Off to New Zealand for a month

[ozimax]

It is frustrating I must say, my trusty D70 has been virtually untouched for nearly 2 months now, thanks to schedule. It seems I can't even get time to look at D70 forum for weeks on end, maybe it's not that long.

Anyway, I'm off (working) to NZ for a month with D70 in hand, hopefully will have some great weather and photo opportunities and will post some images when I return.

Max

[BBJ]

Hey Max, have a good time mate and get lots of surf snaps. We had to drop some motorbikes of in Melbourne yesterday so that can be shipped to NZ as friends going for a moth holliday riding there bikes.
Ok well have fun.

[Antsl]

Hi Max

Where are you going to be in NZ and what is the work that you have on over there ....

cheers, Ants

[big pix]

max ...... have a good trip........

[ozimax]

Hi Max

Where are you going to be in NZ and what is the work that you have on over there ....

cheers, Ants

Thanks BP, Ants, I will be in Auckland (only overnighting near Airport), then, Wellington, Wanganui, Stratford, Tokoroa, Rotorua, Hamilton, Tauranga, Wellington again, hopefully also Blenheim and Nelson. I don't think I can get any further south than this, but you never know?

Are you going to be over there at this time?

Cheers,

Max

[sheepie]

If you get a chance, try to do the Wanganui River road. Also, check out the windmill farms on the ranges around Palmerston North

Pity you're not there a little longer - we're headed over early December.

[ozimax]

Thanks Sheepie, I know Wanganui fairly well, they have a great botanic gardens there, I think I know the road you're talking about.

Palmerston Nth is nice too, especially the southern end as the roads winds up into the hills, can't remember the windfarms so will look out for those.

Thanks,

Max

[MHD]

You will WANT to go further south....

[ozimax]

MHD,

I definitely would like to go back to Sthn Highlands but I don't know if time will permit. (I have been there 5-6 times before). You never know, I may just have to hire that nice motorcycle and do a quick 3 day tour of the Sthn Alps ....

Max

[sheepie]

Palmerston Nth is nice too, especially the southern end as the roads winds up into the hills, can't remember the windfarms so will look out for those.

Ahhh yes - real roads my friend Learnt to drive on them - drove pretty stupidly on some of them too (in my younger days of course!).

If you get anywhere close to Palmy you'll see the windfarms - they pretty much cover the whole area now. Are a recent addition, in the last 5 or so years anyway

[Antsl]

Have fun over there Max ... try and make some time to have a look about the top of the South Island ... the Able Tasman National Park is close to Nelson and a beautifl corner of the country if you can spare a day or two. Enjoy your trip whatever you get up to though!

[gecko]

Enjoy your trip

IMHO the South Island is an outdoor pursuits paradise.

the Able Tasman National Park is close to Nelson and a beautifl corner of the country if you can spare a day or two

I'm just arranging the hire of some seakayaks for 4 days of exploration in the northern section of the park (the quiet end, away from all the back packers).

I'm just biding my time until I pack up and move to Christchurch!

Cheers
Gecko

[Antsl]

Good stuff gecko ... wouldn't want Aussies to think it is all one way migration across the Tasman. A lot of Australians are seduced by NZ's beauty and outdoor offerings... I love it and used to own a sea kayak while I was living in Christchurch (my home town). There are plenty of places to take a kayak including Lyttleton and Akaroa Harbours (chances are you'll get greeted by Hectors dolphins out there), the estuary, the Avon and then there is the lakes. I have also taken the sea kayak down the Waimakariri River several times including once as a competitor in the Coast to Coast .... incredibly fun and the sea kayak is stable enough that you will usually pass the people in the skinny race boats (they fall out and waste time getting to shore and climbing back in!).

Have fun over there! Antsl

[gecko]

Greetings Antsl

Good to hear from a fellow sea kayaker!

Check out my website http://www.geckobooks.com.au

Your descriptions are getting my mouth watering!

And what about the rock climbing on the port hills, the climbing and tramping in Arthur's pass, the skiing in winter.... I'm now fully twitching and drooling now...

Flying over on Dec 2nd.... the count down is on!

Have to show Mrs Gecko the house I bought in Christchurch last summer (she has not seen it yet!!!) It will only be a matter of time before we move...

Cheers
Gecko

[Antsl]

Damn ... making the hobby pay is always good! As you have probably figured out, Chch is the ideal location to be in for all your pursuits. Make yourself acquainted with the guys at Photo and Video while you are there and my hunch is you'll also become a junky at COW (Canoe and Outdoor World), I was! Where abouts in Chch have you bought?

[gecko]

Picked up a bargin in Addington, just off Lincon Road near Addington Park. Easy walking distance transport, shops and primary school and under a k to South Hagley Park. (do I sound like a realestate agent) The place needs some TLC but is renting well with a long term tenant in place so all is good. I really like Lyttleton/Cass bay etc but prices there were on the move!

Total dream location is a few acres near Wanaka, but prices there have gone berserk...

I'm familiar with Canoe and Outdoor World - drop in to drool at their toys when I can - would love to try one of their 'blow carts' that they have on display (a lightweight gocart with a big sail attached )

Cheers
Gecko

[Antsl]

I went to Addington Primary School for a while before getting moved on to a school in the city (grew up and parents are still in Spreydon).

Wanaka is great as is Queenstown but you are right, serious money required and perhaps even worse, it is a long drive from Christchurch if you want to fly out of the country or do some decent shopping. They are wonderful places to visit though! Have fun and I am sure we will keep hearing from you via the forum. If you ever want a paddling buddy to go down the Waimak with, give me a call!