Dear Friends and Aviators
Flyinn will celebrate it’s 10th anniversary this coming season. We invite you to join the celebration and fly New Zealand with us. See our website www.flyinn.co.nz for full details and itineraries.
There really is very little to a year! Flyinn has just completed its 9th season and we still have to count deliberately on each finger to be sure we have that right
On reflecting, I find myself wondering how, even after all these years, each and every tour has its own ‘life’. We do not have to avoid the feeling that we are doing the same thing every day – because we don’t. What a job! Of course, there are some things that do remain the same … but there is one essential ingredient which makes the difference……you.
One constant is the tour itinerary: this forms the structure from which we begin. Another constant is the beautiful scenery: in its ever changing form – season to season, and in all different weathers, New Zealand’s scenery is undoubtedly, breath-takingly, world class. And of course there is the Flyinn team, and Geordie Hill: we are here to provide the home comforts, nourishment and expertise in each of our fields.
Now ... enter our guests. It is their addition of enthusiasm and energy, experiences and interests that makes each tour develop its’ own identity and character. And this is what makes the magic.
Our 2007 / 2008 season will definitely be remembered for ongoing ‘magic’. There were continual blue skies from our extended summer, more happy surprises, and for us a feeling of maturity and establishment of Flyinn.
Our guiding team consists of local experienced pilots who are fun and interesting, Peter, Sue and Jules are focused on the interests of our guests and are willing to share their knowledge of flying around our mountains and valleys, and of life in New Zealand. Their ideas and enthusiasm add an immense level of expertise for all guiding and hosting needs.
Mountain Flying skills are employed every day with Flyinn. No matter how experienced, our guests invariably gain new knowledge and skills from their time here. This years exceptionally settled weather meant guests and guides could often have their pick of days to fly in areas where weather can often change quickly.
Geordie Hill is operating each and every day of the year. Our guests live among the seasonal events of farm life which gives a wonderful splice of life on a high country station. Neville the stock manager captivates guests’ interest with his open manner, knowledgeable report, and excellent dog team. Watching a ‘mob’ of 2500 sheep or more, get shifted off the terrace to a different paddock is awesome, and something even we never tire of.
The cuisine and wine are kept at a very high standard, and our guests always appreciate that. It is constantly rated highly, and one joke is that return guests do so for the food! It is a pleasure to produce meals that are so welcomed, and I am always inspired to try new ideas or simply improve on the favourite dishes. Searching for good NZ wines that ‘match’ a meal well is always a good fun.
North Island Excursions were exceptional this season, with two separate groups enjoying the full 19 day south and north tour. Also two return guests groups explored some of the north before revisiting their choice of favourite destinations in the south. The northern highlights of these tours include: visiting TePapa (National Museum in Wellington), landing on the airstrip where planes need to give way to trains!, the central volcanic area, our Maori culture, and for those who choose - Great Barrier Island. The variation in countryside when flying north is remarkable and the flying always remains interesting.
Outdoors Dining: the balmy evenings this season begged for more barbeques outdoors than ever before. Many guests enjoyed a Ruby Island excursion which entailed a short boat trip to a picturesque island on Lake Wanaka, where they could stroll around the island while dinner was cooked on the open gas barbeque. Another favourite was an evening by the Lindis River which borders the Station. The smokey charcoal barbeque provided excellent meats, breads and vegetables while guests relaxed by the water or threw sticks for Nugget (family Labrador) to retrieve.
Warbirds over Wanaka airshow was at Easter this year. Our guests enjoyed a full day of entertainment from WW1 biplanes and WW2 favourites, some interesting local programs, excellent aerobatics, and a display by the NZ Air Force. All this set in an amphitheatre of mountains and river valleys. On the last day of the airshow, we felt we were specially treated to our own airshow: while we barbequed on Ruby Island we watched mustangs, and spitfires soar overhead plus the Catalina performing touch and goes right in front of us. Spectacular!
Beech Staggerwing N 16 S: Over the years our guests have watched with great interest, the restoration of this beautiful aircraft, at the Croyden Aircraft Company in Mandeville. This season we welcomed a visit from Bill Charney who flew his Staggerwing to Geordie Hill and joined us for a day to Milford Sound. Our guests were equally as thrilled. We all enjoyed a rare and exciting day of flying some of the worlds most beautiful scenery in what is arguably the most graceful and beautiful aircraft in New Zealand. This was truly a day to remember. Thank you Bill.
There are always more stories to share than I can write, or your have time to read. We thank for your interested in Flyinn, and hope that one day you will be able to make the journey to New Zealand, and join us for an unforgettable vacation.
Please email with any queries you may have to info@flyinn.co.nz We are happy to help and look forward to hearing from you. We are a small operation and space is limited. Booking now for the next season will ensure your choice of dates.
In the meantime, we wish you safe and happy flying.
Jo and Matt McCaughan, and the Flyinn team
www.flyinn.co.nz
E: info@flyinn.co.nz
P: +64 3 445 2852
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