Dream New Zealand

[island_sands]

How many New Zealanders out there?

My ultimate goal is go and spend some decent time out in NZ... is North Island a better weather option?
Which side of the island?

I have heard loads about the amazing marine life out there.. in your opinion, which are the best areas to see/live if you are looking for diving as your main source of pleasure? (well, you know what i mean )

 

[Murat]

never been in new zeland but read that GW shark is quite common in northern islands

 

[jon71]

I spent christmas in New Zealand but only on the south island...which is stunning. I highly recommend you spend some time there. The people are friendly and if you like the outdoors its difficult to beat.
My brother in law teaches climbing out there and we have loads of contacts in climbing, skiing, kayaking. I'm sure they could also offer advice on good freedive sites. We found the marlborough sounds amazing...and the water is crystal clear. Send me an email if you plan to go and I'll pass on contact emails who can offer more specific advice.
Jon

 

[island_sands]

I spent christmas in New Zealand but only on the south island...which is stunning. I highly recommend you spend some time there. The people are friendly and if you like the outdoors its difficult to beat.
My brother in law teaches climbing out there and we have loads of contacts in climbing, skiing, kayaking. I'm sure they could also offer advice on good freedive sites. We found the marlborough sounds amazing...and the water is crystal clear. Send me an email if you plan to go and I'll pass on contact emails who can offer more specific advice.
Jon

that's brilliant jon thanks a lot. we are planning to go for a look-see next year in view of possible "semi-retirement" in about five years time
can't go wrong with a watersports centre out in NZ can you?

 

[jon71]

Its a beautiful chilled out country............just make sure you clean your walking boots before you go! They get VERY stroppy about 'foreign bodies' and give out big fines at the airport. When we were there at christmas they were *******ing this poor chinese guy because he had loads of dried fish and stuff in his suitcase. I felt sorry for the guy....but it was quite funny because he had the equivalent of a small health food shop on him. rofl
Like I said though, let me know when you're going and I'll give you some cool contacts. I think it would be a great place to live.

 

[DeepThought]

When we were there at christmas they were *******ing this poor chinese guy because he had loads of dried fish and stuff in his suitcase. I felt sorry for the guy....but it was quite funny because he had the equivalent of a small health food shop on him. rofl
Like I said though, let me know when you're going and I'll give you some cool contacts. I think it would be a great place to live.

Well, if the dude had rhino hornes and tiger tooth and eye of newt or whatever soon-to-be-extinct animal remain that some of them believe in, then I support the NZ authorities.

 

[Oldsarge]

We watched a film from NZ at a Neptune's meeting where the yellowtail just circled the camera like an anchovey ball. It must have been a case of sitting there gibbering with your speargun waiting for the biggest one to come within range . . . and in NZ "big" yellowtail run to over 100 lbs!

 

[Huan]

I am from NZ, whaddaya want ta know?

 

[island_sands]

I am from NZ, whaddaya want ta know?

thought you were Irish rofl

 

[Huan]

Nope, Born and raised in NZ.
Live in Ireland now.
Could you take the constant slagging when the bokke lose?

 

[island_sands]

Nope, Born and raised in NZ.
Live in Ireland now.
Could you take the constant slagging when the bokke lose?

hehehehehehehe bring it on!

In all seriousness.. looking at long term plans now and NZ looks like a decent option! Dont' want to be a desert diver forever and would also like to live a normal lifestyle, Muslim countries can be a little restrictive sometimes.

 

[land shark]

dont they have box jellyfish?

 

[Huan]

nope.
bluebottles/portuguese man-o-war sometimes in the summer.
no snakes, scorpions,crocs , blue ring octopus either.
One poisonous spider that lives in driftwood, the Katipo.
The wild pig is the only dangerous animal.
apart from the GWS in southern waters.

 

[Absolute]

I have this friend of mine who biked and backpacked all around New Zealand. He said it was a great time.

 

[Oldsarge]

For a free-wheeling American, it's political climate is a bit restrictive but most folk wouldn't object, especially given the (as I understand it) excellent medical care and pension plan. On the other hand, the tax rate is understandably high to pay for such things and the employment possibilities aren't all they could be. Honestly, Sara, Huan may be onto something. The Irish Republic is booming, so much so that many Irish-Americans have headed back to the Olde Countrye. The days when Ireland had a next export of population are over and many a smart Yank takes his/her pension and lives more comfortably there than here. Of course, you do lack for sun and heat . . .

 

[Huan]

how 'bout this

 

[jon71]

For a free-wheeling American, it's political climate is a bit restrictive but most folk wouldn't object, especially given the (as I understand it) excellent medical care and pension plan. On the other hand, the tax rate is understandably high to pay for such things and the employment possibilities aren't all they could be. Honestly, Sara, Huan may be onto something. The Irish Republic is booming, so much so that many Irish-Americans have headed back to the Olde Countrye. The days when Ireland had a next export of population are over and many a smart Yank takes his/her pension and lives more comfortably there than here. Of course, you do lack for sun and heat . . .

Ireland is an incredibly expensive place to live in comparison to NZ. My cousins live outside dublin and moan constantly about the high taxes and high cost of living. Out of interest, why do you think the political climate is restrictive?

 

[Oldsarge]

How 'bout because I'm a Life Member of the NRA? Let's not talk about how many guns are in my safe and I've sold a lot of them off. I leave the image to your imagination.

 

[island_sands]

holy moly Huan! that's incredible! A friend of mine who lives in Auckland reckons you'll get stopped even if you carry aromatherapeutic oils.. its really strict.

 

[crusty]

I am from NZ, whaddaya want ta know?

I thought there was something Sheepish with you Haun
Bloody Kiwis


Crusty