Northland to Southland in a Year

We have been on one crazy journey for the last term… summing up a total rollercoaster of a year, far different to what we could have ever imagined. But we know God’s plans are far above ours.

“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory…” Ephesians 3:20-21

Visiting the 'Centre of New Zealand' in Nelson.

From November 2020 to November 2021 we managed to explore from Northland to Southland. We have been as far North as Waitangi in Northland to Milford Sound in Fiordland National Park in Southland, which ironically is further North than Dunedin and Queenstown where we also went. We decided to plot on a map all the places we have been. 

Just looking at the shapes on the map may seem a little crazy and overwhelming to you, just picture it as my headspace some days. We have experienced some amazing adventures, stayed in a lot of places, our kids have seen more of New Zealand in the last year than what many New Zealanders see in a lifetime, met so many different people and made new friends. 

As with all rollercoasters, there have been some big highlights, lots of fun, adventure and excitement, some scary bits and some bits where we pretty much closed our eyes and hung on for the ride… yet here we are still on this crazy adventure ride.

Nelson

Since our last update, we moved on from Blenheim and were able to spend 2 weeks helping out at Tasman Bible Church, while staying with our friends Brian and Christine Glass in Brightwater. We joined a team that had already been at the job for a week when we got there and Roy helped by repairing some rotten windows and re-roofing two sections of the church while the others painted the church exterior. 

The kids with Nannie Nelson and Poppa Brian, our neighbours from Totara Springs and Teapot Valley Christian Camp.

It was really awesome to be able to be back in the area where we lived for about 3 years and where Gabrielle was born. Josh spent most of his preschool years here, so there was a lot of reminiscing for him, Roy and I. It was also pretty special to show Gabrielle lots of places that were important to her first couple of years. 

Visiting Teapot Valley Christian Camp, where we used to live and work. This is  where Gabrielle was born.

We enjoyed catching up with friends and seeing lots of places that hold memories. We particularly enjoyed being able to attend our old church, Hope Community Church, for two Sundays.

Hanmer Springs

On our way south, we stopped in for a couple of nights in Hanmer Springs. We all enjoyed exploring the Redwood forests, soaking in the hot pools and getting plenty of exercise climbing the stairs to the water slides. The kids were a bit slow to try the big slides, but didn’t regret it when they did, with huge excitement. On the big slides you had to ride them on a double tube, it was a very different experience riding it with our two more extroverted children as opposed to riding it with the introverted one. 

Exploring Hanmer Springs Heritage Park and finding Kelepi's second favourite animal - the humble Tuatara.

Christchurch

We next had a week off where we felt so blessed to have been able to stay in a beautiful lodge in Christchurch free of charge. A highlight for the kids was having lots of space to run around and relax in with all the comforts of home, something we don’t always have when we are constantly moving around. Things like a bath, TV, baking equipment and unlimited wifi can all be taken for granted at times, but so appreciated when we have it. 

We enjoyed having some down time together as a family as well as exploring a bit of Christchurch and catching up with good friends. 

Our family jumping photo tradition at New Brighton Pier in Christchurch.

Hebron, Waikouiti

From Christchurch we went to a ministry called ‘Hebron’ in Waikouaiti, half an hour North of Dunedin. This ministry is based out of an old psychiatric hospital and here Roy worked with a team to reinstate some doors that were unusable. They worked on a total of 49 doors, 46 of which needed repairing in some way, 40 had new handles installed and 16 had vision panels installed.

The work crew peeling the protective film off the perspex vision panels.

We also had the chance to explore Dunedin a little as well as Karitane, which is a really beautiful area. Gabrielle and Caleb enjoyed playing with the kids next door while we were there. 

Just a casual stroll in your jandals up Baldwin Street in Dunedin - the steepest street in the world. 

Lakeland Park Christian Camp, Queenstown

We love a job at a Christian camp! Easy accommodation sorted onsite, living in community with the other volunteers and supporting a ministry that our heart will always be in. (Roy and I have spent about 10 years working in Christian camps and it was at one where we first met.)

We were there for two weeks, the first week the camp was not in use so we focused on jobs at the camp. Some of the team took on some interior painting of cabins, while Roy did some roof repairs, and for a special treat made foundations for a flagpole and then installed it. In the second week, we kept to projects in the staff house (as groups were using the camp), preparing for new managers to move into it in the new year. There were three new double glazed windows to install, the toilet room got a complete renovation while other team members carried on with painting in areas that were needed. 

The flag raising ceremony - complete with the National Anthem played.

We were able to make the most of being in an amazing location on our weekends and evenings. The days were so long and warm down there, it felt like we still had a full day of adventures after dinner… good thing our kids are pretty much nocturnal and don’t have to get up for a school run in the morning. 

From Queenstown we did an incredible day trip to the Milford Sound. We were gifted some money that allowed us to do a cruise which was a pretty amazing experience. This was about four hours of driving each way via Te Anau, but the kids agreed it was worth it. Becoming a good traveler is a non-negotiable in our current lifestyle… although let's just say they still have their days of not enjoying the ongoing travel. But I am grateful that Caleb has only thrown up once in the South Island! (This is a great effort going by his past record.)

Fresh from a 'Glacial Facial' under a waterfall in Milford Sound.

We also checked out the sights of Arrowtown, Wanaka and Queenstown itself. Roy enjoyed showing the kids the sport of ‘disc golf’ in the Botanical gardens as well as trying the iconic ‘Fergburger’ and ‘Patagonia Chocolate Cafe’, both highly recommended. 

Caleb taking a shot at the disc golf basket in Queenstown.

We were joined by Gerard and Femmy van Leeuwen, who were also part of our team at Tasman Bible Church. Femmy challenged us to a couple of family swims in the lake, which we couldn’t pass up. A great opportunity to teach the kids about what an alpine lake is and why they are so cold!

We have confirmation - the water was cold! Photo credit to Josh.

Lake Coleridge Powerhouse Lodge

As it is a long journey from Queenstown back to the North Island we were able to make a couple of stops along the way. We spent 4 nights at ‘Lake Coleridge Powerhouse Lodge’. 

It is a lodge that has been bought by a couple who live in Christchurch and have also supported MMM Fiji a lot in the past by leading teams there. They have some great stories of God’s faithfulness in providing the ability to buy the lodge and do so much to it already. It is located near the hydro power station from the lake and is on the Te Araroa Track (the track that goes the length of New Zealand - Roy has now added this to his bucket list). They are excited to host those walking the track as well as other retreats and groups. It was a pretty special final job of the year, a great team, lodge and nice place to stay. It is such a peaceful place and a fascinating village to explore. There is even an arboretum there, a collection of the world's pine trees planted by the Superintendent at the Lake Coleridge Power Station from 1923 to 1953.

We were able to assist with the construction of a new deck that goes between two of the buildings and when the rain set in on one of the days, Roy made a built-in seat with storage for one of the alcoves inside. 

Ronnie, Matt Davis (who we worked with at Totara Springs) and Roy with Caleb supervising.

What next?

We had one last stop in the South Island staying in Kaikoura with a friend from our Totara Springs days, then it is back to the busyness of the North Island, a different sort of busy to constantly exploring new places. We'll have summer mainly in
Lower Hutt and on the Kapiti Coast where we really look forward to reconnecting with family and friends. But also very much in need of a bit of down time and rest. 

From late January we will be back in the Waikato while we sort our next step… hopefully to Fiji in the coming months! But if not, we will keep taking life one step at a time and enjoy the ride. Since our last update, Fiji has reopened its borders and Roy and the kids have received the required letter for their work permit entry to Fiji (Rachael received hers about 6 months ago). 

We thank you all for your prayers and support in 2021. This world is a crazy place and we really couldn’t do this journey without the team behind us. We are constantly amazed and grateful that although we are technically full-time volunteers, God makes sure all our needs are met and we never go without, we even get some pretty awesome experiences along the way. 

As we have been traveling around the country in the last year, seeing so many amazing ministries and people, we are constantly reminded that “the harvest is plenty and the workers are few”. There is always so much more to do and we can never do it all. If you are ever looking for a practical challenge, consider taking time out to help out MMM. We are always in need of qualified tradies, but keen and willing helpers of any expertise level are always welcome and easily given a job! You can always check out the website for upcoming jobs. 

We wish you all a safe and Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. We pray that you all take time to think a little beyond the festivities to the reason behind it and that the ultimate gift was God sending his son to Earth to save us.

If you are new to our updates, you can find our past updates here. 

Love Roy, Rachael, Josh, Gabrielle and Caleb/Kelepi.

Some Bonus Photos

House/dog-sitting for friends is a common occurrence - this time in Mapua.

The longest swing bridge in New Zealand over the Buller River.

Gold panning in the Buller River - we found gold, it's true.

Moeraki Boulders jumping photo!

To get a natural smile, just ask him to tell a joke! 😆 

I always wonder if they would be this close if they were at school... 🥰 

When you have steampunk fans and you are driving past a steampunk museum...

Caleb is always keen to help on the job.

Mirror Lakes not very mirror-ish.

A great photo opportunity at Knobs Flat en route to Milford Sound.

Maybe our best jumping photo yet? On the Milford side of the Homer Tunnel.

We also had a curious visitor.

Milford Sound panorama.

Taking a pause in the middle of a round of disc golf.

The sunset from Lakeland Park Christian Camp.

This wasn't fixing a leak or building a new wall, but it sure felt good to do! 

#thatwanakatree

A home school lesson into why we can talk with Grandad in Waikato where it is completely dark, while we are still out for a summer evening stroll around Lake Wakatipu.

Taking a dip at Lake Tekapo.

The Church of the Good Shepherd at Lake Tekapo, it's in pretty good nick so it doesn't look like they need MMM assistance at this stage.

Rush hour traffic at Lake Coleridge.

Visiting our friend Katie Waa (another Totara Springs throwback) in Kaikōura.

We had to do lots of driving around the South Island (2,860km's - only including from place to place) but it's hard to complain about all the fields and fields of lupins, braided rivers, azure lakes and mountain vistas to gaze upon along the way.

Until next time South Island...