2011 Events

We had our own version of the Royal Couple's visit to California
John, Sara, and the kids at the Gunn Farm in Wilton - July 2011

Clan Gunn hel our AGM at the Woodland Games in 2011:
See links to photos below:

7-8 May - Chuck's photos
(AGM photos - 6 May)

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Here are all the photos so you may download any you wish to have. I'll take down many of these later as there is a lot of duplication.

New Zealand - 3-16 November

Day One - Thursday, 3 November - Arrive at Auckland Airport. Met at the airport by the Walls and other Clan Gunn members. Took a shuttle to Dukes Midway Lodge where we stayed. Walked to the Royal Oak Shopping Mall for lunch at the food court. BBQ at the Dukes hosted by the NZ Clan Gunn Society.

Day Two - Friday, 4 November - Christine Wilson's home for breakfast. Charter bus to Whakatane after visiting One Tree Hill, Mt Albert campus of Unitec Marae, and ceremony at Purewa Cemetery where John Wilson's parents are buried in Auckland. Dinner at Returning Servicemens Association in Whakatane. Meeting at the Ngati Awa Council Chambers.

Day Three - Saturday, 5 November - We met with the mayor at the Whakatane Council Chambers. We went to the Mauri unveiling ceremony at the Taiwhakaea Marae and I played the pipes as part of the response from our tribe. Lunch was very good and we enjoyed the singing. After lunch we went to the gravesite of John Mahiti Wilson at the Taiwhakaea cemetery for a wreath laying. We went to the Ngati Awa Mataatua Marae for the signing of the MOU between the Ngati Awa and Clan Gunn. We toured Whakatane on the charter bus and dinner was takeout at the hotel.

Day Four - Sunday, 6 November - We went to the Iramoko Marae for the welcome ceremony from Pouroto's family. We had a wonderful lunch there followed by a church service, exchange of gifts, and tree planting ceremony to honor the Ngati Awa and Clan Gunn. Our charter bus brought us back to Auckland and the Duke's Motel.

Highlights of the first four days

The rest of the trip was sightseeing for Chuck, Rich and Linda, Iain and Bunty, Alan and Sally, Brian and Nancy

Monday, 7 November - We got a 12 passenger van and left Whakatani for Kerikeri, stopping along the way at the Warkworth Museum, the world famous Hundertwasser toilets at Kawakawa, and the Waipu Scottish Museum. Dinner at the Homestead Pub pub near our Homestead Motel.

Tuesday, 8 November - Walked to town with the Nagles and went to thrift stores. We went to Paihia and rode the catamaran touring the Bay of Islands and a stop at Motukokako Island. Dinner at 35 degrees South. Went to the night show at the marae at Waitane where the treaty between the maoris and England was signed.

Wednesday, 9 November - Whangarei Kiwi House and Museum. Lunch at Killer Prawn. Dinner at the Homestead Pub.

Highlights from Kerikeri

Thursday, 10 November - Long drive from Kerikeri to Rotarua. Dinner at the Great Kiwi Ale House.

Friday, 11 November - While part of the group went to the thermal spa to soak, Nagles and I walked into Rotorua for the morning. We visited some thrift stores and the Tamatekapua Meetinghouse. In the afternoon, we all went to the Agrodome and saw the sheep show and later went blueberry wine tasting at Mamaku Blue. Dinner at the Pig and Whistle in Rotorua.

Saturday, 12 November - Went to the Wai-O-Tapu thermals and geyser lands. Later went to the Buried Village. Wine at Iain and Bunty's room and then dinner at the Lone Star in Rotorua.

Sunday, 13 November - Checked out of the Rorotua Motor Lodge. Drove by the Tirau Restrooms made of corrugated tin and shaped like farm animals. Had lunch at the Garden Terrace Restaurant at Hamilton Gardens. We dropped Iain and Bunty off at the airport motel and went back to the Dukes Midway Lodge in Aukland. We're down to seven now. Dinner at the Royal Siam for Thai.

Highlights from Rotarua and the Thermal lands

Monday, 14 November - Went to Auckland Harbor and took the tour of volcanic Rangitoto Island. Dinner at the Harborside Seafood Café and then went up to the top of the Skytower.

Tuesday, 15 November - Went to the Auckland Museum and One Tree Hill. Took Brian and Nancy to the airport so now we are five. Dinner at a local Italian restaurant.

Wednesday, 16 November - Went to the Botanical Gardens and walked the grounds. Had lunch there. Visited the rose gardens at Robinson Park. Dinner with Christine, Mairi, and Carin.

Highlights from Auckland Harbor

Highlights from Auckland Museum and One Tree Hill

Highlights from Auckland Botanical Gardens