Where to buy camp stove fuel, CO2 cartridges?

[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

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

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....

[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 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 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=&...57813&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/...ites-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