Tourists driving in the South Island

[caspernz]

Queenstown is a "Major International airport ... and NO rail links to anywhere.

Aahhh, now I may be wrong here, but I can't find a single airport in NZ that matches the description of Major...

The only thing International about Aucklands' airport is the price of the food.

But thanks for the laugh

[FJRider]

Aahhh, now I may be wrong here, but I can't find a single airport in NZ that matches the description of Major...

I don't believe you are wrong.

The only thing International about Aucklands' airport is the price of the food.

I can not argue this point ... as I would need to visit it to confirm or deny your statement. And ... as I have already stated ... I'm trying to avoid the place.

But thanks for the laugh

To amuse is my intention ...

[Grumph]

I laughed at the thought of ChCh airport having a rail link. It should have been done years ago.

In the 1950's and '60's the local black joke was that Memorial Avenue which is the road coming in to the city from the airport, was named as a memorial to the large numbers of Operation Deep Freeze servicemen who wrote themselves off on it.

[TheDemonLord]

Queenstown (NZ's premier tourist center) also has more landings and take-off's than any other NZ airport. (statistics eh ..

Yes - of Domestic flights. Its not a Major international airport

Almost any other .. only a couple then .. ???

Neither Taupo or Tauranga (which YOU gave as an example) I would describe as a ... "Major population area" ... ??? A rail link to Aucker's airport is one thing ... but to Taupo as well ... Only Katman and a few of his friends live/exist there. (Life but not as we know it)

If you use a definition that matches the phrase 'Major International Airport' - then yes, almost all Major International airports have rail links

Can I ask - have you ever been to NZ as a Tourist? I have - Tauranga I used as an example as a big city (by NZ standards) that the only way to access is by Car, by Bus or by Domestic flights - As someone who has been a Tourist I want to see the country or I might have a large amount of luggage (since International baggage limits are typically more generous than Domestic limits), so that rules out a flight. Tourist buses can be popular - but I find them cramped, restrictive and subject to traffic or I hire a car and drive. but as a Tourist in every other part of the world I have the option of a Train - I still get to see the countryside, I get more space than a tourist bus and I am not stuck in traffic.

The best veiw of Aucker's is from 12,000 ft. Anything seen from below that ... could be depressing ...

Agreed, but it doesn't look that great at 36,000 ft

Is this a ploy/intention of your's ... to get a few overseas tourists OFF our fine well maintained highways ... and stop killing our cute kids ... ??

No this is simply a statement of the differences between NZ and other popular tourist destinations - in NZ the only option is to drive. Would we have the same issues with tourists if they took a train on the long distance trips around the country - only driving on short trips in 50 kph zones?

MOST ... ??? Most of the overseas visitors I've spoken to down here WISH they didn't have to go via Aucker's. By the way .... neither Christchurch or Wellington (Our Nations Capital city)
has a rail link to their Airports. Why the priority for JAFFA central to have one .. ???

Oh I dunno - maybe cause its the 4th busiest airport in Australasia? you must talk to different Tourists - all the ones I spoke to (and I have been one) love Auckland Airport. Wellington airport's runway is a joke (can't even handle a 747, a 787, an A330 or the A380) - Christchurch is a viable option, except that it isn't in the North Island - and even then, it should also have a Rail Link.

Why the priority - well as the gateway to which MOST of our tourists enter the country - having a Rail link connecting it to the rest of the country so that tourists aren't solely reliant on the Hire Car.

The only way a rail link could be put to Aucker's airport is underground. I can't see the Aucker's Ratepayers liking the rate increase to fund that ...

Or if the Council was to grow a pair and take all the NIMBYS shoot them.

[FJRider]

Yes - of Domestic flights. Its not a Major international airport

You don't live here ... I DO. It IS Major to those that rely on it as a basis/source for their livelihood ...

If you use a definition that matches the phrase 'Major International Airport' - then yes, almost all Major International airports have rail links

I checked ... no match found ...

Can I ask - have you ever been to NZ as a Tourist?

I FUCKING LIVE HERE. Born here even .... are you on drugs .. ???


If you love the tourist scene elsewhere ... go fucking live there ... and we WON'T miss you ...

Agreed, but it doesn't look that great at 36,000 ft

It looks better at night ...

No this is simply a statement of the differences between NZ and other popular tourist destinations - in NZ the only option is to drive. Would we have the same issues with tourists if they took a train on the long distance trips around the country - only driving on short trips in 50 kph zones?

So .... Queenstown ISN'T popular .... you learn something new each day ...

Oh I dunno - maybe cause its the 4th busiest airport in Australasia? you must talk to different Tourists - all the ones I spoke to (and I have been one) love Auckland Airport.

They DID say Queenstown (where they want to visit) IS a long way from Auckland.

Wellington airport's runway is a joke (can't even handle a 747, a 787, an A330 or the A380) - Christchurch is a viable option, except that it isn't in the North Island - and even then, it should also have a Rail Link.

Actually ... the short version of the 747 (747SP) can get in there ... and was regularly scheduled as such.

Perhaps ... if more people flew into Christchurch ... any importance Auckland might have ... might diminish. Or is THAT what you're scared of ... ??

Why the priority - well as the gateway to which MOST of our tourists enter the country - having a Rail link connecting it to the rest of the country so that tourists aren't solely reliant on the Hire Car.

Existing gateway. With little choice on their part. Things might change ... maybe ...

Or if the Council was to grow a pair and take all the NIMBYS shoot them.

We are still talking about the Auckland City council right ... and as I recall ... the Mayor DOES put his balls to his best advantage ...

[TheDemonLord]

You don't live here ... I DO. It IS Major to those that rely on it as a basis/source for their livelihood ...

Its an important Domestic airport - I certainly agree - but it isn't a Major international Airport - despite the reliance that those who live in the region may have on it.

I checked ... no match found ...

http://www.theguardian.com/news/data...p-100-airports

I can see AKL on there - can't see Queenstown, Christchuch OR Wellington.... Funny that (cause they aren't Major International Airports)

I FUCKING LIVE HERE. Born here even .... are you on drugs .. ???

As I suspected - you have never visited NZ as a tourist, with no prior preference/bias towards Auckland (which seems to be an intrinsic part of NZ Culture, unless you live in Auckland)

If you love the tourist scene elsewhere ... go fucking live there ... and we WON'T miss you ...

I seem to have hit a nerve - I do live in Auckland, after visiting it as a Tourist. The point here is that as much as you might like to argue - 70% of tourists come in via Auckland International - it is NZ's only MAJOR international airport - if you combine the passenger numbers from all the other International airports in NZ, they don't equal what Auckland does.

It looks better at night ...

most big cities are

So .... Queenstown ISN'T popular .... you learn something new each day ...

I have never said that - and your retort has nothing to do with my comment.

They DID say Queenstown (where they want to visit) IS a long way from Auckland.

you could say that about many places, If the demand was big enough, then there would be more scheduled flights into Queenstown

Actually ... the short version of the 747 (747SP) can get in there ... and was regularly scheduled as such.

I am aware that a specific version of the 747 could land there, but I think there are only 3 of these in service by Airlines - and the 747SP is not the common 747 as still used by many Airlines (747-400)

Perhaps ... if more people flew into Christchurch ... any importance Auckland might have ... might diminish. Or is THAT what you're scared of ... ??

If there was a Rail link, maybe more people would - but with the exception of the lower south island, Kaikora - there really isn't much in the vicinity of Christchurch - whereas Auckland is in the North Island where a vast amount of Tourist attractions are located

Existing gateway. With little choice on their part. Things might change ... maybe ...

And why is it the preferred existing gateway? because it has the best facilities and has the most conveniant (by NZ standards) access to the rest of NZ's tourist hotspots

We are still talking about the Auckland City council right ... and as I recall ... the Mayor DOES put his balls to his best advantage ...

Well, a Hot PA isn't investing in key infrastructure.....

[FJRider]

Its an important Domestic airport - I certainly agree - but it isn't a Major international Airport - despite the reliance that those who live in the region may have on it.

I can see AKL on there - can't see Queenstown, Christchuch OR Wellington.... Funny that (cause they aren't Major International Airports){/QUOTE]

I can't see Auckland from here ... so it can't be important to ME.

As I suspected - you have never visited NZ as a tourist, with no prior preference/bias towards Auckland (which seems to be an intrinsic part of NZ Culture, unless you live in Auckland)

In my the 58 years my life ... in my traveling ... I have NEVER required a rail link from ANY international airport I've visited.

I seem to have hit a nerve - I do live in Auckland

You have my sympathy ...

most big cities are

So ... you admit .. I AM right ... but the ENTRY point to NZ is NOT always the tourist's choice.

I have never said that - and your retort has nothing to do with my comment.

Stop using logic ... it's not the KB way ...

you could say that about many places, If the demand was big enough, then there would be more scheduled flights into Queenstown

Daylight hours and a lack of runway lights (not to mention resource consent) limit flight schedules .... We do it differently ... but it is NOT AUCKLAND. Nor do we attempt to imitate their bad habits.

Airports do NOT rule our lives, nor will we allow them too ..

I am aware that a specific version of the 747 could land there, but I think there are only 3 of these in service by Airlines - and the 747SP is not the common 747 as still used by many Airlines (747-400)

I care little for Auckland's issues ... less so for Wellington's issues.

If there was a Rail link, maybe more people would - but with the exception of the lower south island, Kaikora - there really isn't much in the vicinity of Christchurch - whereas Auckland is in the North Island where a vast amount of Tourist attractions are located

Newsflash ... Kaikoura is UPPER south Island.

Newsflash ... Queenstown is the premier tourist visitor attraction in NZ. Get over it ....

And why is it the preferred existing gateway? because it has the best facilities and has the most conveniant (by NZ standards) access to the rest of NZ's tourist hotspots

It's called choice of the visitors ... but they don't HAVE any ... the Airlines make the choice FOR them.

Well, a Hot PA isn't investing in key infrastructure.....

Perhaps ... SHE can accommodate the depth of his interests .... but she will be investing in her OWN key "Future Infrastructure" ... is she still in his employ .. ???

[Tazz]

As I suspected - you have never visited NZ as a tourist, with no prior preference/bias towards Auckland (which seems to be an intrinsic part of NZ Culture, unless you live in Auckland)

WTF are you talking about man? It's a fucking hole, backed up by the fact that is in the top 10 (or even top 5) of the BEST CITIES IN THE WORLD to live in. I mean, besides the numerous positive factors these lists are even put together by people who have traveled extensively. WTF would they know.

Get real.

By local standards, yes, it is a shit hole, but by international it is a paradise and is loved (not by all mind) by sheeet loads of visitors, so much so I'm pretty sure it has a bit of a yeast infection at the minute.

And yeah, Kiwis can be small minded when it comes to trains (and plenty of other things apparently...), probably because they've never been anywhere that has a decent rail setup. Shits all over buses, and often planes even.

[Berries]

Here we go again. Cyclist riding on the footpath knocks over a pedestrian breaking their hip which is nasty. Might normally make a paragraph or two in the local rag but hang on, the dude is a foreigner. And a fucking French one at that.

http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/6726...nto-pedestrian

Now if only they had a train link to the Chch international airport.............

[James Deuce]

Congratulations. The NZ media is presenting an image of xenophobic vigilantism, because that's what public opinion supports. See why public opinion is ignored? Unless public opinion is in synchronicity with a particular policy goal.

[Voltaire]

WTF are you talking about man? It's a fucking hole, backed up by the fact that is in the top 10 (or even top 5) of the BEST CITIES IN THE WORLD to live in. I mean, besides the numerous positive factors these lists are even put together by people who have traveled extensively. WTF would they know.

Get real.

By local standards, yes, it is a shit hole, but by international it is a paradise and is loved (not by all mind) by sheeet loads of visitors, so much so I'm pretty sure it has a bit of a yeast infection at the minute.

And yeah, Kiwis can be small minded when it comes to trains (and plenty of other things apparently...), probably because they've never been anywhere that has a decent rail setup. Shits all over buses, and often planes even.

I caught the train into central Auckland the other day, a rare trip on public transport, took me 10 minutes to get to the station, 5 minutes to get a ticket out of the machine , new electric trains are very nice, yet to be vandalised.
Much better than the Northern line that I caught to work for a few years.
They need to get a better recording for the announcements.
Calling Auckland a shithole is not very nice, I used to live in Nelson ( 20 years ago) and I'd never say things like , cliquey, old boys owned, nosy, closed shop, crap wages, anti Auckland, backward sort of place.
I found London to be a shithole when I was out of work....when on 500-1000 quid a week it was awesome

[Swoop]

I think 'major' is a but of a stretch. Plus most major international airports don't close at 9pm...

Or require an anchor at the rear of the aircraft to assist with stopping on the runway!
Can 747's use QT yet?

The best veiw of Aucker's is from 12,000 ft.

ESPECIALLY on a clear night!
Fooken' superb view!

[Tazz]

I caught the train into central Auckland the other day, a rare trip on public transport, took me 10 minutes to get to the station, 5 minutes to get a ticket out of the machine , new electric trains are very nice, yet to be vandalised.
Much better than the Northern line that I caught to work for a few years.
They need to get a better recording for the announcements.
Calling Auckland a shithole is not very nice, I used to live in Nelson ( 20 years ago) and I'd never say things like , cliquey, old boys owned, nosy, closed shop, crap wages, anti Auckland, backward sort of place.
I found London to be a shithole when I was out of work....when on 500-1000 quid a week it was awesome

After living and working here for years yourself I'd confidently put money down that if you had to pick your dream NZ location, it would not be Auckland. Shit hole by comparison I'll stand by

If you think the outdoor access metropolis that is Nelson is bad for cliquey old boys and businesses that keep odd hours, don't try Canterbury or Blenheim.
Have to say for a smaller place Picton doesn't suffer from as much of that as anticipated.

[Voltaire]

After living and working here for years yourself I'd confidently put money down that if you had to pick your dream NZ location, it would not be Auckland. Shit hole by comparison I'll stand by

If you think the outdoor access metropolis that is Nelson is bad for cliquey old boys and businesses that keep odd hours, don't try Canterbury or Blenheim.
Have to say for a smaller place Picton doesn't suffer from as much of that as anticipated.

North Waikato is close to it, reasonably priced houses on huge sections with large sheds.

Yeah, the joke about ChCH is they wanted to know what school you went to at a job interview....

[Tazz]

North Waikato is close to it, reasonably priced houses on huge sections with large sheds.

Yeah, the joke about ChCH is they wanted to know what school you went to at a job interview....

haha, yeah that sounds spot on! I went to Lincoln so I'm forever tainted with the presumption of knowing how to roll a good joint, ideal stock to pasture ratios and having ill heavy machinery skills in Chch.