My journey to New Zealand was a dream harboured since I was 17, and on reaching the age of 50 years, I decided now was the time to reward myself with a week getting in touch with New Zealand's South Island. I had heard so much over the years and having never travelled, outside a trip when I was 17 to the North Island of New Zealand, it was time for me to truly explore this beautiful place, but this time I wanted to explore the South Island. Searching on the internet to try and sort through how to go about it, I came upon the Active New Zealand group in my search. From the moment I contacted Active New Zealand, it was obvious that I was with the right company for what I wanted to do. I wanted to tramp and absorb this beautiful place while spending the week in the company of my eldest son (I would have loved to have my youngest son with me also, but he was working hard at the time and saving for his renovation). To cut a long story short, my eldest son agreed to share this journey with me, so I organised the flights, the booking with Active New Zealand and the rest is history. I can truly say it was one of the most incredible weeks of my life, in so many ways I grew, in so many ways I felt wonderful, in so many ways I understood my place in this beautiful world we live in. Meeting Lina, Melissa and then at Makarora our beautiful Elle, the knock-out gorgeous women who simply made the trip for us. From the first minute we met, we enjoyed our time together and they were so knowledgeable and keen to share their beautiful country with us. Just as I am proud of my sons, Lina, Mel and Elle are proud of their New Zealand. I wish to remain friends with these three ladies and return to New Zealand to tramp with them again in 2014. I can honestly say I have never, ever enjoyed a journey like I enjoyed my time on this Tui Adventure. I experienced so much, outwardly and inwardly at a critical time of life - this experience, in such a gorgeous country, launched me so positively into the rest of my life. If only I possessed the words to describe how important this journey to New Zealand was for me. The fact I got to enjoy this experience in the company of my son, Lachlan, even more incredible. The other members of the group on our Tui Adventure were also unique and remarkable individuals, who I admired and wanted to spend more time with. I felt sad to say goodbye to them all, after such a great week together. I could ramble on for hours from my meticulous notes kept along the way, but in short, I credit my journey with you for my positive transformation at this important time of my life. I love New Zealand, I love my sons and, through this wonderful break at this time of my life, I have found contentment and happiness. I understand what is important and what is not. On our last night together at Lake Manapouri, I went through my bags and found the few beautiful rocks I had thought I would like to take home with me to remember my trip and the great times we had enjoyed. I thought better of it. Instead, I decided to wander down to the lake and return the rocks to New Zealand, holding them in my hands, thanking everyone in my mind for the wonderful week and wishing to return every year of my life, as I had just loved the experience. So one at a time, I gently cast each small rock back to the water there knowing I will return to the care of Lina, Melissa and Elle for another life-changing adventure. Next time I WILL make it to Lake Crucible and swim there with Lachlan! Thank you Active Adventures New Zealand for opening up the doors of your New Zealand to Lachlan and I. Incredible memories, incredible experience!

| January 1970