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NZ Campervan Advice
Hello, NZer's! I am planning a trip to NZ for 3 weeks in February. I am traveling with a buddy from Austria (I live in the US). Our general itinerary is AKLHamiltonWaitomoNew PlymouthWellington. (Ferry). NelsonGreymouthFox GlacierWanakaTimaruChristchurchKaikoura. (Ferry). MastersonNapierTuarangaAKL. I can already see that this is too damn much. All driving, no enjoying. Our current plan is to hire a sizable luxury campervan. With the van, our flexibility inre lodging is augmented. We can modify our circuit at will and not worry about scheduled stops and hotel reservations. But I have read in this NG's archives that some find the idea of driving a huge recreational vehicle across the mountains on Rte 6, 8a and 8 to be a less than brilliant idea, as the terrain is tough and the giant camper less than agile. I would appreciate any and all input about the pro's and con's of big RV's, and the wisdom (or lack thereof) in hoping to circumnavigate the two islands in 3 weeks. Thank you muchly, - TR |
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NZ Campervan Advice
"VainGlorious" wrote in message
... Hello, NZer's! I am planning a trip to NZ for 3 weeks in February. I am traveling with a buddy from Austria (I live in the US). Our general itinerary is AKLHamiltonWaitomoNew PlymouthWellington. (Ferry). NelsonGreymouthFox GlacierWanakaTimaruChristchurchKaikoura. (Ferry). MastersonNapierTuarangaAKL. I can already see that this is too damn much. All driving, no enjoying. Our current plan is to hire a sizable luxury campervan. With the van, our flexibility inre lodging is augmented. We can modify our circuit at will and not worry about scheduled stops and hotel reservations. But I have read in this NG's archives that some find the idea of driving a huge recreational vehicle across the mountains on Rte 6, 8a and 8 to be a less than brilliant idea, as the terrain is tough and the giant camper less than agile. I would appreciate any and all input about the pro's and con's of big RV's, and the wisdom (or lack thereof) in hoping to circumnavigate the two islands in 3 weeks. Thank you muchly, - TR If you are "touring" below the posted speed limit, please pull off to the side of the road to let the line of traffic behind you pass. |
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NZ Campervan Advice
[Default] On Tue, 22 Aug 2006 13:36:13 +1000, "MK"
offered the following words of wisdom: "VainGlorious" wrote in message .. . Hello, NZer's! I am planning a trip to NZ for 3 weeks in February. I am traveling with a buddy from Austria (I live in the US). Our general itinerary is AKLHamiltonWaitomoNew PlymouthWellington. (Ferry). NelsonGreymouthFox GlacierWanakaTimaruChristchurchKaikoura. (Ferry). MastersonNapierTuarangaAKL. I can already see that this is too damn much. All driving, no enjoying. Our current plan is to hire a sizable luxury campervan. With the van, our flexibility inre lodging is augmented. We can modify our circuit at will and not worry about scheduled stops and hotel reservations. But I have read in this NG's archives that some find the idea of driving a huge recreational vehicle across the mountains on Rte 6, 8a and 8 to be a less than brilliant idea, as the terrain is tough and the giant camper less than agile. I would appreciate any and all input about the pro's and con's of big RV's, and the wisdom (or lack thereof) in hoping to circumnavigate the two islands in 3 weeks. Thank you muchly, - TR If you are "touring" below the posted speed limit, please pull off to the side of the road to let the line of traffic behind you pass. (Hear, hear! I wish the hire companies would get this message through to their customers.) Back to the subject: IMO three weeks is barely enough time to see one island. I recommend to my overseas friends that they spend at least 3 weeks seeing either the South Island or North Island. Not both. And February is one of the busiest times for seeing NZ because it's one of the best. What is it you want to do while in NZ besides sightseeing? If you're a beach/watersport person, I'd stay in the North Island (swimming, diving/snorkeling, surfing, windsurfing, kitesurfing waterskiiing, fishing, whalewatching, relaxing on beautiful beaches, etc). But North Island roads are crap and traffic can be very frustrating. Keep in mind that our so-called "highways" are badly designed, poorly maintained and usually only two lanes (eg: one lane each way). If you're more of a mountain/tramping (hiking) person then I'd recommend the South Island. Stunning scenery, beautiful lakes, lovely drives, excellent walking trails and lots of action like bungy-jumping, whitewater rafting, etc. Also - the roads are much better and more of a pleasure to drive. Of course, you can touch these attractions on both island in three weeks, but I don't think you'll have time to savour them. It would be like walking through the Van Gogh museum in Amsterdam, MOMA or the British Museum in three hours. It can certainly be done, but the experience will be a superficial one. All the best, b -- A: Dunno, maybe it's because they're stupid. Q: Why do some people top-post? A: Because they are REALLY STUPID! Q: Why do some people cross-post? |
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NZ Campervan Advice
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NZ Campervan Advice
"VainGlorious" wrote in message ... Hello, NZer's! snip But I have read in this NG's archives that some find the idea of driving a huge recreational vehicle across the mountains on Rte 6, 8a and 8 to be a less than brilliant idea, as the terrain is tough and the giant camper less than agile. I would appreciate any and all input about the pro's and con's of big RV's, and the wisdom (or lack thereof) in hoping to circumnavigate the two islands in 3 weeks. Thank you muchly, - TR We have done part of the trip. Wellington pick up of RV and dropoff in Christchurch. RV was a 4p type Explorer from Britz. It was a great trip. Maybe less holiday traffic but good driving in NZ wintertime. It wasn't that tough. Chris in the Netherlands. remove the xx's in adress |
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NZ Campervan Advice
I was there this summer and did a very similar route to your planned one in 25 days. On return we made a website seeing a missing gap of information on vans over there. See http://www.nz.findmeacamper.com Hope it helps -Robin. VainGlorious wrote: Hello, NZer's! I am planning a trip to NZ for 3 weeks in February. I am traveling with a buddy from Austria (I live in the US). Our general itinerary is AKLHamiltonWaitomoNew PlymouthWellington. (Ferry). NelsonGreymouthFox GlacierWanakaTimaruChristchurchKaikoura. (Ferry). MastersonNapierTuarangaAKL. I can already see that this is too damn much. All driving, no enjoying. Our current plan is to hire a sizable luxury campervan. With the van, our flexibility inre lodging is augmented. We can modify our circuit at will and not worry about scheduled stops and hotel reservations. But I have read in this NG's archives that some find the idea of driving a huge recreational vehicle across the mountains on Rte 6, 8a and 8 to be a less than brilliant idea, as the terrain is tough and the giant camper less than agile. I would appreciate any and all input about the pro's and con's of big RV's, and the wisdom (or lack thereof) in hoping to circumnavigate the two islands in 3 weeks. Thank you muchly, - TR |
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NZ Campervan Advice
On 16 Sep 2006 15:50:00 -0700, wrote:
I was there this summer and did a very similar route to your planned one in 25 days. On return we made a website seeing a missing gap of information on vans over there. See http://www.nz.findmeacamper.com Hope it helps -Robin. VainGlorious wrote: Hello, NZer's! I am planning a trip to NZ for 3 weeks in February. I am traveling with a buddy from Austria (I live in the US). Our general itinerary is AKLHamiltonWaitomoNew PlymouthWellington. (Ferry). NelsonGreymouthFox GlacierWanakaTimaruChristchurchKaikoura. (Ferry). MastersonNapierTuarangaAKL. I can already see that this is too damn much. All driving, no enjoying. Our current plan is to hire a sizable luxury campervan. With the van, our flexibility inre lodging is augmented. We can modify our circuit at will and not worry about scheduled stops and hotel reservations. But I have read in this NG's archives that some find the idea of driving a huge recreational vehicle across the mountains on Rte 6, 8a and 8 to be a less than brilliant idea, as the terrain is tough and the giant camper less than agile. A lot of people hire normal size camper vans. A larger-than-normal camper could be a bit slow and cumbersome. But, whatever you hire, remember to be considerate to other road users. Campervans tend to be driven more slowly than cars - a combination of a large square vehicle which catches the wind, and overseas tourists slowing to admire the scenery. There are not many passing lanes down that way, so please pull over and let other vehicles past when you can. I have been stuck behind a few camper vans (sometimes traveling in a convoy) where the driver seems to be oblivious of the queue forming behind him or her. I would appreciate any and all input about the pro's and con's of big RV's, and the wisdom (or lack thereof) in hoping to circumnavigate the two islands in 3 weeks. A small part of one of the islands can keep me busy for a couple of weeks - but then, I live here. One option might be to consider a one-way hire. Drop the van off somewhere down south and fly back to Auckland. Or, fly out from Christchurch - not sure where you can get to directly these days, but they do fly to a few places in the USA. These means you will have to miss out a few places, but you weren't going to see every place anyway. -- Martin Hunt Ngaio Wellington New Zealand |
#10
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NZ Campervan Advice
On Mon, 18 Sep 2006 10:48:54 -0500,
.. wrote: On Mon, 18 Sep 2006 21:34:17 +1200, Martin Hunt wrote: [MSGE SNIPPED] One option might be to consider a one-way hire. Drop the van off somewhere down south and fly back to Auckland. Or, fly out from Christchurch - not sure where you can get to directly these days, but they do fly to a few places in the USA. There are no direct flights from Christchurch to the US. Air New Zealand re-introduced them last summer then suspended them for the off-season but made an announcement a few weeks ago that they will not be bringing them back. Thanks for the correction. From their route maps, it looked as if there were flights to LAX. But, checking the schedule it turns out that you have to go via Auckland. But, still worth considering. It only takes 1hr 20min to fly to Auckland, then you have a couple of hours to wander over to International. Your luggage will go straight through (unless they've changed that for flights to the US). Cath -- Martin Hunt Ngaio Wellington New Zealand |
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