From a Feudal Isle to Aotearoa

After seven years of running their guest house and smallholding on the tiny feudal Island of Sark in the British Channel Islands, Chris and Ken Davies decided to have a two-year break. In 1972 they packed their suitcases and booked passage, with young son Roy, to New Zealand, calling at many exotic places en route. Arriving in Auckland, they bought a Bedford 18cwt delivery van and the three Davies set off to drive all over the two Islands, from Cape Reinga to Stewart Island, living mainly in the van. From a Feudal Isle to Aotearoa tells the true story of the trip out by ship, the many places visited and jobs the Davies took on the way, from Matron of a small Auckland Hospital, to running a motel and giving horse and carriage rides, in the South Island. All the illustrations are by the author.