Op Shop Hop a roaring success!-

Archer Tours 2023 - Op Shop Hop

Our popular Op Shop Hop was once again a roaring success. We visited two Op Shops in the morning, enjoyed lunch at The Portstone and then visited another two Op Shops in the afternoon.

It was great to catch up with each other and meet new people. The prize for the most serious shoppers would have to go to the people in the Thorrington/Linrose van – there was only just room for them to get in!

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A day trip to Geraldine-

Archer Tours day trip to Geraldine

It’s always a lovely trip down to Geraldine and this time was no exception. We stopped at Lushingtons on the way for morning tea and then drove to Geraldine where we spent free time wandering around, shopping, eating and enjoying the Autumn colours. We always welcome new friends on our Archer Tours so please be in touch if you would like to join us, phone: 03 943-6006.

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A taste of France on a trip to Akaroa-

Archer Tours - Taste of France Akaroa trip, stunning vista

We were blessed with beautiful weather for our Archer Tours trip to Akaroa. A delicious morning tea was enjoyed at Little River, as well as a stop at Barry’s Bay Cheese Factory. Then it was free time in Akaroa where several people enjoyed the famous Akaroa Fish and Chips and meandering around the village and waterfront.

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River Queen Cruise-

Archer Tours - Kaiapoi River Queen cruise and lunch

It was a stunning day to kick off our first Archer Tour for 2023. A group of us headed out to Kaiapoi where we boarded the River Queen for a cruise down the Kaiapoi and Waimakariri Rivers, listening to a commentary about the history of the area, birdwatching and taking in the views.

We enjoyed a delicious lunch and thoroughly enjoyed conversations with each other and meeting new friends. We have some great outings lined up for the year and we would love you to join us.

Please get in touch if you are interested. All bookings can be made through the Archer office during business hours (166 Colombo St, Beckenham, 03 943 6006) or email Archer Tours Convenor, Katrina: katrina@archer.org.nz.

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Archer Tours end of year Christmas Bash-

Archer Tours end of year Christmas Bash 2022

Archer Tours end of year Christmas Bash was a huge success with a record crowd, who enjoyed a fun afternoon of chatting, meeting new friends, catching up with old friends, delicious food, great entertainment from Cashmere High School pupils and lucky prizes. We have had a few disruptions this year due to Covid with some tours having to be cancelled but we are currently working on next year’s itinerary which will be available early next year. We welcome new people on Archer Tours so if you or someone you know may be interested in joining us, please contact us and we can add you to our mailing list.

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Canterbury A & P Show visit, at last!-

Archer Tours Canterbury A and P Show Visit

It was lovely to be able to head along to the A & P Show this year after it being cancelled for the last couple of years due to Covid. A small group of us headed out and enjoyed walking around, taking in the sights, sounds and smells of the many attractions and animals. Hot dogs were enjoyed alongside free samples of various food and drink. There may even have been a spot of Christmas shopping undertaken.

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Oamaru, Penguins & Boulders Trip-

Archer Tours Oamaru Trip

Archer Tours annual trip away this year was to Oamaru. What a fun time we all had! Highlights included a stroll around Waimate, a stop at the Rainbow Lolly Shop, Limestone Quarry Tour, Moeraki Boulders, Penguin Encounter, Whitestone Cheese Factory Tour and Tasting, Oamaru Old Town Precinct, Riverstone Castle Tour and shops. We enjoyed a fun evening sharing an item of interest which was a great way to find out more about each other. New friendships were made, old ones rekindled and overall, a fantastic time enjoyed by all. If you or anyone you know are interested about future Archer Tours (which are open to the public as well as our villages), please let us know.

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Sumner Beach Outing-

Archer Tours - Sumner Beach outing

It’s hard to imagine this today but some of our Thorrington residents enjoyed an outing to Sumner Beach recently, where they enjoyed walking along the beach, eating ice-cream and soaking in the sun.

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Outing to Birdlings Flat-

Archer Village - Outing to birdlings flat

A few weeks ago Katrina took some of our village residents on an outing to Birdlings Flat. They took flasks and enjoyed hot drinks, biscuits and the view. Some residents wandered down to the water’s edge and enjoyed looking at the tempestuous water.

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Trip to Violinos Music Adventureland-

Archer Tours trip to Violinos Music Farm just out of Ashburton was fantastic.

Ruth kept us entertained for four hours with stories and demonstrations of instruments and memorabilia. We were impressed that somehow, she got us all to play an instrument and make a lovely sound. There was so much to see inside and outside the house.

Unfortunately, it was raining some of the time so we were limited in how much time we spent outside (a good reason to go again) but we certainly filled in the time and enjoyed a lovely home-baked morning tea and yummy lunch.

We recommend you check it out – www.atviolinos.co.nz. You need to make an appointment to visit and can ring Ruth on 027 602 8239.

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Ohinetahi Garden visit-

Archer Tours Ōhinetahi Garden

We had a lovely day travelling over the hill to Governors Bay to visit Ohinetahi – the beautiful home and gardens of Sir Miles Warren, which was gifted to the nation in 2012. It was lovely to meander and explore the extensive gardens and art, followed by a delicious home-made afternoon tea, finishing with a tour around the lower level of the homestead.

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Orana Wildlife Park Trip-

Archer's Orana Wildlife Park Trip

Archer Tours kicked off the year with a trip to Orana Park this week. The weather was stunning and everyone had a wonderful day. Highlights were feeding the giraffes and looking at the gorillas. The meerkats provided some amusing entertainment. Lunch was enjoyed and new friendships made.

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West Coast Adventure-

Archer Group - West Coast Adventure

It was a lovely fine day when Archer Tours set off for their West Coast Adventure, stopping for morning tea at Springfield and lunch at Arthur’s Pass before arriving at picturesque Lake Brunner, their base for the next three nights.

The days were kept busy with activities including walking the Treetop Walk at Hokitika, marvelling at the pancake rocks at Punakaiki and gold panning at Shantytown.

Evening entertainment included a quiz and a prize giving ceremony for various achievements including most glamorous mask and best shopper.

We were well looked after by the staff at Hotel Lake Brunner and unanimously agreed we were well fed. Another successful Archer Tour and conversations being had already about where to next year?

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A trip to Geraldine-

Archer Tours trip to Geraldine

A recent trip to Geraldine started with a stop at the Book Barn, Ashburton, followed by morning tea at the Ashford Store and Craft Shop.

We enjoyed wandering around Geraldine, doing a spot of shopping and enjoying lunch.

There was a rather strong wind, but we did enjoy seeing the countryside and spring lambs.

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Archer Tours Mystery Trip-

Archer Tours Mystery Trip

Archer Tours Mystery Trip is always a fun time with people trying to guess where we are heading off to.

This year our first stop was The Shirley Community Centre where Jane told us about the great things they are doing in the Shirley community which was very encouraging. Next stop Christchurch City Mission – what a wonderful organisation meeting needs of people in Christchurch – please consider giving them a donation towards their tireless work.

Lunch was at The George where we got well looked after and had a wee rest. We learnt about Belgium chocolate at de Spa Chocolatier and a few of us were tempted to purchase some goodies for later.

Our final stop was at the New Brighton Museum where Peggy gave us an interesting talk, we shared some of our memories of early New Brighton, enjoyed looking at the memorabilia and watching the slide show.

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High Tea at Riccarton House-

Archer Tours - High tea at Riccarton House

Archer Tours trip to Riccarton House included a lovely afternoon tea and a very interesting talk hearing stories about early European settlers of Canterbury, William and John Deans and John’s long distance love affair and eventual marriage to Jane.

After the tragic death of John, Jane decided to stay in Canterbury and look after the estate until her son John was old enough to take over.

It was lovely to see some of the timber from the property crafted into fittings for the house, be amongst trees between 400 and 600 years old and take a step back in time into the original cottage built in 1843.

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Scenic Tranzalpine train journey to Arthur’s Pass-

Archer Tours Tranzalpine train Arthur's Pass panoramic view

It was an early start, but a few hearty souls braved the frosty conditions and hopped aboard the warm carriages of the Tranzalpine Train to enjoy the picturesque journey to Arthur’s Pass.

There wasn’t a lot of snow but the white frost, icy puddles and low-lying cloud against the snow-capped mountains made for some beautiful winter scenery.

Lunch was enjoyed in Arthur’s Pass followed by a drive to the Viaduct Lookout, then it was back to Christchurch in the Archer vans.

Overall, the general consensus was it was well worth the early start to the day and everyone slept well that night!

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Archer tours trip to Waikuku-

Trying on hats on the Archer tours trip to Waikuku

We were grateful the torrential rain stopped and Archer Tours could enjoy their trip out to the Old School Collective at Waikuku.

Residents and friends meandered around the gallery and shops buying yummy fudge and Ray found himself a good book.

Lunch was enjoyed at the café then we popped down the road to The Mill and explored the quirky shops there.

We think Russell may be looking for a new image!

One van stopped briefly on the way home to look at The Hitching Post on Marshland Road and marvel at the vast array of metal wall art.

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Autumn Day trip to Sheffield-

Archer Tours Sheffield day trip

Archer Tours took a trip out to the country on a pleasant Autumn Day, where lunch and companionship were enjoyed at the historic Sheffield Hotel.

We stopped off at the famous Sheffield Pie Shop before heading home, so people could stock up on some yummy pies.

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Gondola Trip-

Archer gondola trip - View of Christchurch

Archer Tours took a trip up the Gondola where afternoon tea of freshly baked scones and jam was enjoyed along with fabulous views of the city.

Some of our team took the informative Time Tunnel ride which gave a brief history of the area.

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Colonial Museum Trip-

Archer Tours Rangiora Colonial Museum Trip

Archer tours recently paid a visit to the Northbrook Colonial Museum in Rangiora. The owner, retired dairy farmer, Richard Spark, kept everyone entertained by asking us to guess what various gadgets were used for. We were fascinated by the multitude displays of just about everything you can imagine from bygone years. There were lots of exclamations and excitement as various objects brought back treasured memories from decades ago. Richard prepared afternoon tea for everyone and lots of reminiscing continued over a cuppa.

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Day trip to Akaroa-

Archer Tours Akaroa day trip

Archer Tours recent trip to Akaroa was a fun-filled day with wonderful weather. It was lovely to take in the beautiful surroundings and engage in a bit of frivolity. Good behaviour was rewarded with ice-creams!

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Waikuku Beach BBQ-

Archer Tours Waikuku Beach BBQ Day Trip

One lovely warm February day, Archer Tours took a trip out to the beach settlement of Waikuku, enjoying the ambiance of an original 1930’s bach and listening to Charlie sharing stories of the history of the bach and some of the shenanigans that went on there.

Following a good old kiwi BBQ and salad lunch, residents spent a few hours relaxing under the shade of the trees while some braved the hot sand and enjoyed a paddle and even a swim in the ocean – something some of them hadn’t done for years.

There was also a wee celebration for Sue (our Sales Manager) and Charlie as they look forward to their upcoming wedding.

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Victoria Clock Tower visit-

Archer - Victoria Clock Tower Visit

A visit to town to visit the Victoria Clock Tower was enjoyed by a few residents recently.

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Thorrington’s Thursday morning coffee group-

Thorrington's Thursday morning coffee group visit to Villa 23

Thorrington’s Thursday morning coffee group enjoyed a visit to a new cafe in Riccarton recently – Villa 23. We thoroughly enjoyed the yummy food and cosy environment!

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Orton Bradley Park visit-

Archer Village Orton Bradley Park visit

Cold and wet weather didn’t deter residents and friends from enjoying a trip to Orton Bradley Park. We had shelter in the old School House and a cup of tea while the Ranger shared some history of the area.

It was lovely to go inside Canterbury’s oldest stone building – the Old Stone Cottage, which has been restored following the earthquakes. The rain held off as we walked through the beautiful Rhododendron Gardens, marvelling at the beautiful colours and smell of fresh rain.

Another successful Archer Tour!

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Pink Ribbon Party!-

Archer's Pink Ribbon Event

Our Pink Ribbon event to raise breast cancer awareness raised over $609.00 across all sites. Didn’t everyone look lovely in their pink?

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Archer Tours Timaru Trip – What a Wonderful Time!-

Archer Tours Timaru Trip 2020

What a wonderful time was had on Archer Tours 2020 Timaru trip!

Our base was in Timaru and some of the fun included a trip to Riverstone Castle and shops. We all enjoyed our tour around the castle and were in awe of the wonderful rooms with the most amazing furnishings, best china and tables set for royalty. We exited through a dungeon!

Enkledoovery Korna Wallaby Farm was another highlight – we wandered around the enclosures handfeeding the wallabies which were very tame. We loved holding the baby roos.

Visiting interesting places for lunch and morning tea and making new friends helped make a very successful trip overall.

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Halswell Quarry Park Outing-

Archer residents visit Halswell Quarry

Spring has arrived – some of our residents enjoyed an outing to the Halswell Quarry recently.

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‘Breaking-Out’ of Lockdown-

Archer breakout of lockdown

We certainly are living in unprecedented times. During Lockdown, Archer Care established a Wellbeing Team with the primary aim of ensuring that our residents living in independent care were OK. This involved daily phone calls, weekly goody bags, grocery shopping and picking up of prescriptions. The phone calls were very much appreciated and helped fill in the long days for many.

Our Break-Out Parties were hosted by residents to express thanks to the Wellbeing Team and to celebrate ‘Breaking-Out’ of Lockdown. Each village did something a bit different but a combination of entertainment, thank you speeches, appreciation and delicious food was enjoyed by all.

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A cool trip to the Antarctic Centre-

Archer Tours visit to International Antarctic Centre

Archer Tours are on the road again. A trip to the International Antarctic Centre was enjoyed by many. We even experienced the 4D movie – honestly we thought we were on the boat in the Antarctic (convincing bumping of the boat wind, snow and rain) lots of laughter or should I say nerves. We then enjoyed lunch at Raewood Fresh.

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Fudge factory visit-

A group of residents recently visited Finns Fudge Factory to learn all about how fudge is made. Tasting was especially enjoyed and needless to say a few purchases were made.

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Archer Home’s Annual Pleasant Point Trip-

Archer Home's trip to Pleasant Point

Every year Archer Home is invited to a BBQ tea at our general manager’s hut at Butler’s Crossing, Pleasant Point.

We head off just after lunch with a quick stop at McDonald’s in Ashburton for an ice-cream.

On arriving at the hut we all enjoy a quick cuppa before heading down to the river.

Then back to the hut for a BBQ tea where we also enjoy S’mores!

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Lake Tekapo trip-

repsite-care-christchurch

“You never know we may even get our zimmers out and start climbing Mt Cook!”

In 2017 Archer Rest Home and Retirement Village residents went to Lake Tekapo for 3 days in September and October – what a great way to throw away the winter ailments!

The following is a report from Sue, our Sales Manager:

“After many enjoyable Archer Tour day trips I was really looking forward to the Archer yearly “camping trip”. I was not disappointed.

Three vans left Archer early on a Tuesday morning in October headed for lunch at Caroline Bay in Timaru. We left Christchurch on a rather average drizzly morning and arrived in Timaru to a beautiful sunny day. Our picnic lunch lasted much longer than we had imagined due to a resident needing medical attention at the hospital. For the rest of us this meant that we all had time to smell the roses and enjoy the peace and good company in the beautiful gardens.

On arrival at Tekapo there was great excitement as we found our rooms and went for a lovely evening meal at the Godley Heads hotel.

Day two of our trip saw us going to Aoraki Mt Cook and the beautiful Hermitage. Leaving Tekapo it was once again a pretty grey day and I was not sure that we would even get to see New Zealand’s tallest and most famous mountain. Luck was shining on us again that day and on our arrival we could see very clearly Mt Cook in its full glory. We spent some time in the Sir Edmund Hillary gallery and were due to see an exhibition that we had waited an hour for only to be told it was cancelled for the day. I could not help thinking how blessed we were to have had all that time sitting under Mt Cook and its beauty and that this was the second time in two days we had paused to enjoy the beautiful world God has created for us.

On our third and final day we visited the Church of the Good Shepherd and then went to Mt John Observatory for morning tea and the most fantastic view overlooking the McKenzie country. The entire McKenzie country is an international dark sky reserve and the night sky from Tekapo is a great place to see the stars.

This trip was so much fun, full on and lots of laughs. I got to know the people I work with much better but most importantly to spend quality time with our dear residents and learn so much more about them.  Can’t wait until next year’s trip to Dunedin.

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