On 29 Sep 2009 at 9:37pm Interested wrote:
Hi Expat, should be heading out your way soon for a wedding, where are you living and are you liking it?
On 29 Sep 2009 at 10:37pm Aleck S. wrote:
I think you find expat lives in New Zealand 
On 30 Sep 2009 at 2:01am expat wrote:
Where is the wedding, interested? We live in Nelson, at the top of the South Island. Love it here. Depends what you're into though. Great water sports in the summer, snow ski-ing in winter(ski field closed for season today). Golden sandy beaches and turquoise water, dolphins and whale watching. If you're into shopping and rat race stuff, you won't like it. If you're looking for laid back, easier lifestyle, cold beer, but no pop tarts or finger of fudges, it's great. Ask me what you want to know. Healthier lifestyle all round, but a bit isolated. (No europe on doorstep, only Oz and the Islands)
On 30 Sep 2009 at 8:50am Crypto wrote:
I don't think some of the anti-immigrant posters on here will be happy about this encouragement of moving away from the place you were born.
On 30 Sep 2009 at 9:24am Forgot to Mention wrote:
No ozone layer to worry about either.
On 30 Sep 2009 at 9:42am expat wrote:
Individual choice, their problem. Lewes will always be home to me, love both. sometimes you have to move on to grow.
On 30 Sep 2009 at 10:56am fugly wrote:
NO POP TARTS?
On 30 Sep 2009 at 11:56am Crypto wrote:
Want to make it clear that I wasn't getting at you expat.
On 30 Sep 2009 at 1:46pm test3 wrote:
test3
On 30 Sep 2009 at 4:25pm Interested wrote:
Sounds perfect to me, we are flying to Auckland and then we've got about 8 days to make our way down to the wedding in Sefton (near Christchurch).
We are not really sure of the route we're taking yet but I think it will be Rotorua, Gisbourne and Napier, not sure after that, any advice?
I know there is plenty of beautiful scenery to see on route but I have to admit we are more beaches than mountains!
How long have you lived there and what took you so far away?
On 30 Sep 2009 at 5:13pm Anzac cookie wrote:
Are you driving from Aukland? If so, you can head for Lake Taupo then drive through Mount Rhupahu which is truly stunning. Napier is lovely, ofter bypassed by tourists who just want to head for the obvious. Then go through Manawatu Gorge towards Palmerston North then on to Wellington. When you cross the Cook Straight on the ferry, make your way down to Christchurch on the Tranz Scenic railway (coastal) or the Tranz Alpine (mountain route) Both stunning scenery. Christchurch is also lovely but if you have athsma, take plenty of ventolin as the smog is quite bad. Drive carefully, insurance is not compulsory and you get young idiots racing around in fast cars. Good luck.
On 30 Sep 2009 at 9:28pm Spinster Of This Parish wrote:
I fell in love with Roturua - the proof that Mother Earth is alive and kicking was quite overwhelming. Only ever got to see the North Island and it was gorgeous (brilliant people too - generally pro-British (unlike the anglo-phobic Australians)). South Island is said to be even better.
What are we all doing here? Let's go to Nelson for a forum meeting - 1st drinks on Expat (and I'll bring the finger of fudges)!
On 30 Sep 2009 at 9:34pm Spinster Of This Parish wrote:
I fell in love with Roturua - the proof that Mother Earth is alive and kicking was quite overwhelming. Only ever got to see the North Island and it was gorgeous (brilliant people too - generally pro-British (unlike the anglo-phobic Australians)). South Island is said to be even better.
What are we all doing here? Let's go to Nelson for a forum meeting - 1st drinks on Expat (and I'll bring the finger of fudges)!
On 30 Sep 2009 at 9:35pm Spinster Of This Parish wrote:
I fell in love with Roturua - the proof that Mother Earth is alive and kicking was quite overwhelming. Only ever got to see the North Island and it was gorgeous (brilliant people too - generally pro-British (unlike the anglo-phobic Australians)). South Island is said to be even better.
What are we all doing here? Let's go to Nelson for a forum meeting - 1st drinks on Expat (and I'll bring the finger of fudges)!
On 30 Sep 2009 at 9:47pm expat wrote:
Interested, I think that's a good route through the North Island. Have a look from the lookout in Napier. Take your nose pegs for the sulphur in Rotorua! From Wellington on the ferry, you'll arrive in Picton. If you drive, you can go down the coast through Kaikoura which is rugged, seal colonies and beautiful, or divert through Nelson and spend a day around the area. The Abel Tasman National Park is close, but you'd need more time. Stunning beaches, have a look on the net. The drive from Nelson to Christchurch is through a mountain pass, and not a lot else. If you do it, look out for Maruia Falls on the right, and Hanmer Springs (need a day and book accommodation if for a night), closer to Christchurch. The South Island is more scenic than the north, and if you get the chance head down South from Christchurch, to Lake Tekapo and Te Anau. Queenstown is also stunning but further. Have a great trip. If you want to know anything else, just ask.
Great Spinney, I'll fire the barbie up, you bring the fireworks!
On 1 Oct 2009 at 2:26am expat two wrote:
If you get the chance, and time it right, try and drop by Hot Water Beach on the Coromandal Peninsula at high tide. You can dig out the sands and sit in your own private hot springs. If you're going to Gisbourne, try not to show any gang insignia. It'll bring more trouble than its worth.
The coastal route from Picton is a quite stunning one, I can vouch for that. By the time you reach the South Island (the Mainland) though, Muruia Springs, along with pretty much the entire west coast and anywhere near large braided riverbeds, will be sand-fly hell. Bring some spray. Hanmer should be alright though. Sadly, you'll be jaded by the time you reach Kaikoura. Another day, another outstandingly beautiful vista.
Christchurch is entirely missable - but if you're in Sefton and need to get out, go to Akaroa and be sure to drop in on Lyttelton, my home town.
And another thing, bring a compass - your sense of direction will be completely screwed in the s hemisphere.
Oh & get used to befriending the locals for advise - NZ is notorious for its secret beauty spots, you can't rely on road signs.
On 1 Oct 2009 at 6:00am expat wrote:
There is a spot 13kms from the top of the Lewis Pass, Nelson to Christchurch where you can dig out a hot pool, swat the sandflies, and sit in a hot pool with your hand dangling into the cold river that runs alongside. Expat 2 is also right about the locals, always willing to help.
On 1 Oct 2009 at 1:07pm Interested wrote:
Thank you so much for all your help, it all sounds wonderful and I really can't wait to go there now!
