We are so lucky to have special friends “down under” who are kind enough to host and spend time with us as we escape the northern winter. We started in the lovely city of Auckland, with Linda Robert. 
Then we travelled with her to Blenheim in the South Island to the Marlborough region, famous for wine, especially Sav Blanc. We met up there with Michelle and Tony Clarke, from Canberra, and with John and Gabrielle Inder. John is a local surgeon, who was a fellow trainee with me in England (Leamington spa hospital) in 1965. A 2 hour ride to Nelson, to stay with Linda’s sister Pam and husband Dave.
Strong winds and bad weather persuaded us not to drive down the west coast as we had planned. So we drove down the middle of the south island via picturesque Lake Tekapo. 
We had to find alternative accommodation, a farmers cottage which seemed to have been converted into an overnight for a large sheep sheering team. But it served and we found some useful golf clubs in the chicken shed. Then a long drive over the mountains, stopping for coffee at a very old Inn.
From there on to Arrowtown, the smaller (and much nicer) sister city of Queenstown, a major tourist center. We stayed as on previous visits at the Millbrook resort, nice golf course, and surrounded by majestic mountains, like “The Remarkables”. Joined by great Australian friends, the Heaps and the Edwards
Great company, food and wine
Then a few days in Sydney for a little work, helping with Micheal Bourke’s special annual Endoscopy course, and promoting “The Tunnel at the End of the Light”.
Final weekend at the Clarkes new beachside home at Killcare, less than 2 hours north of Sydney.
Finishing with a lovely dinner with the whole wonderful Edwards family.
Thank you all very much. We are lucky people. Peter and Marion C
Well, now you’ve gone and done it! I’m totally homesick for Australia and New Zealand and all those
wonderful friends! So glad the Clarkes will be here Masters and the Edwards in September.
Love and kisses,
Linda Lou
Great occasion and reunion. As u know we’re in India during this time. We much enjoyed the trip which was extremely well organised with 2 permanent guides and local guides at each stopover. Delhi.Agra.Jaipur then a rural stay in a tented (upmarket++) resort called Chagra in the village of Jima.
Then to Jodphur then Mumbai. Wonderful hotels everywhere.
We then flew south to Cochi then up to Thekkerdy in the western gat mountains to the tea,coffee,spices plantations.
Finally back down to the coast to a huge lake 3 hours c
South of Cochi. With 1000+ housboats. We only spent an afternoon on the boat. We stayed in all the above places for 2 nights. Read much history before the trip and now comprehend the totally different opinions of the Indians and British re the history and the recent partition on 15 Aug 1947. Off to NZ for a garden tour in early Nov. best wishes to all. Diney and Geoffrey
Thanks, Geoff and Diney. India is special in so many ways.Missing you
Enjoyed the vicarious trip!
Thanks for sharing your adventures with our wonderful friends.
Fabulous trip. I appreciate being included on your email if your travels. My brother us now a permanent resident of New Zealand living in Whangarei when not on his sail boat.
Peace, blessings, joy, and love to both of you
Peter, it is so wonderful to see you enjoying your retirement after dedicating your adult life to other people. I know the patients miss you, and I miss seeing you on occasion, but you are doing what you should be doing now…traveling and spending time with family and friends.
We spent a week in Marlborough region back in 1995 before NewZeland Savignon Blanc became world famous. We bought all kinds of wine but only a case made it home with us!! My mouth waters thinking about all that grass on your tongue. Dershie and Larry