Going Downunder with paS2K....
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Joined: Oct 2000
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From: Philly (Narberth)
Going Downunder with paS2K....
After weeks of consternation and in the wee hours of today, I booked two tickets for travel to New Zealand ....3 weeks+ tour booked on an amazing Air New Zealand web-only sale 
Leave mid-Oct/ return early Nov: LAX>AKL>CHRZ and return
Their 'spring' is Sept/Oct/Nov so the temps will be nippy....but should be an amazing trip.
As Jonas knows, we have spent much time looking at various ways to visit AUS and/or NZ. Finally came to the conclusion that an on-your-own trip to New Zealand would suit us best....undertaken at a Vintage Pace (staying 2-3 nights at most locations) After much soul-searching, we decided that a 'package' trip was not for us (yet).
If we survive the looooooooooooong flight over the Pacific, then we'll do AUS on another trip in a year or two
Now we need to start to finalize the details of our itinerary, and also book tickets from PHL>LAX. Does anyone have experience and recommendations about travel in New Zealand (a few days on the N island....most of time of the S island)?
Leave mid-Oct/ return early Nov: LAX>AKL>CHRZ and return
Their 'spring' is Sept/Oct/Nov so the temps will be nippy....but should be an amazing trip.As Jonas knows, we have spent much time looking at various ways to visit AUS and/or NZ. Finally came to the conclusion that an on-your-own trip to New Zealand would suit us best....undertaken at a Vintage Pace (staying 2-3 nights at most locations)
After much soul-searching, we decided that a 'package' trip was not for us (yet). If we survive the looooooooooooong flight over the Pacific, then we'll do AUS on another trip in a year or two
Now we need to start to finalize the details of our itinerary, and also book tickets from PHL>LAX. Does anyone have experience and recommendations about travel in New Zealand (a few days on the N island....most of time of the S island)?
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Joined: Aug 2004
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From: Suisun City, California
I have spent a fair amount of time in New Zealand on business and pleasure trips. I will compile a list of recommendations and get them to you in about a week. In the mean time, here are a couple of no brainier ones:
Christchurch B&B: The Weston House, http://www.westonhouse.co.nz is the most enjoyable B&B my wife and I have ever stayed in. Stephanie, the owner is a wonderful hostess with great stories and a sense of humor.
If you like fine Red Wine, the best reds of NZ IMHO come from Waiheke Island which is a short ferry ride from Auckland. You can rent a car and drive around the Island or take a wine tour which would include the ferry fare. It is also a neat place to hike. If you decide to do the car rental thing let me know because it is best to set up wine tastings well in advance of your arrival if you are not doing a tour and I could send you contact info on some of the Wineries. Dinner at Mudbrick winery is a must if you do the car rental and decide to stay a night there.
More to come soon
jerry
Christchurch B&B: The Weston House, http://www.westonhouse.co.nz is the most enjoyable B&B my wife and I have ever stayed in. Stephanie, the owner is a wonderful hostess with great stories and a sense of humor.
If you like fine Red Wine, the best reds of NZ IMHO come from Waiheke Island which is a short ferry ride from Auckland. You can rent a car and drive around the Island or take a wine tour which would include the ferry fare. It is also a neat place to hike. If you decide to do the car rental thing let me know because it is best to set up wine tastings well in advance of your arrival if you are not doing a tour and I could send you contact info on some of the Wineries. Dinner at Mudbrick winery is a must if you do the car rental and decide to stay a night there.
More to come soon
jerry
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 12,906
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From: Clifton, VA
Regarding the long flight. I suggest the following:
Avoid sodium (as in salty foods or Bloody Mary Mix) it will cause your feet to swell.
Do get up and walk around or at least flex your calf muscles by doing in place excercises in your seat to help avoid blood clots in your legs.
Perhaps after checking with your doctor you should consider taking some 81 MG aspirin to help thin your blood a bit.
Remember that commercial aircraft are only pressurized to a 10,000 foot atmosphere. That comes into play as far as the effects of jet lag and alcohol.
Have a wonderful trip.
Avoid sodium (as in salty foods or Bloody Mary Mix) it will cause your feet to swell.
Do get up and walk around or at least flex your calf muscles by doing in place excercises in your seat to help avoid blood clots in your legs.
Perhaps after checking with your doctor you should consider taking some 81 MG aspirin to help thin your blood a bit.
Remember that commercial aircraft are only pressurized to a 10,000 foot atmosphere. That comes into play as far as the effects of jet lag and alcohol.
Have a wonderful trip.
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Joined: Oct 2004
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From: Christchurch, NZ
PM me. I have hosted lots of vet students from Cornell over the years, and always took them around tourist sites in the North Island. Now I'm in Christchurch (the South Island), but can still give some suggestions.
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Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 18,885
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From: Philly (Narberth)
Originally Posted by LittlePenguin,Jul 13 2005, 05:35 AM
PM me. I have hosted lots of vet students from Cornell over the years, and always took them around tourist sites in the North Island. Now I'm in Christchurch (the South Island), but can still give some suggestions.
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