ALRIGHT. i dont think any tour suits us. cause of the dates we have to work with. should try to avoid may cause its getting COLD.. we dont want weilin to get frostbite. and debbies wedding.
HENCE i think. the best plan for us is to use this flexi bus pass. you purchase a certain number of hours on the bus. and we choose where to go. we should prob get 35-45 hours?
http://www.flexipass.co.nz/what-is-flexi-pass/
http://www.netball.org.sg/index.php?page=contiki
back from vietnam. new things i learnt
1. my aunt says whatever you see in nz, canada is better 
2. must must must pray for good weather. clear skies and a nice breeze. mist-be-gone.
3. i dont think i can take too many days of camping. im a hot shower person!
4. i suppose if we go on tour we wont be able to go on the 4 day hike. oh well. we cant have everything right.
5. the right company will make even a laopok trip GREAT. so no worries 
6. SIA magazine. the japanese words december issue. had a piece on newzealand. vineyards. there was a picture of a vineyard where the leaves were all autumny coloured. gosh. it was so pretty! we could pop by an area hopefully! maybe like. $20 wine tasting though we dont really know anything (i dont) but. interesting!
7. must do the shotover jet thingy. apparently its SUPER SUPER thrilling.
8. must get and learn to use pro dslr
DEB ARE YOU GOING FOR THE WEDDING. (i thought we could wwooof melbourne. but wwoof aus are scammers. they make you buy a book with the list of host in it so you cant view it online. the book is like 60$. scam!)
WHAT IS OUR BUDGET. airticket about. $1500……
co is free 10-19th april. not sure how we can slot that in… perhaps if we find a tour which has a last stop as dunedin-christchurch. we can delay our trip back.
but yes. haha. oh exchange rates!
1 NZ dollar = S$0.8133 at the moment.
eh it’s not bad right, the tour stuff.. considering there’s accommodation (even though it’s tents.. quite fun! adventure, right? haha). and we cover quite a lot. transport and everything taken care of too.. read: http://www.flyingkiwi.com/adventure-tours-new-zealand.html
IT’S QUITE EXCITING!!! except i don’t know how we’ll choose cos knowing us, we’ll wanna do EVERYTHING. haha. AHHHH WE NEED TO GET THIS PLANNED PROPERLY OK. IT IS HAPPENING IT IS HAPPENING I DONT CARE IT MUST!
if we do the tour thing then it’d be hard to fit co in though.
+ GO WILD ON THE AMAZING WEST COAST +
min trip time: 8/9 days (take extended breaks at any point)
Trip fee: $985 ($950 with discount card)
(inc. food, camp fees, transport & shared tent)
starts: Queenstown or Christchurch
(add an extra $88 from Christchurch)
ends: Picton
The west coast route was recently voted one of the top 10 drives in the World by Lonely Planet and we know why. We have also found some extra hidden spots, fantastic rides and great hikes to enjoy along the way. You start your trip in Queenstown and onto glacial highs before travelling the coast up to arguably New Zealand’s finest national park – The Abel Tasman. There are some truly unique activity options and a genuine once in a lifetime exprience.
Activities to try are:+ Superb cycle rides (for all levels) and if you have the energy… much, much more. Use this link to find out more about our New Zealand Activities |
Places to visit are:+ Adrenalin rush of Queenstown and that’s just a taster….there’s guaranteed to be much, much more |
You can hire any of the following equipement from us for the duration of your trip or bring your own gear. We charge a small handling fee for those who bring their own bikes but there are no charges for your own tent etc.
| Bike Hire | $145 |
| Bring your own bike | $55 |
| Tent share (inc. mattress) | included |
| Tent single (inc. mattress) | $30 |
| Sleeping Bag | $40 |
FULL ITINERARY
+ You can take extended breaks at any of the points on the tour
+ Most nights you can upgrade to cabins for a small fee and a taste of rural luxury
+ Contact us if you have any questions as we are very flexible
key:
B = Breakfast included L = Lunch included D = Dinner included U = Upgrade available
GREEN text = optional activity (there are plenty more to try and there’s optional walks and rides everyday)
This itinerary shows the trip starting from Quuenstown (point 18) but you can also start the trip in Christchurch
South Island Itinerary
POINT 18: Queenstown with its multitude of adrenalin activities. Bungy, fly-by-wire, jet boat, rafting, horse trekking, parapenting, skydive, gondola ride - this place has it all, as well as spectacular views. Cycle and walk in alpine areas. A chance to wind down and compare notes and photos from your Queenstown thrills! B/D
POINT 19: A relaxed morning at the camp. Optional jet boating on the Wilkin River then over the dramatic Haast Pass. Cycle steep downhill sections through rainforest, past waterfalls and pools to the wild West Coast. Camp at Okuru, a world heritage area, bird life, lagoon and beach walks. B/L/D
POINT 20: We are now on one of the Lonely Planets top 10 drives in the World. We head to Fox Glacier for optional guided walk or heli hike on the spectacular glaciers. Cycle to Okarito beach camp. White Heron Sanctuary, spectacular walks and breathtaking views of the Southern Alps. B/L/D
POINT 21: Morning at Okarito. Great cycle route along the coast. Visit Bushmans Museum, Check out famous Greenstone factories of Hokitika. Stunning coastal walk and cycle. Excellent beach camp at Punakaiki, home of the famous Pancake Rocks and Paparoa National Park. Keep your eyes peeled for kiwi birds!! Many great walks and rides to choose from. B/D U
POINT 22: Traditional Flying Kiwi pancake breakfast. Explore the outstanding sub-tropical flora and admire limestone formations in the Canyon. Cycle rides, glow worm caves, beach. Optional horse riding, and kayaking. Stay at same great camp. B/L/D U
POINT 23: Travel through the Buller Gorge for some cycling and beautiful scenery to one of NZ’s most stunning spots – the Abel Tasman region. Cycle backroad route. Optional skydive or fly in an acrobatic plane. We stay 2 nights at Marahau, with the Abel Tasman National Park on our doorstep. B/D U
POINT 24: Free day for exploring the area. Walk, cycle, optional awesome sailing the scenic coast, sea kayak, boat and walk the golden beaches. Swim in crystal clear waters. Night out at a cool cafe. B/L U
POINT 25: Time to soak up Nelson’s cafe culture and arts. Optional Sky-diving. Cycle along Queen Charlotte Drive. Travel through the Marlborough wine region. B
* if heading North or heading back down to Christchurch then let us know and we can help make arrangements.
sounds good cos then we can start and end at christchurch. but if we start at christchurch we miss out all the activities in queenstown!
+ THE HIGHLIGHTS OF THE SOUTH ISLAND +
min trip time: 9/10 days (take extended breaks at any point)
Trip fee: $1275 ($1229 with discount card)
(inc. food, camp fees, transport & shared tent)
starts: Christchurch or Picton
(add an extra $92 from Picton
ends: Queenstown
If you dont have time for the full South Island trip then this is an excellent way to see and experience some of the most beautiful and diverse scenery on the planet. Our trip takes you to a huge range of natural wonders from glaciers and mountains to beautiful beaches and wild coastlines. There are plenty fo wildlife encounters along the way as well as the adrenalin rush of Queenstown and many other great activities. if its hikes and bike rides your looking for then you won’t be dissapointed as we have a heap of superb options.
Activities to try are:+ Superb cycle rides (for all levels) |
Places to visit are:+ Character cities of Dunedin and and that’s just a taster….there’s guaranteed to be much, much more |
You can hire any of the following equipement from us for the duration of your trip or bring your own gear. We charge a small handling fee for those who bring their own bikes but there are no charges for your own tent etc.
| Bike Hire | $170 |
| Bring your own bike | $65 |
| Tent share (inc. mattress) | included |
| Tent single (inc. mattress) | $50 |
| Sleeping Bag | $40 |
FULL ITINERARY
+ You can take extended breaks at any of the points on the tour
+ Most nights you can upgrade to cabins for a small fee and a taste of rural luxury
+ Contact us if you have any questions as we are very flexible
key:
B = Breakfast included L = Lunch included D = Dinner included U = Upgrade available
GREEN text = optional activity (there are plenty more to try and there’s optional walks and rides everyday)
This itinerary shows the trip starting from Picton (point 9) but you can also start the trip in Christchurch (point 10)
South Island Itinerary
POINT 9: Travel the Pacific coast to Kaikoura, cycle stunning coastal route where close encounters with fur seals and a myriad of sea birds are common. Optional whale watch and awesome coastal walk. Stay at a beach camp and an amazing sunrise opportunity. L/D U
POINT 10: Optional dolphin swim or seal swim if you prefer or a chance to cycle by the nature-rich coast. Explore Christchurch, the “Garden City” then head across Canterbury plains to Rangitata Gorge with great walks, rides and accommodation at the foot of the Alps. B/D U
POINT 11: Optional white water rafting on the Rangitata river. Morning cycle or walks in Peel Forest. Travel through Geraldine and Mackenzie Basin with views of the Main Divide. Walk or cycle to Lake Tekapo and view scenic hydro canals. Lake Pukaki (can swim here) camp with views of Mt. Cook. B/L/D
POINT 12: Morning cycle towards Mt Cook. Hikes around the Mt Cook basin before making our way to the east coast. A short stop in Oamaru before heading to our coastal camp. Chance for a scenic cycle ride or walks, swim at the beach. Optional penguin tour. B/L/D
POINT 13: Morning coastal walk or cycle. Visit bizarre Moeraki Boulders. Explore historic and picturesque Dunedin. Have a go at cycling or walking up the World’s steepest street! There is also a chance to sample the delights of the Cadbury (Chocolate) factory or Speights Brewery depending on your tastes. We travel on to the spectacular and natural beauty of the Catlins area for the night. Cycle from camp to Nugget Point lighthouse along a quiet country road. B/D U
POINT 14: Journey through scenic southern pastures, stopping for lunch on the shores of Lake Manapouri. Visit the lake town of Te Anau before heading for Fiordland National Park and our historic camp in the unspoilt Hollyford Valley where cycle rides and walks abound. B/L/D U
POINT 15: One of the World’s most scenic routes into Milford Sound! Fantastic stop offs and more photo opportunities than you could handle! Cycle the magnificent descent from Homer Tunnel (3000ft)! Excellent optional boat cruise to experience the beauty of the fiord. The Routeburn, Greenstone Track walkers depart here for their awesome trek. Stunning lakeside camp. B/L/D U
POINT 16: Explore Te Anau and plenty of time to walk, fish or cycle in the area. Optional overnight hike on the Kepler Track with panoramic views from Mt Luxmore. Also the chance to try some jet boating or visit the enchanting glowworm caves. Same amazing lakeside camp in Te Anau. B/D U
POINT 17: Journey to Queenstown along the shores of Lake Wakatipu. We stay in a camp overlooking the lake and town, just stumbling distance to get home. Queenstown is the adventure capital and there are bars, activities and thrills galore! Track walkers re-join group. A big night out for those who are keen. B/L U
POINT 18: Queenstown with its multitude of adrenalin activities. Bungy, fly-by-wire, jet boat, rafting, horse trekking, parapenting, skydive, gondola ride - this place has it all, as well as spectacular views. Cycle and walk in alpine areas. A chance to wind down and compare notes and photos from your Queenstown thrills! B
i am confusing myself. so just for the record (assuming we are gonna explore nz before aus)
Ooh. Fancy a 3 month holiday?
Work For Greenpeace And Travel NZ – Want to work For Greenpeace and Travel NZ – Well this is the job for you! Greenpeace is looking for enthusiastic travelers to join an exciting fundraising traveling team. You will move around New Zealand, fundraising for this incredible cause. We are looking for either Street or Door 2Door Fundraisers. You will be on the road for a minimum of 3 months.
The first couple of weeks you get to spend in Auckland or Christchurch, and once you show us you can fundraise we will send you off with a couple of others just like you. You’ll be working 7 hour days 5 days a week which gives you plenty of time to go sightseeing. To make your travels even more worthwhile we are going to give you a daily allowance of NZ$35 (if you reach our target) on top of your salary which is $16.50 -$23 per hour. Do you have a driver’s license? If you do that’s great, but it’s not compulsory.
Here’s your opportunity for a working holiday
What the job involves:
• Door 2 Door or Street Fundraising collecting on-going donations
• You must be with us for 3 months
• You’ll work in Auckland for at least 2 weeks before heading off on your travels
• You’ll be working 7 hours a day, 5 days a week
• You’ll be traveling in groups of 3 and getting the public to support Greenpeace!Perks
• We will give you NZ$35 (if you meet our target) as a daily allowance on top of your hourly salary ($16.50 – $23)
• You get to sightsee!Apply online at:
http://www.greenpeace.org/new-zealand/jobs/application-formor give us a call on 0800 22 33 44 ext 55
If you email through backpacker board please send a phone number we can call you on
Haha.
exchange rates used
1pound= S$2.2786
1 AUD=S$ 0.9735
INTERNATIONAL on JETSTAR
cheapest options total: $396 before taxes, etc. $706.15 after
*ADD $35 FOR MEALS.
DEPARTURE to AUS
$198 (carry on + 20kg checked bags)
SIN – MEL (transit in Darwin)
Monday, 6 April 2009 OR Tuesday, 7 April 2009 (same price)
RETURN to SG
AUSTRALIA TO NEW ZEALAND on JETSTAR
cheapest options total: $278 before taxes. $369 after
DEPARTURE (MEL – CHC)
(depends when we get to melbourne cos we don’t wanna miss our flight)
RETURN (CHC – MEL)
$143
CHC – MEL
Wed, 22 April 2009 OR Thurs, 23 April 2009
OR AUSTRALIA TO NEW ZEALAND ON VIRGIN
cheapest options total: $243 before taxes. $443.73 after
DEPARTURE
AU$125 = S$121.6
MEL – CHC
Wednesday, 8 April 2009
RETURN
AU$125 = S$121.6
CHC – MEL
Thursday, 23 April 2009
okay so jetstar is cheaper. dunno why for virgin the taxes are so high. but anyway. so the total price on jetstar would be approximately S$1110.15 (i added the $35 for food) per person. Okay still not under $1k but it’s not bad? Considering the roundtrip flights I checked out just going from either Singapore to NZ or Singapore to Aus were already $1k+.
The only problem is that jetstar only flies to Christchurch in NZ which means we’d have to start and end our New Zealand adventure there. virgin goes to Christchurch, Auckland and Wellington. But if we’re sticking to the South Island then that’s no help either. freedomair is another one (see below)
Auckland & Christchurch -> Gold Coast
Dunedin & Hamilton -> Brisbane, Gold Coast, Melbourne & Sydney
Palmerston North -> Brisbane, Melbourne & Sydney
Wellington -> Gold Coast
but there doesn’t seem to be one from melbourne to christchurch or vice-versa. and i have no idea where palmerston north is. north? unless we take different flights. like fly jetstar to christchurch. and then maybe we end up in dunedin and fly back from there. ok fine i will go check out those prices now.
And yes, my mother has relented about flying budgetair stuff.
Okay, freedomair is now airnewzealand. Good thing: we can fly melbourne to christchurch/queenstown/dunedin and back from either one of those. It’s significantly more expensive though: S$659 after taxes. have to consider the transport cost if we go by jetstar or sth else and have to make our way back to christchurch though. it might level out..
AYE.
haven’t checked this out but it looks like it might be helpful: http://www.backpackerboard.co.nz/
This flying thing is complicated. Yes yes I know it’ll be much easier if I don’t go to Australia…Heh.
So as far as I know, there are 2 options
Okay this is bad. The Australia thing complicates everything. Heh. I’m getting quotes from two travel websites but they said it’ll take a few days… The only other one I’ve found is this:
| Price: | £794.98 per adult inc. £173.70 tax & fees |  |
 Stop 1 |
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| Stop 2 |
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| Stop 3 |
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At current exchange rates, that converts to about ummm $1811. In other words, too much.
Eh. Okay I am really just posting this to show that I am doing something. Hold on.
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