NZ update

Hi All, as you may have noticed, I haven't been posting much lately. We're in New Zealand, and have been here since Dec. 11. We spent almost a week in Auckland doing all sorts of touristy things, then rented a car, yes I drove on the 'other' side of the road with a right hand drive. We had a week in Paihia, up in the Bay of Islands, a subtropical area. It has been wonderful. I've seen 2 brugs since coming here, but lots of other plants. I've got loads of photos that I'll post once we get home near the end of Jan.

We're in Windy Wellington now until the 5th of Jan visiting family. We've been swimming in the south pacific, it's lovely and warm as it's early summer now.

I've been keeping a blog, if you're interested in more detailed info about the trip, it's at livejournal.com and under our_nz_trip

We're thinking of going for another swim this evening, and no, I"m not missing winter a bit! :)

Linda (usually from Victoria but in NZ)

Hi MG99 what a nice place to have family and a great place to take a trip. Good on you. I went there several year ago visiting the North and South islands and would love to go back. Don't forget to rejuvinate yourself in the hotsprings before returning. Have a great time! Guess I will go have a look at the blog for now but I can't wait to see the pictures.


Cheers!

Hi MG99,

We were fortunate enough to attend conferences in NZ in both 2001 (April in Wellington) and 2002 (December in Dunedin). We had FABULOUS trips both times and would jump at another chance to return in spite of the brutal trip to get there. We had 3 weeks both times and, were able to see quite a lot of the country and its sometimes unique vegetation.

Enjoy the rest of your trip. I envy you.

Ann

Oh, wow, New Zealand is somewhere I've always wanted to go! Linda, I couldn't find your blog, though. I tried searching for MG99 and nothing came up. What should I be searching for? I'd love to see your pics.

Sandy

Sandy,

Start planning now. It's wonderful. and aside from the airfare, quite affordable compared to travel in many places (at least it was when we went). I can put you in touch with a good travel agent in Ottawa who specializes in NZ, Australia, and S. Africa.

There are accomodations to fit all budgets and activities the same.
And on both 3 week trips, we never found any New Zealanders who were rude or cranky.

Ann

Sandy, go to

www.livejournal.com

In the search box type:

our_nz_trip

And you should be able to read the blog.

Glenda

Linda, I loved NZ , especially the people......so very friendly and accomodating! The tropical trees are spectacular, particularly the Callistemons........the size! Have a great time..............you are right in saying, the commute is long and brutal...........E

Sandy, hope you found the blog.

Elaine, we haven't met anyone cranky or rude yet either, infact, many ask where we're from and have gone out of their way to make our trip better.

We're about 1/2 way through our trip, and it's flying by. I'll try to upload pictures on the blog tommorow. Went swimming in the so. pacific today, was a bit chilly tho.

Will try to keep in touch more..

Linda

Linda, I read your blog, seems like you're having a wonderful time. Enjoy.

Quick in and out now but congratulations on your trip Linda (I know how much you two were looking forward to it).

I hope you two are having a great time - it sure sounds like it ! Is Cheryl going to let you "sneak" anything back ? LOL ! Sure miss your postings on the forum tho'.
(hugs) Heather

Oops, I forgot to watch the thread, but I just went back and was delighted to see some pics. It looks like you're having a marvelous time! What was it like to surf on that sand dune? LOL

Sandy