We drove to the Mt Cook Information Centre just past Twizel. No Mt Cook could be seen today. We were so fortunate with our travels to have seen the best of everything. So the dampness and change of weather was not going to change our good mood. Stopped by Lake Tekapo for lunch and of course visited & photographed the Church (+ a hundred of other tourists). Terry found the monument further down for Border Collie dogs. We drove a bit further and we spotted a ‘live’ border collie. Of course we came to a screaming halt, to befriend this lovely 15 yr old black & white lady. The owner was in his van and of course we started chatting. He turned out to be a professional photographer from Wanaka. So more chat and sometime later it was time to depart.
Thierry Huet – so look him up. http://www.picturesque.co.nz
We continued through various countrysides, from mountains, to rolling hills and now to flat country as we made our way to Ashburton.
Then we found Coniston, which is a sheep, cropping and seed farm on the outskirts of Ashburton. Their homestead was built in 1918 and renovated obviously. Sheer magnificence let me tell you. Our Gardener’s Cottage was built in 1870…wow! What a historical treasure this is, cute as ever with lovely bedrooms of the gone-by era, lovely drawing room, cosy warm kitchen (host had the fire going for us) and all that we could possible need. The cottage is surrounded by the most magnificent rose garden and all are out in bloom. The history is amazing and definitely these last 2 days in the South Island will be very memorable. Terry has gone for a stroll in the rain (with glass of red in his hand of course). Bet he has found the antique cars down one of the sheds. Perhaps he will return before sunset.
I spent a little while photographing the amazing roses that surround this cottage and now warm as toast in the kitchen with the fire going.
Couldn’t help myself but had just go out and walk these magnificent grounds. Walking in the rain with my umbrella, just wished I had put on the gummies that were provided for us. Then I spotted my ‘Farmer Brown” hubby. He is in total awe and just keeps muttering….we have saved the best for last!
We have to return and book in here for a couple of weeks for sure. TD would just love to get a job here to restore and maintain the many antique veteran and vintage cars, trucks, tractors and farm equipment. He is sitting opposite me now, just drooling with goose bumps.
I did go and have a sneak preview of the Chapel here. It is amazing as well. It is a real church. No kidding. The 6.5 acres of garden will keep me amused tomorrow for sure. More later…..
