New Zealand

Chocci & Kiri in New Zealand

Last month we left Australia to attend the New Zealand National Show. This was my first ever overseas trip so I was really excited. We flew out of Sydney into Christchurch on Friday, hired a motor home and headed out to the showground. The weather was great for the first few days but quickly deteriorated. Sat and Sun saw Kiri win BOB and Choc got RUBOB. Saturday after the show we went into town and I took the IGs for a walk around beautiful Hagley Park and into the Botanic Gardens. Sunday afternoon we went to the Riccarton markets and then we went sightseeing at Lyttleton, a beautiful harbour port surrounded by mountains. The weather was turning nasty but we still managed a walk across the hills to Christchurch Gondola to check out the view. The IGs decided they would rather stay in the motor home as it was getting rather windy.

Monday morning I couldn't believe my eyes. The showground was covered in SNOW. I had never seen snow before and there it was falling steadily. The IGs did not want to go out and gave me some very angry looks when I insisted they had to go out in it for a toilet walk. Just as well there were no shows scheduled, although the grounds did have an indoor ring area. The IGs were rather grateful I had taken them shopping the day before. I had bought three coats each with us from OZ but we stopped at a petshop while driving around and I bought them each beautiful possum and merino coats. They stayed toasty warm with four coats each.

Tuesday and it had stopped snowing and was starting to clear so we went for a drive up to the Thermal Springs north of Christchurch. Hammer Springs is an amazing place. A quaint town surrounded by snow capped mountains. I couldn't believe how warm the water was and didn't even notice that it was only 5 degrees out of the water when you go from one pool to another. The views of the mountains all around is quite incredible as you relax in the hot pools. Back at the showgrounds for the evening and all the camping sites started to fill as the main shows commenced the next day. Wednesday and we had two Toy Group specialty shows with Danish judges for both. Kiri again took BOB at both shows and Choc took RUBOB.

Thursday was the National Curtain Raiser Show and the atmosphere was certainly building. There were also several breed specialty shows running at the same time so there was plenty to watch in between showing.

Friday we had no shows but it was off to the airport to meet a friend who had flown in from the North Island. I decided I had to see a Kiwi before I went home so we went to the Willowbank Reserve where we saw all sorts of NZ native wildlife. I was spoilt and got to see several Kiwis in the nocturnal enclosure, one only about a foot away from where we were standing. Friday night and we stumbled across the Top Terier of the Year being judged on the grounds. We were treated to several hours of the best terriers in NZ running off against each other, the competition being won by a stunning Wire Fox Terrier.

Saturday and a change of venue for the NZKC National Show. We travelled across town to the Westpac Centre, a huge indoor sporting and entertainment complex. Four rings were running at once with International judges. Seating was placed around each ring or you could also watch from the stands. The international visitors box also provided a bird's eye view high above the rings. Many stalls offered all sorts of goods for sale to tempt. Across the road at the Racecourse was the Pet Expo which we also had to visit. Our turn for judging came and saw Kiri again awarded BOB and Choc got RUBOB under a Canadian judge. These wins also saw them both qualify for Crufts 2006.

Sunday was Group and General Specials judging. Toy Group was scheduled first so it was an early rise and back to the Westpac Centre. We managed to secure ringside seats and then off to get the IGs ready. I was thrilled when Kiri made the final cut for Best in Group and Open in Group. After judging we settled in to watch all the Group and Specials judging. Each Group saw some beautiful dogs parading with BIS awarded to a Pionter. Crangratulations to the NZKC for running a truly fantastic show.

Monday and I had to fly back home. I said goodbye to the dogs, leaving them with new friends who insisted that I could not possibly consider leaving them in kennels. They immediately settled in with the Cockers and Bichons and didn't even look back as I drove away. I couldn't really blame them as they were settled in front of the fire.

Last Friday I flew back into Christchurch. the dogs were pretty glad to see me after three weeks. We left straight away as we had a two hour drive south to a small town called Timaru. We showed Saturday and Sunday this time Choc winning the BOB and Kiri getting the RU. Choc made the finals for BIG both days. We flew home to Sydney on Monday. With eight challenges from eight shows, they are both now NZ Champions. Kiri is now Aust Ch NZ Ch Shantiah Dvine Decadence and my first home bred NZ Champion. Choc is now Aust Grand Ch NZ Ch Wondoan Wroaring Inferno. He achieved a breed first, being the only Aust Grand Ch to also hold a NZ champion title. They are both also qualified for Crufts.

We have made many new friends and look forward to travelling to New Zealand again.

Claire