On our way to New Plymouth

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  Wanganui, North Island, New Zealand
Sunday, April 25, 2010

We are slowly making our way up the West coast of the North Island towards New Plymouth, where we are to meet some friends of friends who we hope will show us what it's like to actually live and work in New Zealand.  Unfortunately, the drive has been rainy and dull so far, so I thought I'd use this opportunity to catch up on some pictures that didn't make it into previous posts.  There are some pictures of our recent crossing of the Cook Straight as well.  It was much sunnier this time.

Lastly, I'd like to take a moment to talk about the camper-van industry here in NZ.  As it is so easy to camp and travel here it makes sense that the market would cater to the activity.  Additionally, tourism is the 2nd biggest component of the economy, so the choices are great and varied.  You can rent anything from a vintage VW Vanagon to a small rolling house.  The quality is pretty good across the board but there are some clear leaders.  We went with a small company known for high quality and personal service.  They have been very good, but far from perfect. 

If I had it to do again I would look closely at the options from Kea and Maui as all of their products look great and they seem to offer a lot of choice.  The few renters I have spoken to have had no complaints.  The real advantage of our van is the lack of advertising, so we look a bit less touristy, but in the end the country is full of tourists and even the locals who are on holiday are renting vans so who really cares about the company logos.

Later,
alex

PS.  So how many linebackers did the Saints draft?!!!

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Like a caged animal	Molly and VW enjoying some down time.	The temp really falls at night.	But Vaughn didn't seem to mind.
Glassy water.	Here come the artsy shots again.	Good reflection.	Sunset on Lake Wanaka
Oooh fancy foreground shot.	Molly took this one.   Comments!	And this one. Nice work.	Light's fading
Fire light log with rising moon.	Again.	Ferry crossing.	Ferry crossing.
Ferry crossing.	Ferry crossing.	Ferry crossing.	Ferry crossing.
Ferry crossing.	Ferry crossing.	Spaceship.	Britz.
Jucy.	BackPacker.   Comments!	Escape.	CheapaCamper
Wicked.

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