Julie Wolbers’ winning picture in our TIA 70th anniversary photo competition is a true slice of Kiwiana.  

It features a group of climbers on Franz Josef Glacier including Julie's Mum Estelle, her travel buddy Winnie Wright and her Dad Frederick.  

Growing up in Christchurch, Julie says her parents took every opportunity to camp, hike and travel around the country they loved. Estelle and Winnie also hitched around New Zealand when they were single, which was unusual for women in those days. Winnie kept excellent diaries which Julie has since submitted to the Alexander Turnbull Library. 

For the last 20 years, Julie and her partner now run a boutique B&B outside Franz Josef called Ribbonwood Retreat. She says the photo competition helps keep her adventurous Mum’s legacy alive.  

“They loved this area, they loved Glacier Country so much, so it’s honoring all of that, and then I came to live here... They loved everything about our country and made the absolute most of it. We’re so lucky, aren’t we?” 

Julie’s prize was a ticket to our Summit which she found “just lovely”.