Don is a retired farmer and airline pilot. Don was one of the first ski plane pilots for Mount Cook Airlines a company which Sally’s father founded. Don also flew many hours in rescue missions and deer culling operations in the 1960s and 70s.
As pioneers in the industry and using ski-equipped aircraft, they landed passengers on the glaciers in the Southern Alps in the 1950s and 60s.
Sally’s father invented the retractable ski which enabled the Austers and later Cessnas to land on the grass or sealed runway near the Hermitage and then by lowering the skis, were able to land on the snow fields.
When he retired from flying Don and Sally bought a sheep and cropping farm on the outskirts of Christchurch which they ran until moving to Wanaka in 1994.
They came to Wanaka to retire but Sally became involved in local politics. After 9 years, six as Deputy Mayor, she did not stand again and now pursues her painting in water colours (which are for sale). These are mostly portraitures but many are of the surrounding countryside and a few from a recent trip to France. (She is happy to paint guests if time permits)
They have 4 married, adult children, 5 grandaughters, 5 grandsons and one great grand daughter.
Sally & Don Middleton
Rockwood B & B
6 Waimana Place Wanaka 9305
+64 +3 443 7550 click here to email.
