On our way - Easter '07 [Archive]

Fat Tony

8th December 2006, 00:28

Well, we finally managed to book flights for our 18 day on a shoestring tour of New Zealand :)

Fly in to Christchurch on 31st March, where Sniper has very kindly sorted us out with car rental for our journey north - you're a star mate - thanks again - and then fly out from Auckland on 17th April, hopefully with a good idea of which area we'd like to settle once we get our visas sorted, house sold etc.

We haven't a clue what route we're going to take yet, so any suggestions would be greatly appreciated, as would advise on where to avoid with it being busier around Easter

Currently reading our way through the Rough Guide to NZ and buzzing about the trip.

It'd be great to meet some of you guys and families to try and get a real feel for the place, and already looking forward to a possible stop over at Beemer's place - thanks :)

Bring on Easter!

Cheers,
Tony

(please arrange for as many rain-free days as possible. Oh, and there's a decent camping shop in Chch right? Probably easier to by something to live in over there rather than here and try to cram it in a case, lol)

Edbear

8th December 2006, 05:58

Wotta job!:gob: There isn't a place in NZ that isn't beautiful with great biking roads! You could just about throw a dart at a map and find a nice place! A lot depends on work, and of course the big smoke, (Auck), has the most but depending on your job requirements you could settle anywhere!

Orewa is 20min from Auck central and is a pretty seaside village with a 2-mile long beach and is nice and quiet with ready access to some of the best biking in NZ. And literally dozens of nice beaches within an hour of here! Of course everyone here will say similarly good things about their area, too!:yes:

Now you'll get the North v. South arguments, too! Think of NZ as two countries, both different but both beautiful, with the SI having the edge in scenery.:shutup:

Hope this helps....:innocent:

chanceyy

8th December 2006, 06:15

This is the busa's under a assumed name as we are in wellington and someone changed our password and now can't remember it. If you are wanting a bed in auckland we have spares so please feel free to pm us you are more than welcome to stay. our log on is busa pete.I promise to behave myself

Regards Wendy

gixermike

8th December 2006, 07:43

Fat Tony

8th December 2006, 07:59

Fat Tony

8th December 2006, 08:13

Well done,

if you want a place to stay or beers etc in Auckland then let me know. We'll be having my 30th birthday celebrations around then anyway!!

The first southern hemisphere 'Gixercrew' meet!!

Mike

Hey Mike :) How's it going? Got your own wheels down there yet mate or spending your time stealing the missus' bike? Sounds like you're settling in fine from your mails, keep them coming please.

Really pleased that we've finally nailed a trip down as it seems to have been on our 'to-do list' for years. Would be great to hook up for a beer or two and hear about it all in person. And yet another one to thank for the offer of a room. Cheers!!

I don't know if you've checked in on the 'crew site for a while, but just for your info... Jonesy's looking to sell his 1000 to fund a season of racing on an MZ, lol. Class!

Hellraiser

8th December 2006, 08:33

If you want to go for a ride when you get to Auckland give me a yell i may be able to pull a spare bike out of the garage for you.

Fat Tony

8th December 2006, 08:41

If you want to go for a ride when you get to Auckland give me a yell i may be able to pull a spare bike out of the garage for you.

Wooohooo, this just keeps getting better :scooter:

Cheers for the offer!

Sniper

8th December 2006, 08:43

Tony, PM me your address and I'll send you a NZ Driving guide book we have. Should give some good ideas.

Stu

Fat Tony

8th December 2006, 08:57

Tony, PM me your address and I'll send you a NZ Driving guide book we have. Should give some good ideas.

Stu

Nice one Stu, cheers!

I can see I'm going to have quite a few beers to buy during 'the tour' :)

Beemer

8th December 2006, 09:29

Good to hear you are definitely coming, you have our email address so keep in touch. The spare room will be 'booked' for you during that period!

Late March the weather here is usually pretty good - no guarantees but it's usually much better weather than February.

Sniper

8th December 2006, 09:35

Nice one Stu, cheers!

I can see I'm going to have quite a few beers to buy during 'the tour' :)

Nah, I dont expect anything for it mate.

Fat Tony

8th December 2006, 19:58

Nah, I dont expect anything for it mate.

You Sir have no say in the matter! :first: (though I'm a little nervous about buying my first pint of 'piss')

Likewise, we shall endeavour to get the largest Easter egg possible in to the suitcase for Beemer and hubby :)

Fat Tony

3rd January 2007, 07:35

Gentlemen/gentleladies,

We're looking to buy a road map of both islands to plan our trip, can anybody recommend the best one please (and an online seller would be useful). Preferably one that shows whether roads are sealed or not (they probably all do right?) and includes city centre plans. I've found a couple via google but not sure if they're up to the job or not.

Once again, you're help is appreciated :)

Cheers,
Tony

(3 months and counting - woooohooooo!)

Pixie

3rd January 2007, 15:35

This is a good one:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Road-Atlas-New-Zealand-Atlases/dp/0749545941
I shows which roads are sealed and unsealed

Maha

3rd January 2007, 15:44

Nice one Stu

Ha Haaaaa how ironic?... there use to be an after school tv programme here in the70's called that....wonder if its the same person....come on Stu, is it you?...and hows Roger?.....:shifty:

Fat Tony

3rd January 2007, 20:36

Cheers Pixie.

I swore I'd never use any service provided by the AA (UK based) ever again after they pissed me about with bike recovery once, but I suppose I could give their NZ operation a chance ;)

(Ignoring the fact that it's published in the UK obviously, lol)

Fat Tony

3rd January 2007, 20:42

Ha Haaaaa how ironic?... there use to be an after school tv programme here in the70's called that....wonder if its the same person....come on Stu, is it you?...and hows Roger?.....:shifty:

Ha, cool. A quick Google search revealed the attached. Does this look like Stu/Sniper then? Stu, we'll be looking for a dodgy looking character dressed in school uniform at the airport then eh mate?

Beemer

3rd January 2007, 22:07

Likewise, we shall endeavour to get the largest Easter egg possible in to the suitcase for Beemer and hubby :)

I WAS joking! But if you must... I would eat it, just to be polite, mind!

Fat Tony

3rd January 2007, 22:13

I WAS joking! But if you must... I would eat it, just to be polite, mind!

Yeah, my wife 'jokes' like that ;)

Maha

3rd January 2007, 22:27

Ha, cool. A quick Google search revealed the attached. Does this look like Stu/Sniper then? Stu, we'll be looking for a dodgy looking character dressed in school uniform at the airport then eh mate?

Yeah thats him...........he went on to co-form Aussie rock band AC/DC.....:rockon:

(p/t)

MyGSXF

3rd January 2007, 22:42

Hey there..

If ya's need a bed in :sunny: Nelson.. I'm sure we can squeeze ya in somewhere!!! or even a cuppa on ya way through!!

Jen :rockon:

Fat Tony

3rd January 2007, 22:57

Hey there..

If ya's need a bed in :sunny: Nelson.. I'm sure we can squeeze ya in somewhere!!! or even a cuppa on ya way through!!

Jen :rockon:

Fantastic, thanks Jen :)

At this rate, this might turn in to our KB tour :2thumbsup

Thanks once again for all the offers folks! If you're ever in Leeds... ;)

MyGSXF

3rd January 2007, 23:00

Fantastic, thanks Jen :)

At this rate, this might turn in to our KB tour :2thumbsup

Thanks once again for all the offers folks! If you're ever in Leeds... ;)

LOL.. isn't that what 'family' is for....!!!??? :grouphug:

& I DO have an EC passport!! :innocent: wanna official bag carrier...?? :shutup:

Fat Tony

3rd January 2007, 23:04

& I DO have an EC passport!! :innocent: wanna official bag carrier...?? :shutup:

If you feel up to carrying 300kgs of Easter eggs, wine and beer... yes please :)

MyGSXF

3rd January 2007, 23:09

If you feel up to carrying 300kgs of Easter eggs, wine and beer... yes please :)

yeah mate,... no worries!!! :Punk:

Fat Tony

3rd January 2007, 23:19

yeah mate,... no worries!!! :Punk:

I'll try to make sure that all that stuff goes in a case with wheels for you then :)

MyGSXF

3rd January 2007, 23:24

I'll try to make sure that all that stuff goes in a case with wheels for you then :)

Sweet.. :yes: but I better not drink on the flight then.. or I might get done for bein D.I.C of the luggage trolley! :scooter:

scumdog

3rd January 2007, 23:31

Get yourself this far south and you've got a place to stay, off orad parking, warm bed and right by the main road etc etc - just give me prior warning in case I plan on being away.
BTW I too (like my daughter MyGSFX) have a UK passport. should you need me to accompany you bakc for any reason...

Grub

3rd January 2007, 23:47

We're looking to buy a road map of both islands to plan our trip, can anybody recommend the best one please

Tony, Nasty just bought the best one I have EVER seen (and I have a map fetish). We've just used it for our North Island Tour and the minor road detail is great as well as having main centre maps in it. The one we have is just the North Is, I assumes they have a South Is one as well.

Scale for district road maps is 1:250,000 (pgs 1-86)
District Map enlargements 1:175,000 (pgs 87-98)
City & Town Maps 1:25,000 (pgs99-109)

Here's what it says inside.
"Kiwipathfinder North Island Complete Drivers Atlas"
Kiwimaps Ltd
kiwimaps@xtra.co.nz
ISBN 1-877358-26-6 1st Edition.
Can't seem to find a web site sorry

Brett

Fat Tony

3rd January 2007, 23:50

Tony, Nasty just bought the best one I have EVER seen (and I have a map fetish).

Nice one Brett, cheers. I'll have a dig round the 'net and see if I can track that down. Sounds the business.

Edit: http://www.mcleodsbooks.co.nz have it in stock. You're a star mate. Cheers. A map fetish eh? My mother warned me about people like you ;)

Fat Tony

4th January 2007, 21:55

Today's stupid question from the Pom with no idea is:

We fancy doing a bit of snorkeling while there and just wondered what the water temperature's going to be like in April - any ideas? Warmer up north right? Any suggested locations? Thanks!

Smokin

7th January 2007, 07:46

The water temp doesn't change alot with the months but it is a little warmer up north, Kaikora is a primo snorkling spot if your around there.
The west coast isnt great for diving because of the waves stiring up the sandy floor, you just can't see a thing, but what we lack in diving we more than make up for in lifestyle and biking roads :rockon:

If you come over this way pop on in and I'll make ya a cuppa and give you a bit of a guided tour bud.

Gordy

Grub

7th January 2007, 08:57

We fancy doing a bit of snorkeling while there and just wondered what the water temperature's going to be like in April

April should stilll be good. Plan to spend some time in the Bay of Islands then. The Poor Knights Islands are an international marine reserve where the water is perfectly clear and is the primo shorkeling/diving site. But without the expense of going out there you have Tutukaka, Russell, Kerikeri, Whangaroa Harbour. Al these are on the East coast north of Whangarei and well worth building lots of time into your itinerary. The Far North as it's known, is in my opinion the uncrowned jewel of the country.

Sniper

8th January 2007, 07:34

Ha, cool. A quick Google search revealed the attached. Does this look like Stu/Sniper then? Stu, we'll be looking for a dodgy looking character dressed in school uniform at the airport then eh mate?

Never!!

Yeah thats him...........he went on to co-form Aussie rock band AC/DC.....:rockon:

(p/t)

It was so not me.

Grahameeboy

8th January 2007, 07:55

Fat Tony

9th January 2007, 05:26

Road Map.....?? Not like UK where you have a zillion options........just one road in and one road out.........

Haha, listen mate, I'm more than capable of getting lost even on one road ;) I hope you and your daughter are well and had a great Christmas.

Thanks for the replies on the snorkeling gents. I know it's not the kind of question that you'd normally find on a bike forum and your help is much appreciated!

Funnily enough, I was just reading about the Poor Knights Islands last night, it was biased more to proper diving than the amateur flailing about in the water and hoping not to drown while trying to spot a fish or two that we'll be doing,lol. We'll be sticking to the shallows anyway, as our daughter will be with us, so should be warm enough by the sounds of it. Excellent.

Gordy, thanks for the offer mate, might just take you up on that if we're in the neighbourhood :)

For Those About to Rock... We Salute Stu!

Sniper

9th January 2007, 10:32

For Those About to Rock... We Salute Stu!

Lol, thanks, but really, Im just helping where I can.

Bytor

18th January 2007, 09:03

Bytor

18th January 2007, 09:07

Get yourself this far south and you've got a place to stay, off orad parking, warm bed and right by the main road etc etc

Is that an overnight stay in the cop shop - jeez he's not even here yet and you're planning on nicking him!
BTW what's breakfast like at the Motel Copshop these days?

scumdog

18th January 2007, 09:15

Is that an overnight stay in the cop shop - jeez he's not even here yet and you're planning on nicking him!
BTW what's breakfast like at the Motel Copshop these days?

Breakfast? breakfast - you don't get no stinkin' breakfast!!

It may make people like the place and want to come back!

Pixie

18th January 2007, 09:52

The marine reserve at Goat island,near Leigh,north of Auckland is good too.
The fish are friendly,or should I say,unafraid of people.
A dive instructor there used to show off by feeding the fish sausages held in his teeth - until a large schnapper took a chunk of lip as well.
Mmmmm - lips, thought the schnapper

Fat Tony

2nd March 2007, 21:08

4 WEEKS TO GO... :Punk:

(apologies for the mindless post)

Beemer

2nd March 2007, 22:14

4 WEEKS TO GO... :Punk:

(apologies for the mindless post)

That gives me just enough time to get the other half to do the dusting and vacuuming! Four weeks until Easter - cripes this year is disappearing fast!

Fat Tony

2nd March 2007, 22:29

That gives me just enough time to get the other half to do the dusting and vacuuming! Four weeks until Easter - cripes this year is disappearing fast!

Sure is isn't it..? The fact that we haven't really had a winter to speak of here really screws up the perception of time.

Please don't dust and tidy too much... it'll just make Louise complain about the state of our place more :lol:

Macktheknife

2nd March 2007, 22:42

Fat Tony

2nd March 2007, 22:52

Hey Tony how many of you are coming? You can have a night at our place too in Auckland if you need it, can take you up for a spot of snorkelling too if you like, Goat Island not far.
I remember Leeds quite well, I spent 2 days in the Royal Armoury museum there a couple of years ago, loved it. And I remember a pub called the 'Green Dragon' too! lol (well mostly remember!)
Give us a yell anyway.

Cheers mate, very nice of you. You lot really are top draw :)

2 x adults (though their maturity is in doubt)
1 x 11yr old
1 x tent
2 x sleeping bags so fighting is guaranteed
And probably enough luggage to fill the rental that Sniper has sorted out for us three times over knowing the girls :lol:

We've only sorted out a loose schedule for our first few days on South Island, and are then playing the rest of the trip by ear... threw our original schedule out of the window once we realised that it wasn't going to be anything like do-able :innocent:

I'm not exactly sure when we're going to hit Auckland, or if we'll have time to get further north but would love to take you up on the offer if we get a chance. Could you PM me some contact details I'll give you a call when we know the score if that's OK?

Thanks again,
Tony

(By the way, anybody that's expecting a big fat mafia don to turn up... urmmm... expect to have your hopes dashed :) )

Macktheknife

2nd March 2007, 22:58

Could you PM me some contact details I'll give you a call when we know the score if that's OK?

Thanks again,
Tony

(By the way, anybody that's expecting a big fat mafia don to turn up... urmmm... expect to have your hopes dashed :) )

Done mate.

Sniper

4th March 2007, 13:26

Like I said before, I'll say it again. I have a bed and things for you for however long you need it when you get here mate. I know jet lag can be a pain

Hawkeye

4th March 2007, 13:55

When planning the route, make sure you give yourself plenty of time between points. You can almost double the time in NZ for the same distance in the UK. eg. Newcastle/London 4ish hours. Wellington/Auckland 8-9ish.

100k (65mph) max unless you want to collect some momentos of the trip from the :Police: . Most roads are sealed but tend to be single carriage with passing lanes unless your near the main centres. Very few by-passes so you keep arriving at another village with a 50k (30mph) zone. That is why it takes so long to get anywhere (in a cage). (Don't you just love riding a bike!).

Unfortunately I've already got visitors staying at that time otherwise there would have been a bed for you in the Wellington region.
Enjoy your trip and I hope you do get to see some of this beautiful country sitting on 2 wheels. And if you are up for a beer when you reach Wellington and don't mind socialising with a geordie!:msn-wink:

Fat Tony

7th March 2007, 08:30

Like I said before, I'll say it again. I have a bed and things for you for however long you need it when you get here mate. I know jet lag can be a pain

Stu, thanks mate - will definitely take you up on the offer for the first couple of nights - the beer's on us :yes:

Hawkeye, cheers for the tips fella... 100kmh is going to take some getting used to :yes:

Socialise with a Geordie? Ooooo, I dunno... :lol: (OK, so a couple of my best mates are Geordies) No worries on the bed front, Wellington's the only place that we actually know anybody in NZ so we're sorted cheers.

Thanks again folks :)

scumdog

8th March 2007, 22:49

So when you get to the lower South Island make sure you PM me and I'll have room for you and family at Chez Scumdog, 'kay?

Fat Tony

8th March 2007, 23:04

So when you get to the lower South Island make sure you PM me and I'll have room for you and family at Chez Scumdog, 'kay?

Cheers Scumdog. Unfortunately, due to the short amount of time that we're in NZ, we're only currently looking at doing the top half of South Island before heading over to North Island (Chch and north of). Bloody shame as I'd love to see SI in its entirity but with just over 2 weeks there I think we're going to struggle a bit as it is. How far in to 'lower South Island' are you?

scumdog

8th March 2007, 23:10

Cheers Scumdog. Unfortunately, due to the short amount of time that we're in NZ, we're only currently looking at doing the top half of South Island before heading over to North Island (Chch and north of). Bloody shame as I'd love to see SI in its entirity but with just over 2 weeks there I think we're going to struggle a bit as it is. How far in to 'lower South Island' are you?

5 to 6 hours south of Christchurch on the most direct route. (SH1)

Bet ya never thought the South Island was THAT big eh?

Fat Tony

8th March 2007, 23:40

5 to 6 hours south of Christchurch on the most direct route. (SH1)

Bet ya never thought the South Island was THAT big eh?

:lol: Not until I started to look in to mileages and estimated times to get from one place to another, hence our original schedule getting ripped up and thrown in the bin.

I forgot that while NZs land mass is similar to that of the UK, it's thinner and longer... oh and you have lower speed limits :(

Hope to see the south of the South some time though, so if the offer still stands when we do, I'll look forward to meeting up then. Thanks again for the offer.

Beemer

10th March 2007, 08:04

It's not long now, eh Tony? The weather has been superb for the past few weeks so hopefully it will be pretty good when you get here. The spare bed will be ready and I'm sure we can make up a more comfortable bed than a sleeping bag on the floor for your daughter!

I'm pretty sure the balloon festival is on here Easter weekend so you may even be lucky enough to see some of them floating over the house during your stay.

See you soon!

Blairos

10th March 2007, 15:46

Tony

Check out a thread of the SI Trip a few of us just completed here (http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?t=44496) - if you are able to take in the whole island, its sure worth it - we completed our misson in about 11 days, but there were some big miles done some days

And, I can vouch for Scumdog's hospitality, second to none... :niceone:

woodybee

12th March 2007, 00:04

Hey dude,

I am a UK bird living over here, and a mate of scumdogs, I live in Queenstown, so if you hit the west coast taint far from that, have a sleepout to offer you and flat levels to camp out on, in the back garden if you want.

QT is beautiful as is the wholeof the south island, so try to get to see as much as you can, shame you are spending that long int he North Island.

mate are you going to the Isle of Man, I sure as hell am:Punk: :yes:

Anyway have a wonderful trip

Woodybee, aka Jan, from Worcester before NZ

Deviant Esq

13th March 2007, 05:40

...And the time grows nearer! Getting excited Tony? :woohoo: Hopefully the weather will go your way. :yes:

Mrs Busa Pete

13th March 2007, 06:34

Tony did you go and get one of those calanders that told you about if so you might be able to live up to your name.

Fat Tony

13th March 2007, 08:58

Tony did you go and get one of those calanders that told you about if so you might be able to live up to your name.

Haha... I did yeah, but ate all the chocolates on day 1 :msn-wink:

...And the time grows nearer! Getting excited Tony? :woohoo: Hopefully the weather will go your way. :yes:

You know it mate. Only two weekends to go now so if you want to get out on the bike again we need to get that sorted asap.

I am a UK bird living over here, and a mate of scumdogs, I live in Queenstown, so if you hit the west coast taint far from that, have a sleepout to offer you and flat levels to camp out on, in the back garden if you want.

Thanks very much for the offer Jan. As I mentioned to scumdog, I don't think we're going to have time to get down your way. Damn, I wish the two and bit weeks was twenty two and a bit weeks. When we move over, visiting the south of the south will be top of the list so we'll look you guys up then :)

No, not doing the TT unfortunately. Our trip to NZ is soaking up every last bit of cash we've got. Enjoy yourself and watch how you go on Mad Sunday eh?

Check out a thread of the SI Trip a few of us just completed here (http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?t=44496) - if you are able to take in the whole island, its sure worth it - we completed our misson in about 11 days, but there were some big miles done some days

Wow, that looks like one hell of a trip mate. Spectacular doesn't do some of that scenery justice. We're going to have to think long and hard about where we want to end up over there.

Sniper

13th March 2007, 11:57

Not long now mate

Bytor

13th March 2007, 16:26

.Hopefully the weather will go your way. :yes:

It's shite at the mo and looks like staying that way all week - seems that the Yorkshire weather has arrived b4 Tony

Fat Tony

13th March 2007, 20:34

Not long now mate :niceone:

It's shite at the mo and looks like staying that way all week - seems that the Yorkshire weather has arrived b4 Tony

Hmmmm... a good job we got the higher waterproof resistance tent then? Bah! We're in for a good week here in Yorkshire... predominently dry and sunny, dropping to near freezing overnight, but with an average daily temp of about 12 degrees...

Are we to pack the thermals instead of the t-shirts then?

Beemer

18th March 2007, 12:05

Hmmmm... a good job we got the higher waterproof resistance tent then? Bah! We're in for a good week here in Yorkshire... predominently dry and sunny, dropping to near freezing overnight, but with an average daily temp of about 12 degrees...

Are we to pack the thermals instead of the t-shirts then?

I don't think it would be a bad idea to pack some warm clothes - long sleeved tops, long trousers, shoes and socks, a jacket/jersey, etc. The weather has been pretty grotty the past few days (it has bucketed down most of yesterday and today - at least the water tank is full!) and it's almost cold enough to light the fire. By the time you arrive, it's likely the fire will be lit in the evenings and warming food will be on the menu rather than a BBQ!

The weather may clear up by then, but it has certainly cooled down from last month's temperatures and you will be right in the middle of autumn so the daily temperatures may only be about 15-20C in most places.

Fat Tony

18th March 2007, 18:38

The weather may clear up by then, but it has certainly cooled down from last month's temperatures and you will be right in the middle of autumn so the daily temperatures may only be about 15-20C in most places.

Cheers for the info Beemer. It's still an improvement on the average around here at the moment (about 8C) and we're forecast for a spot of snow later today :(

Beemer

19th March 2007, 10:23

Ooh, 8C - luxury! Daylight saving ended yesterday morning so it's dark about 6.30pm now and that will soon edge towards 6pm and earlier.

The rain finally eased yesterday and it's been fine ever since so hopefully it will be calm during your stay. It's sunny right now and windy, but I am quite comfortable in a teeshirt so it's reasonably warm. The temperature gauge in the lounge is reading 21C and it doesn't get any sun until the afternoon so that's not too bad!

Deviant Esq

30th March 2007, 12:31

As I post this Tony will be on the plane, winging his way over to New Zealand.

Hope you have a great holiday mate, and here's hoping the weather's good! I had a look at the forecast, and it seems the first couple of days in Christchurch are supposed to be sunny and warm, so that's a start! Shame about the timing really, I'd have liked to have shown you around a bit as you have done for me. Still, nothing we can do about that... so I'll just send you photos every now and then via email once I'm back in NZ and you're back in England. Motivational like, to speed along your move. :whistle:

Heads up Sniper, here they come. :cool:

Beemer

30th March 2007, 12:36

As usual with all our guests, we are really looking forward to them arriving. Not sure exactly when they will be at our place, when they heard the balloon festival was on here over Easter they said they may head up here first and then double-back to Wellington to see some distant relatives. Either way, whenever they turn up, there's a bed or two and a warm welcome on offer. I just hope they like us!

I've also got five bottles of wine in the cooler (two bubblies, two still and a red) and some Carlsberg, Speights and Tui - so they will be well catered for! (Not to mention the whiskies...) Now, I suppose I'll have to think of what to feed them as well...!

Deviant Esq

30th March 2007, 12:44

Don't think they're big fans of red wine IIRC but the rest should go down without too much of an issue. :niceone:
They're not vegetarians, and both Tony and Lou are quite capable cooks themselves (rather than eating out a lot), so I think you'll find them pretty easy to cater for. Being British though I'm sure they'd be partial to some nicely prepared Kiwi lamb. I'm sure you'll do us proud. :D

Beemer

30th March 2007, 13:43

Good to hear that! (But whats IIRC - am I being blonde?)

I was planning maybe a roast or similar, or something with chicken - and dessert too, of course! That fat guy looks like he could do with a bit of fattening up! Pleased to hear they are not vegetarians, neither are we!

If the weather holds they will be rapt - it's currently 28C in our lounge and 30C in the bedroom and so hot outside the thought of putting on bike gear is horrifying! I'm heading into town in the air conditioned car thank you!

scumdog

31st March 2007, 15:45

Good to hear that! (But whats IIRC - am I being blonde?)

IIRC = If I ReCall???

Beemer

31st March 2007, 23:17

IIRC = If I ReCall???

I was informed it actually stands for If I Recall Correctly! It's not an abbreviation I've seen often, hence the query!

Well, the clan should be here by now - or at least will be in transit. I hope they get the chance to relax for a day before heading off anywhere.

Beemer

10th April 2007, 10:33

We've just reluctantly farewelled Tony, Louise and Daisie. They arrived yesterday to a glorious day in the Horowhenua and spent a relaxing afternoon wandering around our pond or sitting on the deck eating home made hot cross buns!

They headed off towards Taupo today but we hope they will be back for good soon. They're a lovely family and would be a real asset to NZ if they do end up here. Selfishly we'd like them to settle near us so we could see them often!

If you get the chance to catch up with them on their trip, do so - and make them welcome so they will be encouraged to move here pronto!

Fat Tony

19th April 2007, 18:49

OK, so having arrived back home to read this thread I'm fascinated to see our dietary requirements being discussed ;) What are you two like? Ryan, you must have been bored mate :lol: For the record, Lou loves red wine!

What a trip... 3690km of fun in an incredible country full of friendly faces. We're stoked to have had the pleasure of meeting the KBers who extended their hospitality to us. Thank you all so much.

It ended up going something like: Christchurch > Hanmer Springs > Golden Bay > Nelson > Blenheim > Wellington > Levin > Rotorua > Orewa > Paihia > Cape Reinga > Waipoua > Whangaparaoa > Auckland

We arrived home yesterday feeling more than a little saddened to have left New Zealand, but it looks like we'll be making the move (if your immigration bods will accept our application... just need to look in to whether to go 'work for residency' or 'skilled migrant')

It really was a pleasure to meet and spend time with the KBers and families that we had the opportunity to... it made the trip for us, and gave us a much better insight in to life over there. So a massive thanks goes out to Sniper and his lovely lady, MyGSXF, Sniper's extended family, Beemer and Andy, Mr & Mrs Busa Pete and invited Auckland area guests... and yes, as predicted I'm struggling to remember all of your login names ;) but you know who you are.

Thanks also to Deviant for his help and advice prior to the trip... I'm guessing that you'll be feeling as jetlagged as I am today mate... I hope that your flight home didn't seem to last as long as our's did :lol:

It was a blast... we'll be back :yes:

Mom

19th April 2007, 18:55

as predicted I'm struggling to remember all of your login names ;) but you know who you are.

It was a blast... we'll be back :yes:

Slack Tony, very slack!!.....was great to meet you and yours.

Glad you are back safe and sound, we look forward to seeing you again soon. Close to us would be cool, but then again if you settle away from here we have a place to crash hmm it seems it is all good!

Nice to meet you too!

Mrs Busa Pete

19th April 2007, 19:09

Again pete is at work but i know i speak for his as well.

It was am absult pleasure to have you here and look forward to when you return . Louise and daisy i hope your trip home wasn't to shattering and i'm pleases to hear that you have all gone home with some good memorys. Once again look forward to your return.

Ps hows the bike tony.

MyGSXF

19th April 2007, 19:09

Hi guys.. :wavey:

Awesome to hear you had a great trip North, & are home safe & sound again!! :Punk:

Was sooo lovely to meet you all :yes: & hopefully the little fella didn't talk your ears off tooo much... :crazy:

So.. when ya's coming to live in :sunny: Nelson then.... :whistle: :laugh:

Jen & boys :rockon:

Maha

19th April 2007, 19:10

Mr & Mrs Busa Pete and invited Auckland area guests... and yes, as predicted I'm struggling to remember all of your login names ;) but you know who you are.

The name is....MAHA....i mean how hard was that to remember?....well its Mark actually but you know what i mean!..Nice to you both...um??? oh you know your names.....:msn-wink:

Fat Tony

19th April 2007, 19:11

Slack Tony, very slack!!

Mom, your's was one of those that we do remember... you made an impression ;) I'm crap with names as it is, but trying to remember real names and login names is more than my pea-sized brain can cope with :mellow:

We'll be getting the photos developed today hopefully so will have a team effort to match faces to login names :yes: Really good to have met you and your lovely family

Fat Tony

19th April 2007, 19:31

The name is....MAHA

Your login name is on the 'known offenders list' already... what is it with your family? We remembered both real and login names for both of you?!!?

Hi guys.. :wavey:
Was sooo lovely to meet you all :yes: & hopefully the little fella didn't talk your ears off tooo much... :crazy:

Hey Jen :) Nelson's on the possibility list... as are loads of other places we stopped off... the nice thing about touring round was discovering just how much you guys love the areas that you've settled in. Everybody said 'come and live here, it's the nicest place in NZ' :lol:

The little fella is a star... and our ears have just about stopped ringing now ;) Your lads are both a credit to you! Fantastic meeting you all and looking forward to catching up again soon.

It was am absult pleasure to have you here and look forward to when you return . Louise and daisy i hope your trip home wasn't to shattering and i'm pleases to hear that you have all gone home with some good memorys. Once again look forward to your return.

Ps hows the bike tony.

Thanks again for laying on the BBQ and getting folk round Wendy... it made for a great last night and a good send off... We've loads of great memories from the trip though Daisie's pining for your Yorkies :)

The bike was removed from the front room as soon as we got back from the airport yesterday. I was tempted to get out on it to stop me falling asleep but figured that might not have been the best idea after 20 odd hours on a plane, so looking forward to riding the dust off it today :)

Sniper

20th April 2007, 07:27

Thats fantstic to hear guys. It was an absolute pleasure meeting you, Lou and Daisy. T and I wish you all the best :)

Beemer

20th April 2007, 10:14

We've got Ralf and Eva (the current German couple touring NZ) arriving today so it will be nice to have some 'foreigners' again for a few days!

It was great to meet Tony, Louise and Daisie and we really hope you guys will be back here permanently soon. As Lou said, it was reassuring to hear that every person seemed to love where they were living so it's not a matter of having to limit yourself to a few places. From talking to you we get the feeling you aren't that fussed on big cities but that still leaves you plenty of scope. Here's hoping you will both have an easy road ahead of you in coming to NZ and that you settle somewhere that suits you all perfectly. Of course if Daisie doesn't like where you end up, we can work on that board and lodging arrangment! She's a lovely girl and she can always come for holidays - with or without mum and dad!

Come back soon - and if you think that was a display of NZ hospitality, just wait until you live here and make friends with more of us!

Deviant Esq

24th April 2007, 15:36

Ryan, you must have been bored mate :lol:

Thanks also to Deviant for his help and advice prior to the trip... I'm guessing that you'll be feeling as jetlagged as I am today mate... I hope that your flight home didn't seem to last as long as our's did :lol:

Me bored? Never! ;)

You're welcome mate. Not too jetlagged actually, luckily, but it was quite bad enough! The flight home didn't last nearly as long as the one over there, but we still had an infant screaming blue murder for hours on end from Dubai to Sydney and on to Christchurch... we were hoping they wouldn't carry on to Christchurch but no such luck! Could not believe how loudly and for how long that thing screamed. Usually they run out of puff after 20 mins or so but this one... Bloody hell!! Glad when it was over and nice to be back. I'll send you a postcard of some of the Southern scenery you missed! ;)

:sunny:

Fat Tony

24th April 2007, 19:28

Me bored? Never! ;)

Not too jetlagged actually, luckily, but it was quite bad enough! The flight home didn't last nearly as long as the one over there

Funny isn't it? We suffered sod all jet lag going over to NZ (just a tad weary) but the journey back here has really taken it out of us... we're still waking at 04:00 and falling asleep by 19:30 :lol: Nearly nodded off at work yesterday :innocent:

By the way, I noticed some signs around the town centre temping agencies yesterday... "Don't employ this man" and I have to say the photo hasn't captured your good side

pinkhoggirl

29th April 2007, 09:30

Your login name is on the 'known offenders list' already... what is it with your family? We remembered both real and login names for both of you?!!?
:)

Ok now I'M offended. How could you forget PINKHOG GIRL???? Hmmph. No crayfish for you.:angry:

However...a job for the missus I may be able to help with. You have my details, and if not, PM me.

Very cool meeting you folks! :rockon: