Where to buy camp stove fuel, CO2 cartridges?

[Stoutheart]

All:

I'm 3 weeks away from arriving in Auckland for 17 days of riding & camping in NZ. As I prepare my list of what to pack, I know that bringing camp stove fuel and CO2 cartridges in checked baggage is a no-no (and in the case of camp fuel, a real mess if it leaks). Can anyone steer me to a store in / near Auckland that might stock such items? Specific directions are not needed, but the names of stores would be useful. Thanks in advance.

Stoutheart
Twenty-five hours away via United & Air New Zealand in Illinois, USA

[Quasi]

Hey there and welcome soon to NZ. You will have an awesome time on our roads. I know Kathmandu sell what you require. They have stores all over the country. And as Monday is a public holiday here, they may even have a sale on.
Enjoy your travels and if you need a bed for the night in the wairarapa (an hour north Wellington), i have plenty spare.

[oneofsix]

Hey there and welcome soon to NZ. You will have an awesome time on our roads. I know Kathmandu sell what you require. They have stores all over the country. And as Monday is a public holiday here, they may even have a sale on.
Enjoy your travels and if you need a bed for the night in the wairarapa (an hour north Wellington), i have plenty spare.

+1 and if a town is too small for a Kathmandu they will have an outdoor and hunting store. Not sure but suspect you will find a Kathmandu very close to Auckland airport. Failing that there is 'The Warehouse' if all you want is the butane cartridge type thing, 'The Warehouse' model themselves off the 'Wallmart' box store concept and generally have a camping section containing basic very common quick moving camping stuff.

[hayd3n]

+1 and if a town is too small for a Kathmandu they will have an outdoor and hunting store. Not sure but suspect you will find a Kathmandu very close to Auckland airport. Failing that there is 'The Warehouse' if all you want is the butane cartridge type thing, 'The Warehouse' model themselves off the 'Wallmart' box store concept and generally have a camping section containing basic very common quick moving camping stuff.

but out fashion is little better then walmart

[Hopeful Bastard]

Link to Kathmandu products - http://www.kathmandu.co.nz/Accessories/Eat_&_Drink/Stoves.htm



If there isnt one in the aiport, Closest that i know of - would be in Manukau

Manukau
Ronwood Centre
3 Ronwood Ave
Manukau 2104
(09) 912 2685

[chasio]

All:

I'm 3 weeks away from arriving in Auckland for 17 days of riding & camping in NZ. As I prepare my list of what to pack, I know that bringing camp stove fuel and CO2 cartridges in checked baggage is a no-no (and in the case of camp fuel, a real mess if it leaks). Can anyone steer me to a store in / near Auckland that might stock such items? Specific directions are not needed, but the names of stores would be useful. Thanks in advance.

Stoutheart
Twenty-five hours away via United & Air New Zealand in Illinois, USA

You'll love it. Hope the weather holds for you :)

If you are staying in Auckland CBD (central) when you first arrive, there is a Kathmandu store on Queen Street as well as a Bivouac Outdoor, which stocks a very wide range. I'd recommend the latter. There are also dedicated North Face and MacPac stores, but they may not have the fuel you need.

As for CO2, there are no bike shops right in the centre of the city, but there are some within walking distance.

Of course, you may be staying elsewhere, so the above will be of no use. If you post where you're spending your first night (approximately), folks may be able to give you the nearest source for your requirements.

Cheers - Chasio

[Gremlin]

And as Monday is a public holiday here, they may even have a sale on.
pssst :psst: He said he's 3 weeks away from coming...

Do you know where you are staying when you land? While Auckland has a relatively small population of 1.5 million ish, it's extremely spread out for it's population, so we may be able to direct you to a store close to your accomodation?

[Stoutheart]

Seems like a reasonable question - where will I be staying my first night - except the answer is "I have no idea".... I land in Auckland just after noon, then have to find my way to Te Waipounamu rentals to pick up a bike. So by maybe 1400 or 1500 hours, I'll be ready to roll... somewhere.

I've been toying with the idea of trying some hostels on this trip every two or three days, to get a real bed, laundry facilities, etc. after camping inbetween. (I'm a veteran camper, but a complete rookie at hostels. Hostels seem like a (financially) attractive alternative to hotels / motels.)

Any recommendations on a place to stay? I've visited the YHA and BBH hostel Web sites, and both seem suitable, but I don't know about parking arrangements, or if there is much of a difference between them.

Sorry for the vague replies, but I've learned that one of the "advantages" of traveling off-season is that you can usually be a bit more flexible in accomodations, travel schedule, etc.

BTW - I'll be looking for what we in the US call "white gas" (or Coleman fuel, after the stove brand) for a stove fuel - not gas cartridges.

Thanks in advance.

Stout


You'll love it. Hope the weather holds for you :)

If you are staying in Auckland CBD (central) when you first arrive, there is a Kathmandu store on Queen Street as well as a Bivouac Outdoor, which stocks a very wide range. I'd recommend the latter. There are also dedicated North Face and MacPac stores, but they may not have the fuel you need.

As for CO2, there are no bike shops right in the centre of the city, but there are some within walking distance.

Of course, you may be staying elsewhere, so the above will be of no use. If you post where you're spending your first night (approximately), folks may be able to give you the nearest source for your requirements.

Cheers - Chasio

[rickstv]

Seems like a reasonable question - where will I be staying my first night - except the answer is "I have no idea".... I land in Auckland just after noon, then have to find my way to Te Waipounamu rentals to pick up a bike. So by maybe 1400 or 1500 hours, I'll be ready to roll... somewhere.






BTW - I'll be looking for what we in the US call "white gas" (or Coleman fuel, after the stove brand) for a stove fuel - not gas cartridges.

Thanks in advance.

Stout

Hi and welcome to NZ.

Colemans gas is avalable from Coleman NZ, see www.colemannz.co.nz

Rick.

[Gremlin]

Can't help you on the stove stuff, haven't used anything around that.

I've used BBH before, and generally, you get about $3 off per night, if you are a member. It costs about $45 for the card, and includes about $20 of calling minutes that you can use. If you're only going to use the accommodation every few days, I would probably just use the site for good accommodation, and pay the normal rate.

Your motorcycle pickup is on what we call the North Shore, on Barrys Point Rd (according to this: http://www.motorcycle-hire.co.nz/contact.html#contact). It's in the bottom of Cycletreads I believe, which is easy to spot as you enter Barrys Point Rd.

I would suggest using the Airbus to get into the city, and head to Britomart in downtown, where buses will depart to the North Shore. Barrys Point Rd is very close to the motorway, and easy to head north or south. If you're not staying the night in the city, try to get out before 4.30pm ish, as otherwise, you'll be stuck in traffic.

[chasio]

Barry's Point Road is perfect. As Gremlin observes, they are near a bike store called Cycletreads, which will have CO2 cartridges, as well as a Suzuki and a Honda dealer and several pushbike shops (backup sources for CO2). There are also a couple of outdoor shops there, including Kathmandu.

Edit: I was there today and saw that Outdoor Action has moved out; so that's no use to the OP.

[jim.cox]

BTW - I'll be looking for what we in the US call "white gas" (or Coleman fuel, after the stove brand) for a stove fuel - not gas cartridges.


You can find fuel for a whitegas stove in most petrol stations.

Sold in 1 litre plastic bottles as 'Fuel lite' or 'Cal lite' 'Shell lite' depending on the station.

[clint640]

...also known as white spirits.



Any recommendations on a place to stay? I've visited the YHA and BBH hostel Web sites, and both seem suitable, but I don't know about parking arrangements, or if there is much of a difference between them.


Also check out cabins at campgrounds, often similar prices to backpacker hostels & you can usually park your bike right outside your door. You won't need to book anything this time of year, just pick up an AA accomodation guide. The weather will suck for camping at least some of the time though. If you want somewhere to stay near Rotorua just let me know & turn up at my place with beer :yes:

and... If you are getting a gravel road capable bike our annual midwinter madness ride is on near Rotorua 2-3 July, all welcome. See the Adv-Dual Purpose section of this forum for more details.

Cheers
Clint

[jim.cox]

...also known as white spirits.


NO - not any more - in fact not since before the turn of the millenium

if you ask for white spirits you will probably get a turpentine based artists product for bush cleaning that will not work in a Coleman stove

[Mort]

Camping !! at this time of year....!!!

[vifferman]

I would suggest using the Airbus to get into the city, and head to Britomart in downtown, where buses will depart to the North Shore. Barrys Point Rd is very close to the motorway, and easy to head north or south. If you're not staying the night in the city, try to get out before 4.30pm ish, as otherwise, you'll be stuck in traffic.
If you do this, when you buy an Airbus ticket at the airport, tell them you want a transfer for the Northern Express (an extra $3, IIRC). You then get off the Airbus at Britomart, cross the road, get on the Northern Express, and get off at Esmonde Rd station, which is walking distance to Barrys Point Rd.

[BMWST?]

ahh the old white spirts stoves,thank goodness for aluminium sheathed shelves.
The acrid smell of white spirts and the synchronised thrum of optimus 80s with billies full of burnt porridge and stewed tea..... sigh

[Dutchee]

What day are you flying in? Thinking I could come out for a drive, pick you up, get all the stuff you need and take you over to the rental place - but it depends on day.

You can buy white spirits (shell lite etc) at some service stations/gas stations, but it's not as readily available as it used to be. There was a place up north (Dargaville) that used to sell it in bulk, but that was about 18 years ago.

If you can, flick me a pm or email.

[marty]

i think he'll be here already. or very close - the US flights almost all land early morning.

[Dutchee]

All:

I'm 3 weeks away from arriving in Auckland for 17 days of riding & camping in NZ. As I prepare my list of what to pack, I know that bringing camp stove fuel and CO2 cartridges in checked baggage is a no-no (and in the case of camp fuel, a real mess if it leaks). Can anyone steer me to a store in / near Auckland that might stock such items? Specific directions are not needed, but the names of stores would be useful. Thanks in advance.

Stoutheart
Twenty-five hours away via United & Air New Zealand in Illinois, USA
I guess that last line is what is confusing everyone - the fact he's 25 hours away on a flight. But the first sentence starts with he's 3 weeks away from coming over, so I can't see that he'd be here yet (original post started on the 1st) lol

Hope the weather cleans up a bit and if not, that a decent tent is being utilised, cause it's crap outside.

[BMWST?]

All:

I'm 3 weeks away from arriving in Auckland for 17 days of riding & camping in NZ.


i think he'll be here already.

he is coming in about three weeks

[marty]

oh yeah. i just read the '25 hours away' line.....

and NZ1 and NZ5 ex LAX, and NZ7 from SFO do arrive early mornings.

[chasio]

I think the OP needs to post again... plenty of folks trying to help, we just need more information :yes:

Great offer Dutchee. I think Stoutheart will need at least 10 posts (?) before he can send you a PM, so you may need to start the dialog.

[Stoutheart]

Mort:

Here in the US, I ride until temps are in the 20's (F) or the first snowfall as black ice is a real concern. Similarly, I'll tent camp as long as there's no snow and the temps get above freezing during the day.

From what I've been able to see, it looks like north island temps are highs near 20 (C) and lows in the teens, while south island temps have highs near 10 and lows near 0 - great camping weather unless it's constantly raining.

Since I'm a complete Newbie to NZ, however, I'll ask the question: am I missing something?

Stoutheart
The guy whose butt will have "UNITED" impressed in it after 21 hours of flights from the US


Camping !! at this time of year....!!!

[Stoutheart]

All:

Thanks for the suggestions to date.

I teach high school Math and Computer Science here in the US, and we are at year's end - which means administering finals, grading, and closing down for the year - so I've been a bit overwhelmed, and some things just get delayed.

I'm arriving in NZ on Friday, 24 June - after a total of 24 hours in the air (4 hours Chicago - LA, 17 hours LA - Sydney, 3 hours Sydney - Auckland). I'll be in country until 11 July. Are there any holidays during that period that I should be aware of?

FYI: I don't know if I can originate a PM until I've logged a certain number of posts, but I can reply to PM's currently (as I did to Dutchee's recent PM).

One final question (ha!) for now - are AA and DOC listings available at the airport or in the city? The DOC website is great, but I won't have data access while in NZ, so hard copies would be useful.

Stoutheart
The guy whose butt will soon be shaped like an airline seat


I think the OP needs to post again... plenty of folks trying to help, we just need more information :yes:

Great offer Dutchee. I think Stoutheart will need at least 10 posts (?) before he can send you a PM, so you may need to start the dialog.

[Mort]

Mort:

Here in the US, I ride until temps are in the 20's (F) or the first snowfall as black ice is a real concern. Similarly, I'll tent camp as long as there's no snow and the temps get above freezing during the day.

From what I've been able to see, it looks like north island temps are highs near 20 (C) and lows in the teens, while south island temps have highs near 10 and lows near 0 - great camping weather unless it's constantly raining.

Since I'm a complete Newbie to NZ, however, I'll ask the question: am I missing something?

Stoutheart
The guy whose butt will have "UNITED" impressed in it after 21 hours of flights from the US

Good on yer.... you make us look like a bunch of whimps. The weather here is tropical by comparison. if you have the right gear you'll be fine. I hope you have a great time here in NZ. Let us know how you get on.

Cheers.... :yes:

[FJRider]

Mort:

Here in the US, I ride until temps are in the 20's (F) or the first snowfall as black ice is a real concern. Similarly, I'll tent camp as long as there's no snow and the temps get above freezing during the day.

From what I've been able to see, it looks like north island temps are highs near 20 (C) and lows in the teens, while south island temps have highs near 10 and lows near 0 - great camping weather unless it's constantly raining.

Since I'm a complete Newbie to NZ, however, I'll ask the question: am I missing something?



The temperatures here in the south island, have been rather mild of late. However it may not continue ...

The regions (read provinces) or the south island are seperated by mountain passes ... up to 900 metres above sea level. So temperatures in the towns/cities will not be the same as in the mountains ... and ice (and snow) may be present/expected in the mornings ... A sandy grit is put on the roads to combat this ...

Some parts of the provences do have their own micro-climates ... so temperatures may vary again ...

Internet cafe's are common ... so access to the web is freely (at a small cost ???) available ...

[chasio]

All:

Thanks for the suggestions to date.

I teach high school Math and Computer Science here in the US, and we are at year's end - which means administering finals, grading, and closing down for the year - so I've been a bit overwhelmed, and some things just get delayed.

I'm arriving in NZ on Friday, 24 June - after a total of 24 hours in the air (4 hours Chicago - LA, 17 hours LA - Sydney, 3 hours Sydney - Auckland). I'll be in country until 11 July. Are there any holidays during that period that I should be aware of?

FYI: I don't know if I can originate a PM until I've logged a certain number of posts, but I can reply to PM's currently (as I did to Dutchee's recent PM).

One final question (ha!) for now - are AA and DOC listings available at the airport or in the city? The DOC website is great, but I won't have data access while in NZ, so hard copies would be useful.

Stoutheart
The guy whose butt will soon be shaped like an airline seat

Hi Stoutheart

All understood :)

Your timing is very good in avoiding the school holiday period, which begins on 15th July and there are no public holidays in the period you are here. Here is a useful link (http://www.experiencenz.com/dates.cfm) that shows both types of holiday in one page.

Most towns of any size have tourist information centres that are branded as "iSite". This can be confusing for visitors, as it can sound like we are trying to direct you to an optometrist :)

They will have DOC and AA information, in the event that you don't find it at the airport. My experience with iSites is that if you tell them your rough plan, they will be happy to ring ahead and find accommodation or campsites to suit your needs.

All the best for your trip!

Chasio

[The Pastor]

Hi Stoutheart

All understood :)

Your timing is very good in avoiding the school holiday period, which begins on 15th July and there are no public holidays in the period you are here. Here is a useful link (http://www.experiencenz.com/dates.cfm) that shows both types of holiday in one page.

Most towns of any size have tourist information centres that are branded as "iSite". This can be confusing for visitors, as it can sound like we are trying to direct you to an optometrist :)

They will have DOC and AA information, in the event that you don't find it at the airport. My experience with iSites is that if you tell them your rough plan, they will be happy to ring ahead and find accommodation or campsites to suit your needs.

All the best for your trip!

Chasio


Mate if you want a good place to check out, try the coromandle! Its a really cool place, and loads of camping grounds.

http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=Auckland,+New+Zealand&ll=-36.822478,175.311584&spn=0.849773,1.757813&t=h&z=10

Its awesome. If you want a riding buddie on a weekend, let me know always keen to do a ride now and then. (but work is a bitch during the week).

As far as camp stove fuel, what fuel do you need? Gas can be bought pretty easy, but for camping I prefer to use a methylated spirits stove, as meths is cheap and sold in supermarkets. Multi fuel stove's are a great idea that can run off any fuel (kero, petrol, meths, diesel etc) meaning you can use your bikes petrol to cook your food.

[mazz1972]

One final question (ha!) for now - are AA and DOC listings available at the airport or in the city? The DOC website is great, but I won't have data access while in NZ, so hard copies would be useful.

You might find it hard to get DOC brochures at the airport but you should be able to find either Jasons or AA accommodation guides (quite weighty) at the airport (look for an information stand or counter).

Jasons do a Holiday Parks & Campgrounds brochure which I've got a copy of and it's much smaller. I think AA only do the one which includes motels etc.

Or you can order any Jasons brochures free at their website and I think they ship overseas - there might not be enough time, but maybe you could get them sent c/o the bike rentals address?

Jasons brochures (including other sightseeing info) for order http://www.jasons.com/guides/new-zealand

Or why don't you ask the bike rental place to get the Jasons and/or AA brochures for you? Jasons ones are always free and AA usually are so it's not asking alot. Some touring maps might help you too - if any of the staff are AA members they can get all that for free.

You can download the campsite brochures directly from the DOC website.
http://www.doc.govt.nz/publications/parks-and-recreation/places-to-stay/campsites-drive-in/

Have a great stay - hope the weather is kind to you! It's unusually warm here at the moment but who knows how long that will last.

You can keep an eye on the weather at www.metservice.com

[Dutchee]

On our way from the airport to pick up the bike, we'll pick up anything you need. So far - maps and cooker fuel. Think there was something else, but gone blank. Doh, how many co2 cartridges are you after? I take it it's for a tyre repair kit?

What areas of NZ are you looking at riding? I can grab maps from the AA before you land, so that will save one stop, can also grab the fuel - sold in 1L bottles, and that way we can just go straight to the pick-up point, unless you think of something else you're after. South Island is stunning, up north is also lovely (north of Auckland), Wairarapa's pretty. Basically everywhere but Auckland is worth a visit.

I had a quick ride around the lower north island last year (a week) but saw lots and also saw nothing really. South Island we did in just over a week (not all of it) and really didn't see enough. We are a small country but have plenty to see.

Do make sure you've got good rain gear, it's our winter, and it is wet (and pretty miserable). There may be some roads closed due to slips or snow, but usually there's other ways to get everywhere. And yes, your comment about the temperatures would be about right, with the amount of rain we're having, it's not that cold yet (there is a reason NZ comes across as green - ask anyone who came over for the ISDE in 2006, they had 1-2 days of okay weather during the event).

[DrunkenMistake]

Didnt read the other posts, Sorry couldnt be bothered haha,

Most super markets will sell the Stove fuel, and most outdoor stores as well, go to a hunting shop they will sell the fuel as well as C02 shots, as they are used in BB guns etc.

[Stoutheart]

Dutchee:

I sent a PM answering some of your questions, but will answer the other ones here.

As far as CO2 cartridges go, they are for my tyre plugging kit; typically, I carry three of the "large" size ones (16g) or four of the smaller ones (12g) to be able to limp to a proper compressor.

My "rough" itinerary is to spend about 6 days on the North Island, and then 11 days on the South Island. But these allotments can change completely based on weather and what I find interesting. The only areas I'd *really* like to see at this point are: Cape Reinga, Pancake Rocks, Mt. Cook, Abel Tasman Park, Rimutakas, and Invercargill - the northernmost point, the southernmost point, and a few places of interest inbetween.

Ever since I was a kid, I've wanted to visit Antarctica; as the years wear on, I don't know if I'll ever make it. But I figure I'll get as close as I can on this trip in case things don't pan out in the future. I've also been reading the guidebooks on where it might be possible to see penguins in the wild; I've heard about an "Antarctic Exploration" visitor's site in CHCH that might work if I can't find them outside.

Last decision to be made before departure: I have a one-piece Aerostich riding suit that is wonderfully comfortable and has many miles on it - but if I bring it, I'd need some other type of jacket to wear when I'm off the bike as the "astronaut" look is a bit harsh. As an alternative, I could bring my leathers; not quite as comfortable, but a LOT more versatile, as you can wear the jacket off the bike and not look like an alien. Either way, the rain suit and boots are definitely on the packing list.

And to those people who say you should learn something every day - here's today's lesson. If you fill a Thermos bottle with coffee on your ride into work - and strap it to the back of your bike - and the bottle falls off about a mile later - and is IMMEDIATELY run over by the front tyre of a dump truck - it sounds just like a shotgun going off. Don't ask me how I know, I just know, OK?


On our way from the airport to pick up the bike, we'll pick up anything you need. So far - maps and cooker fuel. Think there was something else, but gone blank. Doh, how many co2 cartridges are you after? I take it it's for a tyre repair kit?

What areas of NZ are you looking at riding? I can grab maps from the AA before you land, so that will save one stop, can also grab the fuel - sold in 1L bottles, and that way we can just go straight to the pick-up point, unless you think of something else you're after. South Island is stunning, up north is also lovely (north of Auckland), Wairarapa's pretty. Basically everywhere but Auckland is worth a visit.

I had a quick ride around the lower north island last year (a week) but saw lots and also saw nothing really. South Island we did in just over a week (not all of it) and really didn't see enough. We are a small country but have plenty to see.

Do make sure you've got good rain gear, it's our winter, and it is wet (and pretty miserable). There may be some roads closed due to slips or snow, but usually there's other ways to get everywhere. And yes, your comment about the temperatures would be about right, with the amount of rain we're having, it's not that cold yet (there is a reason NZ comes across as green - ask anyone who came over for the ISDE in 2006, they had 1-2 days of okay weather during the event).

[jim.cox]

on where it might be possible to see penguins in the wild;


Dude, you need to check out the south east coast of the South Island...

Oamaru
The Moeraki Boulders - The "Not The Pancake Rock" Rocks
Otago Peninsula - here be pengiuns and albatrii
Catlins - Coastal route Dunedin to InverVegas is an absolutely awesome ride (or two, or three)
You can end up in the fleshpots of Queenstown via Tutapere, Manapouri and Milford Sound...

[Quasi]

My "rough" itinerary is to spend about 6 days on the North Island, and then 11 days on the South Island. But these allotments can change completely based on weather and what I find interesting. The only areas I'd *really* like to see at this point are: Cape Reinga, Pancake Rocks, Mt. Cook, Abel Tasman Park, Rimutakas, and Invercargill - the northernmost point, the southernmost point, and a few places of interest inbetween.




Hey Soutman - i am about 10min from then northern side of the Rimutakas. Happy to ride you over and onto wellington. Just pm me.

Cheers - Carla

[Stoutheart]

All:

Well, I'm finally enroute to New Zealand. I've created a blog for my trip, although at this point it's more of a travel blog than a riding blog.

If you're interested, the blog is posted at: http://twowheelingnz.blogspot.com

Hope to see you in NZ soon!

Stoutheart

[Dutchee]

Have a safe trip :) Worked out I should PM my cell # to you, but will do that tomorrow. Thought I'd leave you to get sorted and on the road for the first night in NZ, rather than standing around like a dumbass (I'm good at that).

For those wondering, his flight to NZ wasn't cancelled (plenty were), so he's safely in unzud now, but the timing did mean that it would be dark by the time he's ready to head off on his adventure.

[Rocket]

few good posts on the blog , interesting.

[rickstv]

Hey Southeart, how about letting us know a couple of days early where you will be.

There are a lot of KBers following you on here and there are a lot of spare beds.

And with spare beds come local knowledge and often times, meals too.

Your stay in our country will be more memorable for both you and us:yes:

Oh,,by the way, welcome to NZ, sorry about the rain. We call it liquid sunshine.

Should be fine for the next few days though.

Ride shiny side up.
Rick.