Aotearoa - Back to the Future for Bristol Families

Have you noticed how many people are traveling to New Zealand at the moment?

I'm aware of three Bristol families that have just returned and two who are just about to go on family holidays to the islands. I also know three families who have emigrated there in recent years.

Those returning tell of hot winters, glaciers, bungee jumping and Lord of the Rings sets. Some have even taken to referring to the Commonwealth's most southerly member by its Maori name of Aotearoa - Land of the Long, White Cloud (allegedly).

My favorite description of New Zealand, however, is from a friend who described Christchurch as "like Canterbury in the 1950s but with the Internet".

Very appealing.