John and Nina Walker.
Their land-locked hometown of Shepshed, Leicestershire, was once the largest village in all of England.
It is now something altogether less grand: the smallest town in all of England.
Subtle statistical distinctions aside, the English couple were enjoying Oamaru's functioning Victorian town early yesterday afternoon.
"It's fascinating they are doing real things with it," Mrs Walker said.
"They were really friendly guys - we went down there and had a good natter."
Both had sat on a stationary Penny Farthing and Mrs Walker said she could barely touch the peddles.
Back for their 10th visit to New Zealand since 2002, the pair, married for 45 years, said they felt nostalgic each time they returned despite the country becoming increasingly modern.
"It's like growing up as a child in England in the 1950s, but with all the technological advancements," Mrs Walker said.
Mr Walker agreed.
"We love your New Zealand; we love the people, we love the scenery."
The pair arrived in Christchurch on New Year's Day, but left quickly, having seen the Garden City on previous trips and preferring to remember it pre-earthquakes.
They had travelled to Geraldine, stayed two nights, then headed for Oamaru via Cave.
They were bound for the Dunedin area yesterday afternoon, before moving on to Garston, Lake Pukaki, Mount Hutt, Hanmer Springs and the Nelson area, then crossing to explore the North Island, concluding with a fortnight-long stay on Waiheke Island ending on March 8.
In good spirits on the third day of their three-month trip visiting old acquaintances the pair nonetheless had dark predictions for their homeland in years ahead.
"It's not too bad for us at the moment. Greece really has major, major problems though," Mrs Walker said.
Mr Walker was less optimistic.
"I personally think we are in for a long, deep depression.
"In a way I'm glad I'm old; if you're not well qualified you will be struggling."
