The overseas couple who had a ''shock daughter'' in Wanaka two months ago are enjoying some Southern hospitality.
Thomas Jones (23), from England, and Erica Gunther (22), from the United States, had only been in New Zealand for a few weeks when Ms Gunther sought medical attention in Wanaka for what she believed was appendicitis.
An hour later, the couple's daughter, Laurelin, was delivered.
''It was such a huge shock, because Erica didn't show at all and didn't even know she was pregnant. She had no bump,'' Mr Jones said.
Otago Daily Times readers have taken the young family to their hearts since their story featured on the front page of the ODT last Thursday.
Julie Rayne, of Ranfurly, and Helen Dunn, of Clyde, sent baby clothes, while Garry and Jacinta Anderson, of Dunedin, contacted the ODT last week to offer the family free accommodation in their Waverley home.
''I read the ODT article and wanted to do something for them,'' Mr Anderson said yesterday.
''We wanted to show them some Kiwi hospitality,'' Mrs Anderson said.
Mr Anderson has been compiling a stamp album for Laurelin.
''I'm putting everything kiwiana in it.''
The young family have been staying with the Andersons since Friday and were overwhelmed yesterday at the generosity shown to them in New Zealand.
''Everybody has been so kind. We love it here,'' Ms Gunther said.
''We'd really like to stay in Dunedin, if we can. Everything is so accessible, with the baby.''
The couple married on the Lake Tekapo foreshore on May 13 and moved to Dunedin last week, in the hope of finding work for Mr Jones.
The graphic artist and typesetter has secured some part-time work with Dunedin marketing company Attack Media, but is still hoping to find a full-time job.
