Potential NZ MEGA Event 2012 - is there sufficient interest?

[The Coffee's]

[/quote]

"If you build it, they will come"
[/quote]
Funny that is what I said during the state election.

I would love to visit NZ and I have been getting
prices over the last 6 months. Airfares are around $250 - $280 economy return per person, A Maui campervan is
around $1400 for a week sleeping 4, petrol is around $1.90nz for unleaded and around $1.40 for diesel. I have
estimated it would cost my family of now 4 adults around the $5,000 for 2 weeks. I know there are specials
on offer but I have not seen any for Easter(s) as most are booked long in advance.
Unfortunately I will have one in year 12 and one in year 11 and school study timetables makes it difficult.
What is the usual weather at Easter?

[Richary]

I agree that accomodation is more of an issue. It was obvious at Wagga that quite a number of people camped because like me they could, in fact it would be interesting to know the numbers that camped vs the numbers that stayed in town.

NZ is a problem for those of us that need to fly over. I obviously can't throw a tent, sleeping bags, car fridge and so on in the checked luggage. So those from Oz would need a caravan park with onsite cabins or a reasonably priced hotel, combined with transport to the event unless it is near the middle of town.

One thing that may have affected some of the Wagga attendees was it's location out of town, for those that like to have a drink while socialising the need to drive back to accomodation would have limited how long they would hang around during the evening. As I camped I can't comment, perhaps someone who was in that boat can comment whether it detracted from the experience.

I know some scout camps have cabins and beds available (byo bedding) so that could be an option as well.

[squalid]

A lot of kiwis seemed to come over here for mega wagga. It might pay to ask them what their thoughts on accomodation/rental etc are. Probably wouldn't take much to hire/(buy?) a tent and rent a car for a week or so. All depends on the available facilities I suppose.

[Hoojar]

NZ is a problem for those of us that need to fly over.

I've been to NZ hiking before, this is no different really. Leave the luxuries at home and live out of a hiking pack! I was well under the baggage limit too. I can camp for two (plus) weeks with what I can fly over in a pack.

[The Coffee's]

[/quote]
I've been to NZ hiking before, this is no different really. Leave the luxuries at home and live out of a hiking pack! I was well under the baggage limit too. I can camp for two (plus) weeks with what I can fly over in a pack.[/quote]
Surely you can't be serious. what about the cappuccino machine?. I love camping but just a backpack for over two weeks is pushing the limits.
I would be interested in what you pack?

[JABs]

[quote="Mr.Coffee and the Clan]Surely you can't be serious. what about the cappuccino machine?. I love camping but just a backpack for over two weeks is pushing the limits.
I would be interested in what you pack?[/quote]


Description: Indulge yourself at camp with a cup of steaming espresso--it takes just 90 seconds to make with this Italian coffee maker. Made from lightweight aluminum, this European-style espresso machine is finely crafted with a brass steam pipe. Designed for use on low heat over your backpacking stove. Tank holds 10 oz. of water and fresh ground coffee. Size: 10.5 X FLUID OUNCES

[Hoojar]

For fear of totally hijacking this thread...

I've been to NZ hiking before, this is no different really. Leave the luxuries at home and live out of a hiking pack! I was well under the baggage limit too. I can camp for two (plus) weeks with what I can fly over in a pack.

Surely you can't be serious.

Absolutely, almost every year I go hiking with a group of friends for between 10 and 15 days. In a few short weeks we are headed back to SW Tassie for a 15 day trip through the Western and Eastern Arthur Ranges. SW Tassie is my favourite part of Australia. This will be my fourth expedition down there.

what about the cappuccino machine?

Leave the luxuries at home

I love camping but just a backpack for over two weeks is pushing the limits.

Two weeks is the outer limits without organising a food drop. A standard two week hiking pack for say NZ or SW Tassie would be around 25-30kg on the first morning.

I would be interested in what you pack?

Everything that you need to survive for two weeks in the bush (And nothing that you will not need)

[Moneydork]

Relax - we'll sort out food and may even manage to arrange coffee...??? it may be instant though?
That way you can squeeze more undies and socks into your packs and so stay longer.

[The Coffee's]

Relax - we'll sort out food and may even manage to arrange coffee...??? it may be instant though?
That way you can squeeze more undies and socks into your packs and so stay longer.

<p>

Instant...Nooooooo!
Thinking about it I need a camping planner to organise my packing, 14 days include: 14kg of coffee beans, 1kg limit per day, grinder, 1 group cappuccino machine, 6 cups, 6 teaspoons, 9 litres full cream milk, milk jug, 2400w power inverter, 2kg sugar, coffee grounds bin, 1kg chocolate powder, irish whisky, rum, kahlua for liqueur coffee, 2 cans whipped cream, nutmeg, 14 bottles of port for around the campfire and a few sets of ear plugs for sleeping (not for me).
One last thing, it may be hiking or camping but socks and underwear = the amount of days away, 14 days 14 sets..

[Bundyrumandcoke]

Naah, 14 days hiking only needs 3 pair of jocks, you get 4 days out of each pair, and by day 13, the first pair are good to go again.

[The Coffee's]

Naah, 14 days hiking only needs 3 pair of jocks, you get 4 days out of each pair, and by day 13, the first pair are good to go again.

<p>

My mum said you need a clean pair each day in case you get hit by a bus. I have always wondered why she said it but hey
maybe by changing each day I avoid that bus

[Moneydork]

My mum said you need a clean pair each day in case you get hit by a bus. I have always wondered why she said it but hey
maybe by changing each day I avoid that bus

She didn't own shares in an undie and sock factory, did she?

[bshwckr]

Relax - we'll sort out food and may even manage to arrange coffee...??? it may be instant though?
That way you can squeeze more undies and socks into your packs and so stay longer.

<p>

Instant...Nooooooo!
Thinking about it I need a camping planner to organise my packing, 14 days include: 14kg of coffee beans, 1kg limit per day, grinder, 1 group cappuccino machine, 6 cups, 6 teaspoons, 9 litres full cream milk, milk jug, 2400w power inverter, 2kg sugar, coffee grounds bin, 1kg chocolate powder, irish whisky, rum, kahlua for liqueur coffee, 2 cans whipped cream, nutmeg, 14 bottles of port for around the campfire and a few sets of ear plugs for sleeping (not for me).
One last thing, it may be hiking or camping but socks and underwear = the amount of days away, 14 days 14 sets..

I have had a coffee in New Zealand before so I know you will be covered. Cant get a decent kebab though.

[sushilord]

Depends on timing, I will be heading over to NZ for a bike ride in the NI in March 2012 (timimg to be confirmed). I'll be up for a bit of fun if the timing works out.

[GhostGums]

I hope the impending announcement of the next Australian mega event doesn't put off a NZ event, as I like many would be keen on the idea of one being in NZ.