http://www.bug.co.uk/forums/categories/pacific-transport/feed.rss Wed, 16 May 12 19:41:36 -0400 Transport en-CA http://www.bug.co.uk/forums/discussion/3847/flying-around-the-world Wed, 14 Dec 2005 18:07:31 -0500 eva 3847@/forums/discussions
am still just trying to set a flying budget that will show me if it is possible at all for me.

as the plan is to stay with my friends, it is basicly just plane prices i am interested in. i have heard of some agencies offering a world tour ticket - does anybody know about that?

i will probably have 3-4 months to use. some destinations might have to be skipped. everything is pretty much at dream-level at the moment.

i am 21, danish and currently living in germany.

(sorry for double posting, but couldn't figure what forum to choose)]]> http://www.bug.co.uk/forums/discussion/6466/freedom-magic-vs.-naked-passport Tue, 04 Jan 2011 07:43:03 -0500 girl.anachronism 6466@/forums/discussions
I'm a Canadian, going on a student exchange to Auckland from Feb 2011-June 2011. I was hoping to do some travelling after my semester was over. I wanted to spend about 3 weeks in July exploring the two islands. Another possibility is to spend a week or two of spring break exploring the North, and dedicate three weeks to the south at the end of the semester.

Driving is not an option for me. I'm 20, but am not at all into the loud partying/drinking/humping strangers scene, and I've heard some rumours about hop-on hop-off buses like Magic. However, my finances are tight. Magic has a promotion right now, and I could go to many cities in both the North and South Island for about the same price as a Naked Passport (20 stops) which is around $480.

My question is, would Magic buses be more comfortable (I've heard Naked buses are terrible for long distance runs), and would they allow me the same type of freedom? I'd like to be able to do all of the activities that I want to do, with the companies I want to do them with, not just book whatever the Magic driver offers. I also want to be able to arrange for Couchsurfing accommodations as opposed to hostels that Magic is affiliated with.

Advice/anecdotes, please?

Things I want to do for sure:
-swim with dolphins
-seal-watching
-penguin-watching
-bungee
-glowworm caves
-something involving climbing/descending rocks =P
-try to catch auroras in the deep south
-glacier view/hike
-pancake rocks
-scuba/snorkelling
-newbie surfing
-Lord of the Rings sightseeing
-Milford Sound cruise

Places I want to hit up include: Rotorua, Taupo, Bay of Islands, Wellington, Picton, Franz Joseph/Fox Glacier, Queenstown, Milford Sound, Invercargill (and that southernmost little island), Kaikoura, Christchurch, Dunedin

Also, would the should the winter weather deter me from doing any of the above-mentioned activities?

If you made it this far into the message, kudos! You're a saint. Thank you!]]> http://www.bug.co.uk/forums/discussion/4377/travel-new-zealand-by-car Sat, 14 Apr 2007 22:44:37 -0400 Rae@MustangSally.ca 4377@/forums/discussions
Kiwi Lui comes with a tent and air matresses. 156000 kilomters. Reliable transport - $2800. Car in Whangarei - delivery to Auckland could be arranged.

Contact [EMAIL="Rae@MustangSally.ca"]Rae@MustangSally.ca[/EMAIL]]]> http://www.bug.co.uk/forums/discussion/2907/cheap-internal-flights Tue, 02 Mar 2004 12:49:00 -0500 laurarwells 2907@/forums/discussions
[ 02. March 2004, 07:34: Message edited by: laurarwells ]]]> http://www.bug.co.uk/forums/discussion/5694/mode-of-transport-from-wellington-to-auckland Sun, 29 Nov 2009 13:54:11 -0500 Jreck_p 5694@/forums/discussions http://www.bug.co.uk/forums/discussion/5691/hitchhiking Sun, 29 Nov 2009 06:05:05 -0500 bigjames77 5691@/forums/discussions
It would great to hear of peoples experience of hitch hiking in New Zealand. If anyone has any helpful hints/tips then it would much appreciated.]]> http://www.bug.co.uk/forums/discussion/2912/car-hire-rental Wed, 15 Sep 2004 19:00:00 -0400 AXL 2912@/forums/discussions
We are driving for around a month on North & South islands. Since we spend so much time in car, we thought we should go for a car that is under 2 years...

Anyone knows of competitive car deals/ agents?

Had a quote from a local agent but for 5 - 6 yrs car. Any advice if we should consider these?

Should we also look out for/avoid any troublesome car rental companies?

Thanks!]]> http://www.bug.co.uk/forums/discussion/4268/which-backpacker-bus Wed, 10 Jan 2007 02:02:05 -0500 laurauk100 4268@/forums/discussions I did the northern wanderer trip from Auckland to Wellington which took 8 days and loved it. But don’t want to sound too biased so heres the good and bad:
Good
- good way to meet people and really laid back feel to trips
- food was really good (thanks to our resident swiss chef Stefan!!) and I only cooked about once every 4 days
- got to do lots of free stuff like hikes, volleyball most nights and bodybording once (though water in NZ in december is still cold!!!)
- bikes were in good condition though not heaps of off road tracks
- our guide (thanks ben) sorted all activities and accommodation so was very easy. I upgraded to cabin on a couple of nights to take a break from the tent for about $7 and that all seemed very easy
- sandboarding, zorbing and tongariro crossing were once in a lifetime activities and highly recommend them all
Bad
- not as many departures as other bus options
- you have to hire bike for your full trip not just daily
- quite a few of the bike tracks are on roads – not many mountain biking tracks

I hope that helps. I would say the bus was good if you don’t want the party bus feel and like nature stuff (hiking, cycling, beaches forest etc). Ages on our trip were probably from early 20s to mid 30s and a cool bunch of people. I would definitely recommend the trip to anyone. If your not too bored already here’s a brief(sih) bit from my blog with a rough day by day guide to what we got to do
DAY ONE
- joined bus with about 14 people on and headed off to bay of Islands area leaving raining Auckland
- Stopped at beach for picnic lunch – couple of people went for swim but too cold for me!
- Got to Paihia and booked my dolphin swimming for next day, also saw giant stingray in harbor which was a bit worrying with snorkeling next day!
- - did about a 15k ride to camp site via waterfalls and coast which was pretty impressive
- Set up camp and played volleyball for few hours
- Maori guy came and joined us at mealtime and played guitar and taught us Maori songs – very cool!
DAY TWO
- Early start for dolphin swimming and on boat by 9am
- Saw heaps of dolphins on trip and also went snorkeling at beach on bay of islands which was beautiful, water was freezing but visibility pretty good. Walked to the top of the island we were on and could see for miles
- Got back to camp and had Kumara (like a sweet potato) which was v nice washed down with Monteiths (my favourite NZ beer)
- Went to maori show at Waitangi which was really well done. One guy had full facial tattoo which must kill to get done!
- Stayed in same camp site

DAY THREE
- - today I did sandboarding which was hilarious. Basically a huge hill about 300m high and you launch yourself off with a small bodyboard and finish in the lake
- then did bike ride through forest on roads, was really dramatic and beginning was grat as mainly downhill. I managed to do about 17k but ben and sarah managed 34k in the sametime – realize I may not be quite as fit as I though
- got to camp site and headed to geothermal spas to relax after all exervise. Actually had water slides there too which were pretty full on so had a couple of gos there too
- camp site was by a beach and had amazing sunset

DAY FOUR
- quite a long drive to coromandel but amazing beach when arrived. Had lunch with awesome view of cathedral cove then headed down for kayak trip
- kayak was about 3 hours and went into blowholes (no longer active) and even had snacks and drinks in a water cave, heaps of people diving too which looked good
- Arrived at amazing beach in coromandel with turqiose waters and had a game of Frisbee on beach for a few hours…sun finally out today and was boiling

DAY FIVE
- another early start today but got to try bodyboards at last on realy nice surf beach never realized how many nice beaches there were in nz. Some people went for walk or rides but I just chilled and bodyboarded
- got to Rotorua and saw heaps of steaming Geysers or geezers as they became known by us! We had some time to wander round the museums and when we got back on the bus it had been done out with streamers and balloons for NYE which was a cool way to get everyone in a party mood
- campsire was amazing and surrounded by bubbling mud and had warm ground
- had a few drinks on bus and then went to lake t watch fireworks for NYE – now 2007!!!

DAY SIX
- managed to start the year with early morning bike ride past psrings and geysers….everything here seems to be bubbling and smoking and strong sulphur smell not the best hangover cure!
- We drive to Taupo and I started my year with a leap – skydive. It was the most amazing experience and still cant believe I did it. Could see mountains and lakes and even got a video done…..cant wait to bore everyone at home with it

DAY SEVEN
- today we were up early for the tongariro crossing. It was a bit rainy when we started and was worried but really cleared up and the trek was amazing. Apparently its known as the best one day walk in the world and I now knw why. You go past mount doom and see volcanic rocks, sulphur lakes, geothermal springs and rainforest all in one walk. We sneaked up a bottle of champagne from new year to pop at the top and walked down with big smiles all round
- stopped for fish and chips after walk and also battered pineapple which I had never had before….not sure I will be having it again but fish was nice
- got to site and wasn’t that keen on idea of camping but guides had arranged surprise for us and had night in cabins with lovely beds….best night sleep I can remember

DAY EIGHT
- Cant believe how quickly this has gone but already the last day of my trip. A few of the others are heading on to South Island and really wish I was going with them
- Got to Wellington and had a few coffees and made the most of Christmas sales. Now on way to aiport for flight back but cant wait to come back and do south island.


hope it all helps and happy travels!]]> http://www.bug.co.uk/forums/discussion/2910/which-is-better-kiwi-experience-versus-magics Mon, 09 Aug 2004 14:17:00 -0400 Donny 2910@/forums/discussions About to buy a pass but don't know which one.....can any-one help? :confused:]]> http://www.bug.co.uk/forums/discussion/5265/windscreen-problems Sat, 18 Apr 2009 12:24:20 -0400 paul buchanan 5265@/forums/discussions just to let you know , if you are heading to perth Australia or staying in perth, and have a problem with your windscreen.
i can help you out, i run my own small business here in perth, and can repair or replace your chipped /cracked windscreen for a fraction of the cost that bigger companies will charge you.
i will also come out to you wherever you are staying in perth.
feel free to call me Paul Buchanan 0417096521:):):)]]> http://www.bug.co.uk/forums/discussion/5123/car-hire-hawaii-arriving-this-saturday Thu, 22 Jan 2009 07:50:05 -0500 v9arl 5123@/forums/discussions Thanks in advance:)]]> http://www.bug.co.uk/forums/discussion/5100/needing-a-lift Sun, 04 Jan 2009 06:48:38 -0500 Telly 5100@/forums/discussions http://www.bug.co.uk/forums/discussion/2915/camper-van-hire Thu, 08 May 2003 05:05:00 -0400 Honest Jon 2915@/forums/discussions
www.ave.net.nz

:D]]> http://www.bug.co.uk/forums/discussion/4117/auckland-christchurch-visa-versa Thu, 03 Aug 2006 11:25:03 -0400 marshmellow 4117@/forums/discussions
Many Thanks:confused:]]> http://www.bug.co.uk/forums/discussion/4874/royale-shuttles Sun, 06 Jul 2008 11:06:23 -0400 linnett 4874@/forums/discussions The guys were great and helped us with local knowledge.
Their ph: +64 3 341 810 and their web: www.royale-pt.co.nz]]> http://www.bug.co.uk/forums/discussion/4637/holiday-rental Wed, 05 Dec 2007 03:04:55 -0500 jennychic 4637@/forums/discussions http://www.mydriveholiday.com found this website earlier and thought I'd share it here, they have info on Australia and USA too! :D]]> http://www.bug.co.uk/forums/discussion/4488/manila Mon, 09 Jul 2007 23:21:00 -0400 VinceClortharf 4488@/forums/discussions http://www.bug.co.uk/forums/discussion/4286/which-bus-trip-to-chooses Wed, 24 Jan 2007 16:30:50 -0500 afrosheama 4286@/forums/discussions
My friend and I are planning on doing a six week jaunt through NZ this spring......we want to hit both islands and our party of four just went down to two. We're thinking a bus tour is the best way to go but we can't decide which company to go with. We don't know what to look for, what is considered good pricewise.....any help?]]> http://www.bug.co.uk/forums/discussion/4118/rara-and-aitutaki Thu, 03 Aug 2006 11:40:05 -0400 marshmellow 4118@/forums/discussions
I'm planning on flying Virgin Blue to Raratongo for a week and hope to nip over to Aitutaki for a few days. How easy to do is this and what are the prices? Also is a week a good amount of time for both of these?

thank you in advance.:o ]]> http://www.bug.co.uk/forums/discussion/3801/getting-around-by-camper-van-nz Wed, 26 Oct 2005 11:18:46 -0400 alexeix 3801@/forums/discussions
However, I've just found out how much it costs to take a van on the ferry between the north and south islands!!!

We're flying into and out of Auckland.

Can anyone advise how they've done this or what our other options are?
Thanks.]]> http://www.bug.co.uk/forums/discussion/2902/uss.pacific-by-boatss Sat, 22 Jan 2005 12:57:00 -0500 sloan 2902@/forums/discussions
has anyone done this or have any advice or ideas of where I may find some info???

I hear this jumkp is do-able, perhaps on some sort of "mail boat, or frieghter? or am I just dreaming?? :confused:]]> http://www.bug.co.uk/forums/discussion/2900/recommended-tour-company Fri, 21 Jan 2005 17:38:00 -0500 travellers legs 2900@/forums/discussions www.flyingkiwi.com). i had a superb time and think i got to see a lot of things i wouldnt have with the others. i know they are all good but on personal experience this one gets my vote.]]> http://www.bug.co.uk/forums/discussion/2914/i-am-driving-from-wellington-to-hamilton Wed, 05 Jan 2005 17:41:00 -0500 Cornboy 2914@/forums/discussions
i am leaving sunday 9th jan.

[ 05. January 2005, 11:42: Message edited by: Cornboy ]]]> http://www.bug.co.uk/forums/discussion/2904/transportations-in-the-fiji-islands Fri, 09 Jan 2004 19:46:00 -0500 2904@/forums/discussions
[ 13. January 2004, 13:57: Message edited by: Tiakis ]]]> http://www.bug.co.uk/forums/discussion/2903/magic-bus Sun, 20 Jul 2003 13:17:00 -0400 LEANNEUK 2903@/forums/discussions http://www.bug.co.uk/forums/discussion/2901/kiwi-experience-pass-4-sale-cheap Wed, 09 Jul 2003 23:28:00 -0400 Roachy 2901@/forums/discussions
Worth: $895 Australian I’ll take: $650

Unfortunately I had a mix up with the agents selling the pass and didn't have the time or the itinerary to take any of the offered trips. Kiwi Experience won't refund money on tickets, but they will transfer passes into someone else's name if you can sell it on yourself. That's what I'm trying to do.

See www.kiwiexperience.com for details, but it covers transport over most of the country in guided tour bus. Valid until 18/11/03. Help me out please!!

I'm based in Canberra, Australia]]> http://www.bug.co.uk/forums/discussion/2911/backpacking-around-nz Sat, 06 Oct 2001 21:22:00 -0400 DustyDevil 2911@/forums/discussions http://www.bug.co.uk/forums/discussion/2909/free-t-shirt Thu, 22 Feb 2001 10:37:00 -0500 2909@/forums/discussions
BUG - the Backpackers Ultimate Guide has grown considerably in the past year with the addition of sites dedicated to budget travel in Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific in addition to the more established BUG Europe web site. During this time the BUG Forums (formerly known as The Grapevine) has played a vital part in creating a sense of community among visitors to these sites.

Without your contributions and support BUG wouldn't be where it is today. We would like to thank you for your contribution to the web site by offering a free t-shirt to anyone who has posted over 50 unique messages on BUG Forums.

Although we have just launched this t-shirt promotion, we are extending this offer to existing contributors to the BUG Forums message boards to allow your existing message posts on BUG Forums to count towards the 50 messages required for a free t-shirt.

We have 100 t-shirts to give away and this offer will run until all the t-shirts have gone. There are a few terms and conditions such as not posting anything offensive or repeating the same post in different forums, however this is generally a fairly easy way to score a free t-shirt. If you use BUG as your main resource for planning your big trip and use BUG Forums then it shouldn't be too difficult to post 50 messages over a couple of months.

This promotion is valid on all the forums under the bugforums.com domain; this includes the Australia, Europe and Pacific forums. If you're travelling down under, feel free to participate in the Australia and Pacific forums. Both these parts of BUG are fairly new and it would be great to establish the sort of community that currently exists on the Europe forums.

Click here for more information on the free BUG t-shirt offer: http://www.bugforums.com/tshirt.html

Thanks again for helping make BUG a success.


[email]admin@bugeurope.com[/email]
BUG Services Ltd
BUG - the Backpackers Ultimate Guide www.bugeurope.com, www.bugaustralia.com and www.bugpacific.com ]]> http://www.bug.co.uk/forums/discussion/2906/cheapest-way-new-caledonia-new-zealand Sun, 12 Nov 2000 20:41:00 -0500 Eya 2906@/forums/discussions What's the cheapest to go from New Caledonia to New Zealand (and back or from New Zealand to French Polynesia)beginning Feb'2001 ? Air New Zealand fare are quite expensive. Any ferry service, charter company ?

Eya]]> http://www.bug.co.uk/forums/discussion/2905/taieri-gorge-railway Mon, 24 Jul 2000 10:20:00 -0400 Geoff 2905@/forums/discussions
Has anyone taken the Taieri Gorge Railway between Dunedin and Queenstown?

Is it worth the extra money and how does it compare with the Tranz Alpine between Christchurch and Greymouth?

Geoff ]]>