A retired Auckland couple are in Marlborough for a flying visit, the first of almost 50 aircraft making a group tour of the South Island.
Fred and Eileen Bain, of Pukekohe, landed at Omaka in their four-seater Cessna 172 ahead of 47 other aircraft, which arrive in Blenheim today.
The couple are part of the New Zealand Aircraft Owners and Pilots' Association, which has just started its biennial trip to various parts of the country.
The group will fly in and out of Omaka until Sunday before making stops around the South Island.
Mr Bain first got his pilot's licence in 1960, but raising a family meant he did not have as much time as he wanted in the air.
He got back in the cockpit about 10 years ago and has flown with his wife to Stewart Island, Cape Reinga "and most places inbetween".
His enthusiasm for flying had not changed since he first got in the cockpit and enjoyed the freedom and scenery.
"There's no better view than out the front of an aircraft," he said.
Keeping a plane was expensive, but was worth the cost, he said.
"Anything you do for fun is expensive."
Mrs Bain said flying was her husband's hobby and she chose when she would fly with him.
She enjoyed getting to the destinations and flying around the country for holidays and day trips.
- The Marlborough Express
SIMON WONG
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