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Matt's first experience in New Zealand would hardly inspire repeat visits (**see footnote below). However, other veterans of that trip insisted that the 30-something experience there would definitely be more enjoyable. Vanessa was already convinced, and we booked in for a week around Queenstown with a trip up via Lake Tekapo to Christchurch.

We certainly were not disappointed. The scenery was abolutely stunning, giving South Africa and Switzerland a run for their money, if not taking the prize. Spectacular alpine mountain ranges, glacier fed lakes, lush green hills and brilliant wildflowers were literally at every turn. To make the most of the scenery we chartered a private flight in a four-seater over snow-capped ranges and Lake Wakatipu. Amelie was great (if not a little peturbed) with the experience.

We also did quite a bit of walking, eating (as you would expect) and wine tasting. But most of all, we lapped up the wide open spaces, beautiful vistas and simply being able to spend the whole day outside without wilting!

New Year's Eve was at Lake Tekapo, a brilliant turquoise lake with the Mount Cook National Park mountains in the distance. As our first 'family' New Year there were no massive and dangerous crowds (Berlin), no schnapps competition with the local 18-year olds (Bad Hofgastein), no naked swimming in the Andaman Sea (Langkawi), no spectacular fireworks (Sydney) and no historic chimes at midnight (London). However, it was - pure and simply - nice. We managed to get to 10:30pm before deciding that sleep was far more important than the milestone....how life changes!