Wonderful weekend

We had a wonderful weekend - everyone told us we grinned like maniacs the whole afternoon and evening. For those who use facebook, some photos have crept in, we will add others here as we are given them.

Thank you to those who came to the wedding and to everyone who gave us a gift or contribution to the table. Your generosity is overwhelming and we are really looking forward to finally having our new table!

6 weeks to go

Well even less than that!

For those who want last minute accommodation I have updated the Featherston listings, crossing out those that look to be taken, and adding in the new option I have found.  

Otherwise we are all on track - if there is any specific information you need let us know

Gift Register - list

A couple of people have asked if they buy something specific/unique for the wedding.  We have therefore put together a list which my sister Lisa is managing.  Please contact her (lisagaudening'at'gmail.com) if you would like a copy

Things to do - Wellington

Some of the things to see and do in our local lovely home city:

• Te Papa 
  The National Museum of New Zealand.
• The Karori Sanctuary (Zealandia)
  A native wildlife sanctuary located in central Wellington.  Lovely walking trails, native birds, Tuatara, a short bus ride from the central city.
• Cable Car
  For some of the best views in Wellington, take the cable car to the Botanic Gardens.
• Botanic Gardens
  Draped around the Kilbirnie Hill, down to the city, including Begonia House, Lady Norwood Rose Garden and down to the Bolton St Cemetery where many of Wellington's early settler' are buried. 
• Carter Observatory
  Located in the Botanical gardens - Wellington's historical observatory, recently refurbished, with hourly Planetarium shows. On Saturday nights the telescope is open for viewing.
• Museum of Wellington City and Sea
  Local museum focusing on the maritime history of Wellington.  

Slightly further afield

• Matiu/Somes Island
  A lovely wildlife sanctuary located in the middle of Wellington harbour.  A former human and animal quarantine station, an internment camp, and a military defence position. Tie in with a boat trip round the harbour, to Petone or Eastbourne.
• Weta Cave
  For those Fantasy fans out there. The Weta cave is located in Mirimar where Peter Jackson's Weta Workshops are based. 
• Kapiti Island
  One of New Zealand's oldest offshore wildlife sanctuaries. Amazing bird life, the Kaka's are notably friendly at lunch time! Guard your sandwiches (and don't say I didn't warn you). Limited numbers can get to the island each day and you will need to get a permit.  There is also very limited accommodation at the north end of the island
  

Table and Chairs

Here is a photo of the table we have put on the Gift Register.  It is made of wood from the Mango Tree and comes with 6 chairs, and we are really looking forward to having it at home and serving lots of meals and playing lots of board games...

Sunday BBQ

All wedding guests and friends are invited to a Sunday BBQ

Venue: Tarureka Estate
Date: Sunday 13 March
Time: 12.30 p.m.

Please RSVP to James or Sarah

RSVP

Please RSVP, by 11 February  2011 to
Sarah - s.gaudening'at'clear.net.nz
James - jameslmillington'at'gmail.com
or +644 5870 060

Please let us know if you have any special dietary needs, or similar.

Venue

The wedding, after wedding drinks and dinner reception are all at Tarureka Estate
38 Donald St
Featherston
Location map (google maps)

For further information see Tarureka Estate
and on Facebook

Accomodation - Wairarapa

Moving out of Featherston, there are two towns within a 15min drive.  Both with lots of accommodation options

Greytown

• There are a number of cottages you can rent
• Arbor Motel
• Oakestate Motel
• White Swan Hotel

Martinbrough

• There are a number of B&Bs 
• There are a number of cottages you can rent
  
• Claremont Motel
• Peppers Martinbrough Hotel
  (let me know if you are looking to stay at Peppers, I may be able to link you to a good price deal).

Accomodation - Featherston

Accommodation in Featherston is limited - I have found the following options that are available in Featherston, or in the countryside nearby:

Cottages

• Albert Cottage (countryside)
• Tara House 
• The 3 cottages at Longwood (countryside)
• The Grove
• Summer House
• Gatehouse House at Fernside (countryside)
• Underhill Cottage
• Wallace Cottage
  

Bed and Breakfasts:

• Benventuo B&B
• Hardie House B&B
• Tudor House B&B
• Woodland Holt

Let me know if you  book anything and I will take it off the list

Gift Register

If you wish to buy us a gift, we have established as register at Vast Interiors.

The main item are a table and six chairs, to which people can contribute.

The register is listed under Gauden-Ing/Millington.

Unfortunately Vast don't have an online register, so you will need to contact them directly if you wish to contribute:

   Phone: +64 4 8942184
   Fax: +64 4 8942185
   Email: wellington@vastinterior.co.nz


We will add other items to the register, over the next few months.

Children

Yes kiddly winks are welcome! Actually they are more than welcome, we would love to have them there.

The venue is child friendly with lovely gardens for them to run around in.

In the evening we will organise a babysitter/nanny for the kids and they can be tucked up in the homestead while we party at the reception. We are not planning on catering for children under age of 5 at dinner, unless specifically requested. There is a kitchen in the homestead, that parents are welcome to use, and there will be basic food supplies available....

When you RSVP please just let us know if the kids are coming, and how old they will be!

We may have to get one or two of the parents to help us organise suitable entertainment (both for the afternoon and in evening) - please let Sarah know of any ideas or suggestions.

links up

sarah has posted lots of links. have a look at the venue's website and facebook page. there are also some links to places you can stay in featherston if you want to.

less than 11 months to go!

we've setup the site - now we need to populate it with information and let people know about it