New Zealand Notes
What can one say about New Zealand that hasn't been said so many times before. Whatever you may have heard doesn't begin to portray this beautiful country. It is spectacular!! But the real beauty is in the people themselves. The Howick and Wellinton Clubs are special. Both clubs are extremely well organized and provided us with a wide variety of events. The hosts were the perfect example of what Friendship Force should represent. We thank them for a marvelous exchange! - - - Barbara & Wally Zust
NZ was our first outbound foreign exchange, and it was exceptionally comfortable. The outstanding organization by Susan Schafer should have made this trip easy for anyone:thank you Susan! We had hosts who had been members for 5 mos.only and others who were very experienced as hosts and traveling embassadors. Kudos to both for involvement with their families and their culture.
Most remarkable for us was the vast exposure to small and large cities, Coastal areas, mountains, fiords and farmlands for the total of "Kiwi culture" that incorporates European and Asian influences and most significantly the Maori.
Most surprising was the cleanliness, the atmosphere of safety, the youth, vitality, and overall contemporary nature of New Zealand. We'd repeat in a heartbeat. - - - Richard and Merilee Brister
New Zealanders and always being in awe of the loveliness of their
country, I especially enjoyed the quiet moments when over a
"cuppa" tea or a "short black", we talked about family, hobbies,
local sports, houses, etc. At night we viewed the Southern Cross
together and the first week I awoke each morning to a rooster's
crowing and marveled at the beauty of an extinct volcano outside
my bedroom window. The next week I awoke in a lovely garden,
hearing the hustle-bustle of a major city coming alive. These are
special moments that will always be cherished. - - - Bobbie Jones
New Zealand was a delightful place to visit. I would like to recognize my host and hostess in Wellington. Their names are Bob and Judith Burch. Bob is an 83 year old retired British Air Force fighter pilot from WW2. He has a wooden leg . It was all that I could do to keep up with him. He really enjoyed our visit and went to great lengths to make sure we saw all there was to see. What an interesting couple. Kay and I hope that Bob and Judith will honor us with a visit in the not to distant future. The country was beautiful and the people were superb hosts. What more can I say about the country and the people of NZ. The South Island was most unusual and most interesting. It would be great to go back there someday. - - - Jerry and Kay Cleveland
Two small, beautiful islands inhabited by beautiful people! Both the Howick Club and Wellington Club were wonderful hosts. The view of Wellington Bay from our hosts’ deck was breath-taking…..could have spent the entire week just enjoying that! There was much laughter and fun along with seeing the beauty of the north island. The south island is magnificent. Milford Sound is stunning and the trip to the Franz Josef glacier will long be remembered. We have rated the New Zealand trip near the top of the list of all the trips we have taken.