and culminated in a great party with family and close friends. We ate, drank and danced the night away. I hope I will never forget it. It was  fabulous to be together with Mark and David for such a special milestone.

Then, it was off to Wanaka with David. 

Wow, the colours were just incredible, possibly the best I have ever seen. Opening the curtains at Edgewater, I was met with this breathtaking sight.

Golden poplars lit up the clear blue skies and cast their reflections into the clear water of the Clutha.

What a perfect spot to stop and admire such beautiful surroundings.

Lunch stops were simply spectacular.

At Dublin Bay we found a very pretty new track taking us to the other side of the Clutha, close to Stevenson Island, which we visited last time. A gorgeous place.

The sunsets with their pinks and oranges blended with the yellows and gold of the autumnal leaves. It was staggeringly beautiful.

That Wanaka tree was somewhat overshadowed by the adjacent trees of gold and near perfect reflections. What a fantastic way to start the day!

Wanaka was not the only magnificent place in the region , of course. Lake Hayes was also wonderful. The water was so calm and the hills and trees reflected in the pristine waters so picturesque.

Time to drop David home to Kelvin Heights before travelling on to Te Anau. The golf course where he plays looked amazing with the sun lighting up the brightly-coloured poplar and maple leaves.

What a fantastic time I have had. I am looking forward,too, to some days in Fiordland, which I haven't visited for decades!