On shipping records show that on the 29th May 1874 they left from England aboard the ship \\\"Carisbrook Castle\\\" with them were their children William (Willy) 4 years and Henrietta 2/12, Johan Heinrich Mehlhopt was a Sugar Baker aged 25 years Margaretha aged 26 years they arrived at Lyttleton on the 2nd September 1874 the cost was 36 pound and a few shillings, Henrietta was very ill on the trip.
17th April 1900 Johan was naturalized a trip back to Germany may have been the reason for that he took his son Albert back with him.Johan Heinrich Wilhelm died on the 10th January 1939 at the home of his Grandson A Hamilton at Springston he was survived by a family of 3 sons 4 daughters, Albert Mehlhopt (Kaikoura) Thomas Mehlhopt (Tai Tapu) Henry Mehlhopt (Amuri) R Walker (Amuri) A Hamilton (Lincoln) R Hamilton (Te Awamutu) and W Hamilton (Prebbleton). Both Johan & Margaretha are buried at Springston Cemetery also there are many other family members that are buried out there, worth your while to pop out there and have a look. Jot down the names in your family tree and go see where they are buried out there, only a few minutes from Hornby. If you want to contact me do so at wendydick51@gmail.com, I have some other Family Tree info you if you need/want it.