Geocaching Australia

The NZ Recreational GPS Society (www.gps.org.nz) is considering the option of hosting a NZ MEGA event - probably in either Easter or in October 2012. The likely location is Christchurch - the largest city in NZ's South Island.

For those of you who haven't been to Christchurch before, its about the same size as Canberra - and is a bit like a cross between Canberra and Adelaide (it was designed by the same brittish naval officer thant designed Adelaide). There are direct flights from most major Australian Cities and these are generally pretty cheap.

As you will all know from the Wagga Wagga MEGA Event, 500 people are needed for a MEGA Event.
They take a bit of organising (sponsorship, prizes, etc) and generally last 3 days or so.
It may involve camping or cabins or some other accommodation arrangement - we're yet to identify the actual location and logistical arrangements.
At this point of time, its only an idea - no guarantee that we'll go through with it, however we're interested in guaging the number of potential attendees so that we know whether or not the idea is worth persuing.

Please note that this poll will be run in parrellel on the NZ Recreational GPS Society Forum. Please only respond with indicative numbers in one location - not both.

I had to say 2012 is too far away, but it's almost as cheap for me to get to Christchurch as it is to go to Brisbane, so I''d be one of those annoying 'definitely maybe' people....

I sadly missed the Wagga one because of the impending birth of #3 child, so I'd dearly love to come over!

I sincerely hope it gets legs! If theres anything GCA can do to help to promote it or help with anything in any way, please don't hesitate to contact us!

We lived in ChCh for a couple of years (and still have a few caches there!) and it's a lovely city. One of the great things about NZ is that, to Australians, everything's so nearby! Take a week or two and you can see snowy mountains (proper mountains, too, not the sort you can drive to the top of like we have) and glaciers and deep, dark forests, and steam coming out of the ground, and Lord of the Rings locations, and much more. And there's thousands of caches to take you to all the best places!

(BTW, the "Christchurch and Adelaide were both designed by Colonel Light" is a myth. But he might've snuck a look at the ChCh plans before he laid out Adelaide, since they do have a similar feel to them!)

What the heck, it will be three years in a row for trips to NZ, with the RWC2011 next year. Most airfares to Christchurch are around $200 to $240 from Brisbane, if its the right time of the year.

As it's still a long way off yet, I'm replying tentatively. Yes x2. Bummed I missed out on wagga wagga

At this stage as long as there is plenty of notice of the actual date we will be there. Was only in the South Island last year and now will be able to see the things that time constraints meant we could not get to. As my 2012 holiday blocks have to be lodged no later than the end of June 2011 and you will need plenty of time to organise such an event it looks like things will gel for us. Cheers

Have never been to NZ so what a great excuse to come and visit will put in the diary thanks Guys

A real reason to go home for a visit, we were considering a trip home to see the relies in 2011, but if this is on the we would postpone it until 2012. Would prefer it to be later in the year October rather than easter though

I haven't made it to the South Island before so it's on the to do list. This would be a great excuse.

I'm in. I just need a little bit of notice to include it in a "work" trip.

Yep... that'll be two of us, bro.

Don't know what I'll be doing in 2012 yet - apart from going to a Mega-event in NZ

We have been looking for an excuse to visit NZ again October would be our preference if there is an option.

Dont need to think about it!!
Im there

I had to put "2012 too far away" as well. Been to NZ a few times now for work (actually heading to Christchurch this week for approx 10 days )

Will have to see once it gets a bit closer, all depends on airfares etc.

Hope it goes ahead, would be great to see another Mega event.