#campervan nz

[campercocampervanshirelimited]

Budget-Friendly Motorhome Adventures: Tips for Affordable Rentals

Travelling in a motorhome is a wonderful way to see new places without spending a lot of money. It's like having a small house on wheels. You can go almost anywhere, and you have a place to sleep and cook. But renting a motorhome can sometimes cost a lot. Whether it's a big motorhome or a smaller campervan, you can have a great trip without spending too much. This article will give you tips on how to rent a motorhome in a way that saves money. Read on to save big bucks while travelling in style.

Planning Your Trip 

Before you start your journey, planning is key. Decide where you want to go and for how long. Shorter trips are usually cheaper. Also, think about what you need in a motorhome. Bigger ones have more space but cost more. Smaller ones are easier to drive and use less gas. Plan your route to avoid long drives. This saves gas and lets you see more interesting places.

Finding the Right Rental 

Shop around for the best deal on a motorhome rental. Look at different companies and compare prices. Sometimes, renting during the off-season can be cheaper. Also, ask about any special deals or discounts. Some companies offer lower rates for longer motorhome rental in Christchurch or elsewhere. Remember, the cheapest option might not always be the best. Make sure the motorhome has everything you need.

Budgeting and Saving Money 

Set a budget for your trip. Include the cost of renting the motorhome, gas, food, and campsite fees. To save money, cook your meals in the motorhome instead of eating out. Stay at cheaper campsites or places that let you park for free. Plan activities that don't cost much, like hiking or visiting beaches. Also, consider a campervan hire in places like Queenstown, especially with friends or family, to share expenses, making your adventure more fun and economical.

Packing and Preparation 

Pack smart. Bring the things you need, so you don't have to buy them on the road. This includes clothes for different weather, food, and basic kitchen supplies. Before you leave, check the motorhome hire in Christchurch or wherever you live. Make sure everything works and you understand how to use it. This can prevent problems during your trip. Don't forget to bring a first aid kit and any necessary medications, ensuring safety and preparedness on your journey.

Enjoying the Journey 

Once you're on the road, enjoy your trip. Take it slow and enjoy the places you visit. Sometimes, the best experiences are free. Enjoy nature, meet new people, and relax. Remember, the trip is not just about the destination, but the journey too. Keep a travel journal or take photos to capture memories of your budget-friendly motorhome adventure.

In Essence 

Travelling in a motorhome is a great way to see the world without burning a hole in your pocket. With the right planning and tips, you can have an affordable and memorable adventure. And who knows, you might find yourself loving the freedom and simplicity of life on the road. If you're looking for a motorhome rental for an adventure with your family or by yourself, CamperCo is a place you should check out. Their previous customers have shared their experiences as being none other than outstanding. 

[awesomeawnings10]

Awnings and Canopies: What Works Best For Your Home?

Many people don’t realize the importance of adding Awnings Auckland or canopies to their homes, but they make all the difference in the world when it comes to making your home comfortable and inviting. A properly-placed canopy will protect you from the hot summer sun and help prevent premature aging of your siding, while an awning will protect you from rain and snow while keeping you sheltered under shade, perfect for entertaining guests during the spring and summer months. Which one works best for your home? It all depends on how much work you want to put into maintaining it and what kind of climate you live in.

The Top Awnings

The first thing that people look for when they are looking for a way to cover their windows or patio is whether the top awning can be mounted on the window frame, or if it has to be mounted from the roof. It's important to get a good idea of what your home looks like before you go shopping for an awning because there are two completely different types of top awnings. If you have gutters on your roof then you can mount one of these onto the roof with no problem at all. However, if you don't have gutters then mounting an awning onto your house is going to be very difficult and not worth doing because it could just fall off.

Benefits Of The Roller Blinds

Choosing the right window treatment is not a one-size-fits-all task. The best option for you will depend on your needs and budget, how much natural light comes into your home, the size of your windows, and even the shape of your space. One thing that we offer to our customers in Auckland are roller blinds. Roller blinds have a few benefits that make them a great choice for many people.

Roller Blinds Are Affordable And Easy To Install First off, roller blinds are very affordable when compared to other types of window coverings like curtains or shutters. This makes them perfect for homeowners on a budget who want to make their rooms look better without spending too much money or effort.

Choosing An Awning Installation Company

When choosing an awning installation company, you want to find one that is reputable and has a positive reputation. You may have to do some research to find the best company for your needs. You should ask the company what services they offer, how long they have been in business, if they are insured and bonded, if their workmanship is guaranteed, what materials they use for installation, where their showroom or warehouse is located and how much experience their installers have. You can also check out reviews on consumer rating sites like Yelp or Angie's list as well as social media profiles. Make sure that the company is licensed and registered with the state or city in which it operates. Once you have found a good company, give them a call to set up an appointment for an estimate! Give them a call to set up an appointment for an estimate!

Things To Think About When Buying Window Blinds

1. What is your window size (width)? Most Awnings and canopies are designed for windows that are on the smaller side, so if you have a wider window, you will need to look at other options. 2. Do you want a fixed or motorized Awning or canopy? Fixed Awnings are great because they don't require any work on your part, while motorized ones will open when you walk up to them but close automatically when no one is there. 3. Do you want a retractable or roll-up type Awning or canopy? Retractable Awnings and canopies allow more natural light into the room but may not be as durable as roll-up types 4. How much do you want to spend?

 Questions To Ask Yourself Before Considering An Overhead Structure

1. Do you live in an area that experiences inclement weather such as heavy rain, snow or high winds?

2. Is your home a single-story house with a flat roof, porch or deck? 2. Is there space for storage of the awning or canopy once it is not in use?

3. Will the overhead structure obstruct the view from windows, doors and porches on your home's exterior walls?

If these questions seem like they would be a problem, then an overhead structure may not be the best option for you. If these questions do not apply to your situation, here are some factors to consider when looking at options. Awnings offer more shade than canopies, but canopies provide more protection from the elements. Aluminum frames are much lighter than their steel counterparts, so those who want to avoid unnecessary weight bearing down on their homes might want to opt for aluminum frames over steel ones. Fabric choices also come into play depending on where you live; homeowners living in areas with harsh climates should invest in sun blocking fabric while those living elsewhere might want to go with water resistant fabrics that allow airflow during summer months. In addition to fabric type, also think about what you will need in terms of additional features such as roller shutters or screens; a few extras can add up fast!

Additional Information for a DIY Installation

If you're looking to install an awning or canopy, you'll want to consider the size of your windows, the shape of your roofline, how much sun exposure you get on the exterior of your house, and how often you open those windows. When deciding what size an awning or canopy should be, keep in mind that bigger is better. A smaller shade structure will not protect as many square feet from the sun's rays as a larger one would. If you have extra space in front of your window that can accommodate a larger frame for your shade structure, then it might be wise to go with something even bigger than 100-200 square feet.

How Much Does an Awning Cost?

The cost of an awning or canopy can be difficult to determine without knowing the size, material, and design. A basic awning in PVC with steel rafters starts at $1,000. A solar-powered retractable awning starts at about $3,600 for small-to-medium spaces. Basic aluminum framed awnings start at about $4,000 for small-to-medium spaces. The more you customize your awning or canopy, the higher the price will be.

Is It Worth Hiring a Professional Installer?

It is worth hiring a professional installer because they have the experience to install your canopy quickly and correctly. If you choose to do it yourself, you risk spending a lot of time on something that is not your area of expertise. Plus, if you make a mistake, it can damage the roof or cause leaks. All in all, it just isn't worth it for something as simple as an awning installation.

[drhoz]

This is the second video in our huge Aotearoa New Zealand food series. We’re journeying from the top to the bottom of the country in a campervan, taking you into the heart of our nation’s phenomenal food culture. In this video we share an important part of New Zealand’s food identity by gathering food from the land. We’re at the top of Te Ika-a-Māui, the North Island and we're hunting for New Zealand shellfish. We take you to the beach to collect a feed of tuatua, a delicious NZ clam and show you how to cook your catch by whipping up a spaghetti vongole.

[alfalfatauri]

Relationship status: begirlfriended 😌

Favourite colour: yellow

Favourite food: cauliflower fully unironically. Also soup

Last thing I googled: [redacted city] parking ticket

Time: 5:03 am :hell:

Dream trip: (first of all yes baby! Lake Alexandrina in the summer time!!) My dream trip is already happening in April and thennnnn um nz road trip in a campervan and also I want to go back to Spain

I’ll tag @relationboats (soup roadie?), @scuderiafiatpanda and @flatspot even though scottie already got to u first dhdhdg and @sebthebees

[fspnz]

Ensure your safety during camping adventures by investing in high-quality camper wheel chocks from FSP New Zealand.

Our Oz Chocks® are designed with durability and lightweight construction, meeting the highest quality standards. Don’t compromise on safety; upgrade your camping gear today with reliable Oz Chocks® and enjoy peace of mind on all your outdoor excursions.

Experience the difference that quality makes in your camping experience!

[nightfallsupon]

I believe this is a case for false imprisonment, from my time being locked up in psychiatric facilities.

I found this under the common law of New Zealand.

I believe I have strongly described how the people within the mental health system of NZ have used coercion, threats, and claims of authority against me in order to keep me under their control.

As I have found (screen-captured above) in section 4A, the common law of NZ also speaks about how the doctors conflate insight with capacity. I have spoken in depth about this in earlier posts on this blog, how I do have a lot of insight, I simply do not agree with the doctors opinions of me. I know my own thoughts and emotions much better than they know me, spending half an hour with me every three months, and judging me based on this and a file of lies about me, written by other ill informed 'medical professionals,' who say I'm crazy simply for standing up for myself to them, and will find any small thing to conflate in their records to use against me in future.

I found a study spoken about at https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2019/07/190708131152.htm which states psychiatric diagnosis is 'scientifically meaningless.'

In this study it states "The diagnostic system wrongly assumes that all distress results from disorder, and relies heavily on subjective judgments about what is normal."

I believe there is no basis in psychiatric diagnosis. They are simply opinions of over educated, and brainwashed 'professionals.' Because my opinion differs to theirs, they say I lack insight and the capacity to make decisions. They have credibility within the system, organised specifically for their control over other people. But more specifically they have a lot of credibility within the court system, and are able to keep me under the mental health act and imprisoned in my body (drugged) and elsewise because of this.

I have seen first hand how New Zealand, and likely much of the world is imprisoning people who the doctors simply consider don't fit into societies tidy box of 'normal.' And because I was willing to do something drastic (my decision to steal a diamond ring, a car, and a campervan in 2012 - spoken about in earlier posts also), they have classified me as lacking capacity. I believe my blog proves that I have a lot of insight and understanding about what I have done, and what has happened to me. It is simply that I have never been listened to, or believed, and as a product of this inhumane system, been coerced, and imprisoned, in order to fit into their limited perception of me.

I believe it is now even more necessary to challenge the structure of society with whatever it takes for change to occur, just as the suffragettes took upon themselves in the 1900s, otherwise the world is heading toward catastrophe - as proven in scientific research of climate change. I don't believe this makes me insane, or lacking in capacity, or even a risk. As I have described in depth also, my reasons for doing these things, again in earlier posts and how I would choose not to repeat these actions. Infact I think it is a very sane thing to do alls considered, if you disagree with the way the world is headed, and the way in which humans treat other humans. Especially the way the world is currently, there should be more people fighting for others to be free. We obviously haven't accomplished much in this world with passive protesting, when there are people dying and starving throughout the world - Palestine, Ukraine... Not enough is being done by people, normal, regular humans to challenge the ingrained proposition that profit is to be valued over human life and I am fucking tired of it. I have never harmed another person, I have never assaulted, abused, or emotionally destroyed another, as they have done to me. Perhaps they should be the ones locked up in psychiatric units around the country after the cruel and inhumane actions these doctors, nurses, and judges seem to get away with.

New Zealand as a country has failed, and I deserve justice for their false imprisonment of me. One to two years of my life. Stolen from me. And tortured in the process. Imprisonment in my body of over a decade from the drugs they use to attempt to control me. Well, that didn't work did it. Read below, I've been fighting to be heard for YEARS. They might be able to control what they do to my body, but they will never control my mind. And I am ready for a battle once the world finds out.

Source:

[cllnsllvn]

Suprise meet-up!

I was scrolling Facebook a few weeks ago and saw that a friend had posted a photo of kiwi birds. I thought "That's weird, I wonder if she's in NZ." After stalking for about one second (the Tongariro Alpine Crossing photos are a dead giveaway), I sent a message saying "Are you in NZ? Are you coming to Christchurch at all?"

Within a few minutes, I got a message back saying "I'm flying to Christchurch in... Ten minutes!" We talked about meeting up, but she was only in Chch for the night, picking up a campervan, and making her way around the South Island with her cousin. But she said she'd be back in Chch the weekend of the 17th/18th if that would work better.

Flash forward to today, Sunday the 18th, when we were able to get together for lunch and spend most of the afternoon together!

Suprise revealed! Flash and Jelly taking Riverside Market by storm.

Earlier that day, I had gone for a great walk in the park with one of the great social groups I joined. After the walk, I walked over to the Bridge of Remembrance and saw these two boys playing bagpipe and drums to try to raise money to go to Scotland!

A few other photos - Riverside Market decorated for Chinese New Year and a black swan that let us get way too close and made very cute squeaking noises!

[sealongingselkie1]

Sailing Scotland

Live the dream of sailing the world's most breathtaking waters with our adventure sailing experiences. From the turquoise Caribbean to the picturesque Canary Islands. Sailing Scotland

About Company:-

In June of 2017, we left Ohio and Michigan waters for a life aboard Selkie. We got to know her with a year sailing in the Caribbean, then crossing the Atlantic, via Bermuda and the Azores, and a year in Ireland and Scotland. The following summer, we sailed the North Sea, visited the fjords of Norway, stopped in Denmark, and circled the Baltic Sea. In winter of 2020, we sailed southwest England, crossed the Bay of Biscay, enjoyed Galicia, Spain, crossed to the Canary Islands, sailed south to Cape Verde, and crossed the ocean back to the Caribbean. In 2021, we visited and spent months cruising St Lucia, Antigua and Barbuda, then Sint Maarten and the Dominican Republic. During hurricane season, our boat was tucked in safely in Rio Dulce, Guatemala, for a refit. In 2022, we traversed the Panama Canal, sailed to the Galapagos, crossed the vast Pacific, and enjoyed French Polynesia (Marquesas, Tuamotus Atolls, Tahiti, Moorea, and Bora Bora). We finished the Pacific via Tonga's Vava'u, then down to New Zealand. Via sailing and traveling by campervan for 7 months, we explored all the we could of North and South Island, NZ. Currently, we are home in Toledo, OH, USA to let the children navigate traditional school. Fingers crossed for this land decision.

Click Here For More Info:- https://www.sealongingselkie.net/

Location:- Michigan ,United States

Social Media Profile Links:-

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCum6VtDM1fwYCXux-sRaQIg

[campercocampervanshirelimited]

A Comprehensive Guide to Campervan

If you're looking for a versatile and adventurous way to travel, a campervan could be just the thing for you. Campervans offer a convenient and comfortable way to explore your destination while providing the flexibility to go wherever you want, whenever you want. In this comprehensive guide, we'll cover everything you need to know about campervans, including the benefits of campervan hire in Christchurch, what to look for when choosing a campervan rental, and some top tips for a successful campervan adventure.

Benefits of Campervan Hire

There are many benefits to hiring a campervan for your next trip. Firstly, a campervan provides you with the flexibility to explore your destination at your own pace. You can wake up in a new location every day and enjoy the freedom to go wherever you want, whenever you want.

Secondly, a campervan provides you with all the amenities you need for a comfortable trip. Most campervans come equipped with a bed, kitchen, and bathroom facilities, which means you don't need to worry about finding accommodation or dining options along the way.

Finally, hiring a campervan is an affordable way to travel, especially if you're traveling in a group. Splitting the cost of campervan rental and fuel between a few people can make a campervan hire in Christchurch, NZ,  an adventure a budget-friendly option.

Choosing the Right Campervan Rental

When it comes to choosing a campervan rental in Christchurch, there are a few things to consider.

Firstly, think about the size of the campervan you need. If you're traveling solo or as a couple, a smaller campervan may be more practical and cost-effective. However, if you're traveling with a family or a group of friends, you may need a larger campervan with more sleeping and living space.

Secondly, consider the features and amenities you need in your campervan. Do you need a bathroom and shower facilities? Do you need a kitchen with cooking equipment and a fridge?

Finally, check the terms and conditions of the campervan rental, including insurance, mileage limits, and any additional fees that may apply.

Tips for a Successful Campervan Adventure

The following are some top tips to help you make the most of your campervan adventure: 1. Plan your route and stop in advance, but be flexible enough to adapt to unexpected changes. 2. Pack light and only bring essential items to save space in your campervan. 3. Stock up on food and drinks before you hit the road to avoid relying on expensive convenience stores. 4. Make sure you know how to operate all the features and amenities in your campervan, including the water system, heating, and cooking facilities. Conclusion

A campervan adventure is a fantastic way to explore your destination with freedom, flexibility, and comfort. Remember to plan your trip in advance, choose the right campervan rental for your needs, and follow our top tips for a successful campervan adventure. If you're looking for a reliable campervan rental provider, consider CamperCo, which offers a wide range of campervans for hire to suit every need and budget. For more information, visit the following website- Camperco.co.nz.

[thefinn-ternet]

Day: Sept 22nd

#Finn365 

#TimFinn

A Frenz told me how he & his GF took a campervan trip in NZ & turned up in Te Awamutu to see Tim was playing.  It wasn't this gig but it's why I'm posting this.

Tim Finn - 2006 Live In Te Awamutu - 50 minutes

[lindsaystravelblogs3]

Days 19/20 – Tuesday/Wednesday, 13-14 June

Tuesday

After breakfast, we spent all day in our room until about 6pm. We did some washing, some reorganising, sorting and editing photos, and writing for our blogs during the day. We had a light lunch in the room but went out for a walk late in the day, down as close as we could get to the harbour (you really can’t get very close) and sat at a quiet outdoor cafe, nursing a couple of drinks for an hour or so.

We had a very interesting conversation, mainly about our travels - the great experiences we have enjoyed, the exotic places we have explored, what our future commitments, aspirations and expectations were, and a bit of a review of our recent bus trip.

We concluded that neither of us had any wish to join another group tour (although we were still reasonably enthusiastic about the next six trips already organised or planned) – but certainly no more bus trips after the upcoming one.  We simply much prefer the freedom of doing it on our own, with no obligation to fit in with the wishes and schedules of those with whom we have to travel. We probably enjoy some company sometimes, but prefer to choose our own companions, with similar hopes and passions as ours, rather than an unknown cohort with whom we often have very little in common.

We also decided that international travel is quite stressful and entails a lot of hard work. Language is often a challenge, as are currency exchange complications. Local practices and customs (including the iniquitous, almost mandatory, practice of tipping) are often difficult to understand and comply with, and being on the move so frequently and encountering these differences day to day, is pretty confronting. It is so much easier when travelling domestically (or in places like NZ or perhaps even Southeast Asia) - or perhaps surprisingly, in places like the Arctic/Antarctic or South America where foreigners like us are seen as oddly different and to be accommodated, instead of us having to accommodate the disparate plethora of people who demand that we comply with their random and exotic expectations. I know this sounds a bit odd, but Europe seems much more challenging than any of our other meanderings.

I am itching to get away in our caravan, perhaps doing a long, notably slower excursion, with Tassie being one of our preferred places to visit. A campervan in NZ is also high on my hit-list, but fitting this in between our existing commitments is a bit daunting.

After our drinks and travel analysis, we strolled a bit further up the street and settled on one of many al fresco restaurants for dinner. We restrained ourselves in the face of a huge and tempting menu and arrived back at our hotel ready for bed at about 11pm.

Wednesday

We are gradually catching up with our laundry and did a little more before a latish breakfast. We had purchased tickets for the HOHO (hop on hop off) bus last night so set off just a minute too late to catch the 10am bus a couple of blocks away. Our tickets allowed us to hoho the Red-, Green- and Blue-lines for 24 hours so we started with the Red-line. The circuit took about an hour, but rain was threatening so we spent most of the time in the bus, rather in the open upstairs. The windows were pretty dirty and are largely covered with advertising so it is almost impossible to take useful photos when downstairs. I can’t imagine how stupid the designer must have been, plastering advertising on all the windows of a tourist bus with seats positioned higgledy-piggledy, half facing backwards, with only a single seat anywhere having a reasonably clear view.  And then someone has plastered dozens of small stickers on the inside of the windows telling people not to stand up, to keep their seat-belts fastened and other instructions in Italian.

When we arrived back at the starting point, the weather was looking a little more promising, so we boarded the Green-line bus for a shorter circuit into the centre of the city. It was very interesting, so we decided to stay on the bus and complete the Green circuit again. Unfortunately, we didn’t get far. The street we had driven along less than half an hour earlier was now closed with police cars, police people, and what might have been a SWAT team, preventing further progress. We never found out exactly what the problem was, but I gather it was some sort of emergency incident at the bank just in front of us. A bank robbery???

We still wanted to go on the Blue-line, but it wasn’t leaving for a while so we had lunch at a little cafe beside the bus stop - a slice of pizza, very fresh and tasty.

The Blue-line bus driver seemed to find every pothole in Palermo within the first couple of hundred metres and we were rocked and rolled mercilessly, with a bit of rain making matters worse and the limitations of the downstairs section making it pretty pointless so we got off after about five stops and retreated to a restaurant for a drink - and as an excuse to use their toilet. After twenty minutes or so, and after hailing waiters at least half a dozen times, they finally took our order. Half an hour later, we stood up to leave, just as our drinks were finally delivered. They were fairly busy, but we were certainly being ignored because we just wanted drinks rather than an expensive meal. We did not leave a tip!

We walked across the road to take some photos of the impressive Teatro Massimo while waiting for the next bus and became surrounded by a wedding party. It seems that the wedding had just been completed and the couple and all their guests were milling around for photos. We finally escaped when a Red-line bus arrived to take us back to the starting point.

Once there, we still wanted to do the Blue-line, preferably with a better driver, and were ushered on to what we were told was the Blue-line bus. Oh well, I am colour-blind too. It was another Red-line bus, but we enjoyed the ride - on the top deck this time.

At the end of the circuit, there definitely was a Blue-line bus waiting and we decided to chance it again, albeit with the same driver. We completed the circuit this time, but more than half of it was downstairs because the rain was more persistent by now - also, the ride was a little less bruising in the lower section of the bus.

So our HOHO ticket gave us about two-and-a-half Red-line circuits and one-and-a-half circuits on each of the Blue- and Green-lines. We saw a lot of Palermo. Unfortunately, although we saw a lot and there were stories to go with many of the things we saw, none of them were sufficiently engrossing (or memorable) for me to relate here.

[lindsaystravelblogs1]

Almost the Last Post (for this time)

Day 58, Sunday, 12 February 2023

We arrived in Lyttleton, the port near Christchurch, in the early hours and although we could look around the port and nearby landscape from the deck, we were not allowed on shore until our selected tour became available.  For us, that meant 2 pm – or a little before so we could get up to the bus. We were tied up at the bunkering terminal and not allowed out there but were ferried to the marina in the lifeboats, with a long way to walk to the waiting bus.  The bus took us out of the dock area and up the hill to another bus that took us on our excursion.

I am guessing that we drove at least fifty kilometres, through old lava fields, pastoral and farming land, past Lake Ellesmere, and eventually to Manderley Farm.  It was an interesting drive that made me itch to return to NZ for a long, slow campervan adventure.  Of course, I was constantly scanning the area for birds and identified eleven species from the bus.

The road was pretty rough, very bouncy and at one point, there was a huge crash and jarring pain thumped through our backs – at least those passengers in the rear half of the bus. The back of the bus had bottomed out and hit the road very violently, obviously a common event because the driver never even blinked.

At the farm, we were treated to a sheepdog demonstration that was pretty amazing.  There were eight merinos half a kilometre or more up the hill from where we were standing, and the farmer released one of the farm dogs and controlled it with a small whistle.  It was very windy and I imagined that the dog would not be able to hear the whistle – it was quite faint to me and I was only ten metres away – but the farmer used long and short whistles in two pitches to tell the dog to go left or right, to approach the sheep, to stop and sit, etc., and within a few minutes, the whole little flock were down the hill and through the correct gate and to within a couple of metres of thirty humans.  Then the situation was reversed and all the humans were ushered back up the hill by a different dog – no, no!  Not the humans, it was the sheep!

We then went into the shearing shed and heard a bit more about the wool industry and the evil Chinese who manipulate prices to cheat honest Kiwi farmers out of a fair return – and in no time, the Chinese were being blamed for virtually everything that could possibly go wrong for the poor farmer.  I am sure there is some truth in his assertion but I think he overplayed his hand. The Chinese probably don’t control the local weather – just as a ‘for instance’.  Despite all of that, we still got to watch him shear a sheep – a young one, about 6 months old, getting its first haircut.

We then went through a really beautiful garden to where his wife had drinks for us to accompany the shortbreads and delicious sausage rolls.  It was all very nice and civilised, quite countrified,  and then it was back to the ship.  The bus took us back to the second bus that is apparently the only bus allowed to enter the port area (no idea why).  That bus delivered us to the lifeboat waiting at the end of the marina and that delivered us back to the ship.

We finalised the last of our packing and were ready to disembark.  During the bus trip, Heather had a series of emails with our wonderful travel agent (Thank you Bev!) who had been monitoring the cyclone (Gabrielle) threatening Auckland.  She is an absolute gem and arranged for us to stay at the Christchurch Airport hotel and fly with Qantas direct to Melbourne at the crack of dawn on Tuesday – instead of flying to Auckland and waiting nobody-knows-how-long to fly home with Air New Zealand.  That was really great – but I wonder if we will ever recover the extra cost from our parsimonious insurer, NIB.  Time will tell.

Day 59, Monday, 13 February 2023

We were up at 6 am and quickly dressed and ate breakfast for the last time this trip.  There were lots of goodbyes, most of which were repeated half an hour later as we gathered to collect our passports and pass NZ Immigration and Customs – a very quick and easy process.  Then it was on to the shuttle to take us to central Christchurch where we got a cab to the airport hotel – the Sudima.

When Bev managed to change our flight, we tried to change our booking for the shuttle from 7.30 to 8.30 but the ship said everything was locked in and they couldn’t change it.  As a result, we had an enjoyable ride into the city with the bus entirely to ourselves.  We had a driver and a guide who was very friendly and chatty, but it did seem a little excessive – surely a cab would have been cheaper or they could have made an exception and put us on the 8.30 shuttle, but not so.  We were quite happy and where we were dropped in the city, a second guide called a cab for us and we were on our way to the Sudima within five minutes maximum.

Of course, arriving at the hotel at 8 am meant they didn’t have a room available until noon at the earliest but we just sat in comfort in the foyer, logged on to their Wi-Fi and did a bit more writing.  Despite the noon deadline, we were in our room a tad after 10.30 with an upgrade to a very well-appointed suite.  So who’s complaining?  Not us!

We each went out for a short walk and found a shopping centre immediately adjacent to the hotel. It has a few restaurants, and we ate at a Chinese one – and found that the Chinese are not responsible for everything going bad.  It was an enjoyable meal at a reasonable price, within very easy walking distance from our hotel.

Day 60, Tuesday, 14 February 2023

We were up and dressed by 3 am and ready to go to the airport. Officially, we were supposed to be at the airport three hours before an international flight so we should have been there by 3 am for our 7 am flight - but the hotel staff told us that 3:45 would be fine (the terminal doesn’t open until 3 am anyway).

Of course, I had been awake for a couple of hours checking the clock every few minutes in case we were late, despite knowing that the alarm was set anyway.

We took the free shuttle and made it in plenty of time. We beat the crowds and were through the airport nightmare reasonably quickly - despite my carryon being examined in the finest detail by an overzealous officer. She did find a small jar of a special spread we had carried for at least 25,000 kilometres as a gift for our travel agent. She decided that it was a liquid and was just over 100 mls so I am sure she will enjoy it herself.

We had over an hour and a half to wait to board and then sat on the plane for another hour while they fixed some problem with the electronics. We left more than an hour late with a promise to make up the time during the flight.

Of course, as usual, I sat behind an ignorant ratbag who tilted his seat back as far as it would go and refused my polite request for him to be a bit more reasonable. I had maybe 15 centimetres from my nose to his seat. I simply don’t understand why they have reclining seats in planes. I paid for my standard 28 inches of space but he thought he was entitled to steal seven of them.

We arrived at Tullamarine only 40 minutes late and got through the crowd relatively quickly.  We had previously been told that our passports are not e-passports, but an attendant assured us that they were and that saved us at least an hour of two in the queue.  I wish we had known that before – it could have saved us days of queueing over the life of our passports.

There was a long wait for our baggage, but it all arrived safely and we eventually escaped the Hell that characterises every airport in the world.  Our Tony’s Taxi was waiting (Thanks again Bev) and we had a very comfortable trip home.

I collected our accumulated mail from the past two months or so (three mail items and two junk mails) and we spent the rest of the day unpacking and sorting all the clobber from the trip.

One really helpful factor was that we were able to repack a surprising amount of stuff straight back into our cases, in some cases, once the laundry was completed.  About four days later, we are about 90% packed for our next trip.  Watch this space!

Summary

How do I summarise such a diverse trip? I did a bit of a summary at the end of our first voyage so I will not rehash that, but our week or so in Ushuaia was an opportunity to catch our breath and explore a little of the tip of South America. It was a nice stopover but without any particular highlights.

The more recent voyage did include some highlights, not the least of which was reaching 78 degrees 44 minutes South latitude. And I have just stumbled on an online article that emphasises the significance of that. I recommend that you have a quick read at https://www.mycg.uscg.mil/News/Article/2969915/coast-guard-cutter-polar-star-sets-world-record-with-voyage-to-antarctica/. And note that the Spirit of Enderby is the ship that took us to Antarctica three years ago. By my calculations, the 1.32 seconds by which the US Coast Guard holds the record is equivalent to a bit under 41 metres that our ship could easily have beaten if we had just nudged up a bit closer to the ice. I doubt if we got within a hundred metres of it and I thought at the time that the Captain was being his usual conservative self, notwithstanding his expressed disappointment that we never set a new record.

Walking on the ice, particularly at Mt Siple, but also at Cape Hallett, gave me a big buzz - it was quite a unique experience.

Watching the ship crunch through the thick ice was also fascinating, even awe-inspiring, as we faced a solid wall of ice up to at least three metres thick - and simply smashed our way through. An amazing sight.

I loved the storms - Nature in the raw. They didn’t impact the ship to any great extent but watching the swell and huge clouds of spindrift was quite exciting. And seeing so much snow that decorated the external areas of the ship for several days was something quite new for me.

The wildlife is always a highlight although I never thought as much about it at the time this trip. But we saw five species of seals, millions (literally) of penguins, ninety-six species of birds and a few whales. We have probably seen more and more variety on other trips, but this was still impressive.

The Captain’s conservatism or risk-averseness meant we lost several opportunities to experience more but we had no control over that – unfortunately, he is God on board.

The food was fine, perhaps not quite what we expected from French chefs but perfectly adequate. The staff were brilliant and the lectures the best we have had on any previous trip. And ‘all you can drink’ for about 18 hours a day makes up for a lot.

All in all, it was a great trip with some once in a lifetime experiences that I will never forget. I just need time to cement the memories more securely before we embark on yet another extraordinary series of adventures.

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Top Places to Visit in New Zealand

If you are planning to take the campervan rental New Zealand on a tour around the country, you should know which places should top your list. There’s lot to see between the North and South Island. However, you may not be able to cover everything. If you don’t see the most important places, you might miss out on the most popular sites. Here, we will take you through the top places that you should visit in your campervan when in NZ. 1.    If you love islands, and want to enjoy a secluded trip, you should go to Stewart’s Island in this country. It is along the southern side of the South Island. It is located along the forest region, which is why you will get a glimpse of the forest and blue waters in this region. You will get to enjoy a lot of outdoor activities while in this island. You might love going hiking, and camping while here. You can even take your outdoor gear to enjoy an adventure 2.    The second best part of New Zealand is Nelson. You get to enjoy this place and its beauty if you take the motorhome hire New Zealand here. It is known for an incredible climate, especially during the winters. You will get a lot of local produce as food when you are in this region. It is the best place for some outdoor activies and good food. You can even visit the Abel Tasman National Park while you are here 3.    If you are planning to go near the southern coast, you should definitely visit the Glacier Country. It houses the westland national park. You will notice several glaciers as part of this land including Franz josef and Fox glacier. Franz Josef is one of the beautifies of this land. If you love glaciers and want to get a guided tour, you might get that as well. 4.    The Napier resort is a must visit in your campervan rental New Zealand. You cannot miss this place while touring the country. There are several architectural marvels in this land that you cannot miss. It also houses the biggest and the most beautiful aquariums to be found in this part of the world. You will find crocodiles and turtles while browsing through the aquarium 5.    If you want to go into the thermal wonderland, you should visit Rotorua. It has hot springs and geysers. Spending time here is considered beautiful. You will also notice several natural steams and hot water places around this region. You can go to the lady Knox geyser which is located nearby 6.    The most beautiful place in New Zealand during the winters is Paihia. It is basically a bay of differnet islands, and a must visit for all water lovers. There are recreational options available to choose from. Being on the water side, you will get to enjoy several water sports as well. it has a lot of resorts and hotels that you can book. You can take your motorhome hire New Zealand to this place.

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campervan new zealand parking

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1975 Volkswagen Kombi by Stephen Trinder Via Flickr:

[sealongingselkie1]

Sailing New Zealand

Live the dream of sailing the world's most breathtaking waters with our adventure sailing experiences. From the turquoise Caribbean to the picturesque Canary Islands. Sailing New Zealand

About Company:-

In June of 2017, we left Ohio and Michigan waters for a life aboard Selkie. We got to know her with a year sailing in the Caribbean, then crossing the Atlantic, via Bermuda and the Azores, and a year in Ireland and Scotland. The following summer, we sailed the North Sea, visited the fjords of Norway, stopped in Denmark, and circled the Baltic Sea. In winter of 2020, we sailed southwest England, crossed the Bay of Biscay, enjoyed Galicia, Spain, crossed to the Canary Islands, sailed south to Cape Verde, and crossed the ocean back to the Caribbean. In 2021, we visited and spent months cruising St Lucia, Antigua and Barbuda, then Sint Maarten and the Dominican Republic. During hurricane season, our boat was tucked in safely in Rio Dulce, Guatemala, for a refit. In 2022, we traversed the Panama Canal, sailed to the Galapagos, crossed the vast Pacific, and enjoyed French Polynesia (Marquesas, Tuamotus Atolls, Tahiti, Moorea, and Bora Bora). We finished the Pacific via Tonga's Vava'u, then down to New Zealand. Via sailing and traveling by campervan for 7 months, we explored all the we could of North and South Island, NZ. Currently, we are home in Toledo, OH, USA to let the children navigate traditional school. Fingers crossed for this land decision.

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Location:- Michigan ,United States

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