Brash's holiday getaway with estranged wife

Don Brash left wife Je Lan in 2006. Photo / Mark Mitchell

Former National Party leader Don Brash has spent a three-day break with his estranged wife and their son - but there is still no reconciliation.

Brash, 69, has talked openly about reuniting with Je Lan, to whom he was married for 18 years. The couple separated in 2006.

They were spotted together last week in Queenstown after spending three days with their 16-year-old son, Thomas.

"No, we're not back together ... yet," Brash said, "but I'm still trying."

In September, following their appearance at a black-tie fundraiser hosted by Jenny Shipley, Brash told the Herald on Sunday: "I am hoping to get back with her, but it's not proving easy. As you recall, I hurt her very badly. But I've been working on getting back together with her for a while. Let's just say I'm cautiously optimistic."

The couple separated after Brash was linked to millionaire businesswoman Diane Foreman.

Brash moved out of their Auckland home to a bachelor pad where he still lives.