On our way - Easter '07

**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!

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!

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.

Hope this helps....

**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

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

**Fat Tony** · 8th December 2006, 07:59

Originally Posted by chanceyy

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

Thanks very much Wendy, that's really kind of you

We'll be in touch. (Hope your password turns up, lol)

**Fat Tony** · 8th December 2006, 08:13

Originally Posted by gixermike

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

Originally Posted by Hellraiser

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

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

Originally Posted by Sniper

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

Originally Posted by Fat Tony

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

Originally Posted by Sniper

Nah, I dont expect anything for it mate.

You Sir have no say in the matter!

(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!)