New Zealand visit.

[JUSTA6]

7 hours ago, Fitzy said:

Firstly, thanks to Ringo for putting this thread in the correct forum for me. Off Topic suits it better than the Progression page.

Had a look at Baldwin St - man, that's steep. I took a pic from the safety of the car and then we headed off up the coast. The little windy road that exits Dunedin was very pretty: narrow and through farmland. We had a killer breakfast at some little town and then stumbled across 'Steampunk HQ' IN Oamaru. I'm sure you're all aware of what Steampunk is: think Rat Rod style meets clothing, jewellery and machinery. I love this sort of thing. If I had any imagination I'd happily create this stuff all day. Anyway, I hope you like the pics.Looking up Baldwin St - photo cannot capture it's steepness.This thing was massive - those are fullsize tractor tyres.

Never heard of Steampunk, but I LIKE it.  Could wander around there all day.

[Frosty]

Steampunk has been a trend, particularly in Hollywood movies, for awhile now. According to Wikipedia, steampunk is defined as a subgenre of science fiction that incorporates retrofuturistic technology and aesthetics inspired by 19th-century industrial steam-powered machinery. The movie remake of Wild, Wild West with Will Smith could be considered steampunk.

[64 kiwi boni]

Ah !

that’s kinda like this thing in our garden !

[Fitzy]

Drove through some really pretty country today - rolling green hills and that wonderful almost manicured appearance. We wound our way along this great little road with NO traffic. It was like being in an Enid Blyton novel - I expected Noddy & Big Ears to come around the next corner in Noddy's little car.

Speaking of cars, the uptake of EVs seems higher than in Australia. I know we've discussed EVs quite a bit in this forum but I'm glad to see them getting about. Conversely, back where I live the locals think electric cars are a form of witchcraft and they run down the street with pitchforks chasing them away.

We are staying in Akoroa tonight which was settled by the French and retains a distinctive French flavour - the streets are 'rues' and all the shops & restaurants are of French influence.

Back to Christchurch tomorrow, return the car and fly to Wellington in the North Island. Will catch up with Kiwi next Tuesday. Yee hah!

[Fitzy]

This is how I envision Kiwi & me sitting in his purple Dodge, except my expression will be one of unbridled terror and not of ignorant bliss.

[64 kiwi boni]

45 minutes ago, Fitzy said:

It was like being in an Enid Blyton novel - I expected Noddy & Big Ears to come around the next corner in Noddy's little car.

mate! i told you not to smoke that south island weed !!! geee!!

46 minutes ago, Fitzy said:

Speaking of cars, the uptake of EVs seems higher than in Australia. I know we've discussed EVs quite a bit in this forum but I'm glad to see them getting about. Conversely, back where I live the locals think electric cars are a form of witchcraft and they run down the street with pitchforks chasing them away.

And so they should!... you watch, it wont be long and at night you will know who drives a ev... they are the ones that glow in the dark !!!

[64 kiwi boni]

41 minutes ago, Fitzy said:

This is how I envision Kiwi & me sitting in his purple Dodge, except my expression will be one of unbridled terror and not of ignorant bliss.

note to self..... scare the shit out of fitzy in the hellcat next week !!!.... hehehe ( evil laugh) i wonder if a can take a picture of a ghost white ozzy while smoking the tires sideways ???...

Pete... hold my beer !!!

[Fitzy]

Yeah...I think we'll give Taupo a miss. I'll attend the local church group meeting and we can use their Prius and go and save some souls from the evils of drink and horsepower.

29 minutes ago, 64 kiwi boni said:

note to self..... scare the shit out of fitzy in the hellcat next week !!!.... hehehe ( evil laugh) i wonder if a can take a picture of a ghost white ozzy while smoking the tires sideways ???...

Pete... hold my beer !!!

 

[Ringo64]

4 hours ago, 64 kiwi boni said:

note to self..... scare the shit out of fitzy in the hellcat next week !!!.... hehehe ( evil laugh) i wonder if a can take a picture of a ghost white ozzy while smoking the tires sideways ???...

Pete... hold my beer !!!

Need to video this

[Frosty]

14 hours ago, Fitzy said:

This is how I envision Kiwi & me sitting in his purple Dodge, except my expression will be one of unbridled terror and not of ignorant bliss.

....and complete incontinence!

Plan accordingly mates!

[JUSTA6]

I have a MUCH better way to fill a diaper.   YES we want pic's.   Nevis Swing...  Queensland

https://www.bungy.co.nz/queenstown/nevis/nevis-swing/

Edited September 9, 2022 by JUSTA6

[64 kiwi boni]

3 hours ago, JUSTA6 said:

I have a MUCH better way to fill a diaper.   YES we want pic's.   Nevis Swing...  Queensland

https://www.bungy.co.nz/queenstown/nevis/nevis-swing/

Funny you say that justA ! 
we have a Bungy jump in Taupo ! 

[Fitzy]

I am NEVER bungy jumping, ever.

Today we drove to Christchurch, dropped the car off and flew into Wellington - a 40 minute flight. Picked up the next hire car (a Prius!) and ended up in the worst traffic I have seen in years. Anyway after only one wrong turn we found our hotel. Fortunately they have onsite parking (parking is a big deal in NZ cities) and let me tell you, it was the smallest tightest multi level parking area I have ever experienced. The Prius isn't a small car but it isn't exactly large either and it took all 45 years of my driving experience to manoeuvre the thing about without scraping anything. The damn thing only just made it around the corners in this parking area. It also only just fitted in it's allotted bay. If you had a larger vehicle, there is no way it would fit. I heard other unfortunates whining about the lack of space too, so it wasn't just me.

No pics yet, but Wellington (NZ's capital) is full of life. Lots of activity, lots to do.

[Frosty]

Welcome to Wellington - no sniveling allowed you Aussie parking sissy!

 

[JUSTA6]

53 minutes ago, Frosty said:

Welcome to Wellington - no sniveling allowed you Aussie parking sissy!

 

Wouldn't you be in a hot mess with the Roadmonster over there.

6 hours ago, Fitzy said:

I am NEVER bungy jumping, ever.

Today we drove to Christchurch, dropped the car off and flew into Wellington - a 40 minute flight. Picked up the next hire car (a Prius!) and ended up in the worst traffic I have seen in years. Anyway after only one wrong turn we found our hotel. Fortunately they have onsite parking (parking is a big deal in NZ cities) and let me tell you, it was the smallest tightest multi level parking area I have ever experienced. The Prius isn't a small car but it isn't exactly large either and it took all 45 years of my driving experience to manoeuvre the thing about without scraping anything. The damn thing only just made it around the corners in this parking area. It also only just fitted in it's allotted bay. If you had a larger vehicle, there is no way it would fit. I heard other unfortunates whining about the lack of space too, so it wasn't just me.

No pics yet, but Wellington (NZ's capital) is full of life. Lots of activity, lots to do.

NO OFFICER, I didn't do a burnout.....That's Justa Prius repellant.  

[Frosty]

3 minutes ago, JUSTA6 said:

Wouldn't you be in a hot mess with the Roadmonster over there.

NO OFFICER, I didn't do a burnout.....That's Justa Prius repellant.  

I'd have to find lorry parking.

[Fitzy]

Believe me, that parking lot is not for the faint hearted. Anything bigger than a Camry WILL NOT FIT. Frosty's Roadmonster would have carved away most of the concrete during the first turn.

The pictured robot greeted you as you entered the security area at Christchurch airport. It's head and limbs moved as it told you what to do when you entered. As I walked past it and looked at it's eyes, it stopped talking and appeared to stare at me, so much so that it's head followed me as I walked off - an eerie experience. When they make a sexy female one, I'm getting one - as long as there's an 'off' button.

Another great breakfast this morning, followed by a cable car ride, a walk through their magnificent Botanical Gardens, a look through the excellent Te Papa Museum, a burger and then a little rest. Goodness me - who sounds like an old fuddy duddy?

Once I post this, it's off for another walk, a coupla beers and dinner. Wellington has all manner of electic eateries and shops - an absolute pleasure to visit here.

[Fitzy]

Staying with partner's sister at her house out of town, out of range and nestled between rolling green hills, cows, sheep & horses. Open fire, cold beer, roast lamb in the oven...pretty damn good.

A quick few words on the Prius. This is my first experience of an EV and I have to say that watching the graphic display on the dash of where power is coming from and where it's going is mesmerising. I have a newfound respect for the depth of engineering that has gone into producing a car that seamlessly integrates petrol & electric power. I know EVs are a polarising subject here but amongst the plethora of different EV systems available, I seem to think that a petrol/electric hybrid makes a lot of sense - no range anxiety, ample power and the ability to cruise through an urban area in pure EV mode, thereby lowering emissions where people live. Nothing wrong with driving an EV and keeping the old dinosaur for weekends. I'll stop now.

Will meet up with Kiwi tomorrow and will attempt to drink all his beer. Steinlager for me thanks Chris. 

[64 kiwi boni]

40 minutes ago, Fitzy said:

A quick few words on the Prius. This is my first experience of an EV and I have to say that watching the graphic display on the dash of where power is coming from and where it's going is mesmerising. I have a newfound respect for the depth of engineering that has gone into producing a car that seamlessly integrates petrol & electric power. I know EVs are a polarising subject here but amongst the plethora of different EV systems available, I seem to think that a petrol/electric hybrid makes a lot of sense - no range anxiety, ample power and the ability to cruise through an urban area in pure EV mode, thereby lowering emissions where people live. Nothing wrong with driving an EV and keeping the old dinosaur for weekends. I'll stop now.

Wash your mouth out !!!! you traitor !! 😡this is forever pontiac, not ev are us!

Did you wear your lead suit? with all the magnet feild bussing through you, while your smiling at a tv sceen showing were the power comes from ? 

 i recon by the time you get here tomorrow you will  glow in the dark!!

Edited September 12, 2022 by 64 kiwi boni

[Fitzy]

Welcome to EVs R us.

Pfft. Another redneck. I'll add you to the list! Yes, I'll be the one with the emanating eerie green glow. Actually, with the hilly NZ terrain, I don't think the car was especially economical but I did feel a certain amount of smugness as I silently cruised through towns without gassing the locals.

On a happier note, the roast lamb was deee - licious.

Get them beers on ice, buddy.

[Frosty]

Is it too late to go out and buy the cheap shit Kiwi? LOL! 

Tomorrow's chapter will be called "Let the Stupid Begin!"

Edited September 12, 2022 by Frosty

[64 kiwi boni]

7 hours ago, Frosty said:

Is it too late to go out and buy the cheap shit Kiwi? LOL! 

Tomorrow's chapter will be called "Let the Stupid Begin!"

Yip I got heaps of cold speights ready !!! 

Edited September 12, 2022 by 64 kiwi boni

[Ringo64]

23 minutes ago, 64 kiwi boni said:

Yip I got heaps of cold speights ready !!! 

[Last Indian]

On 9/12/2022 at 12:35 AM, Fitzy said:

Staying with partner's sister at her house out of town, out of range and nestled between rolling green hills, cows, sheep & horses. Open fire, cold beer, roast lamb in the oven...pretty damn good.

A quick few words on the Prius. This is my first experience of an EV and I have to say that watching the graphic display on the dash of where power is coming from and where it's going is mesmerising. I have a newfound respect for the depth of engineering that has gone into producing a car that seamlessly integrates petrol & electric power. I know EVs are a polarising subject here but amongst the plethora of different EV systems available, I seem to think that a petrol/electric hybrid makes a lot of sense - no range anxiety, ample power and the ability to cruise through an urban area in pure EV mode, thereby lowering emissions where people live. Nothing wrong with driving an EV and keeping the old dinosaur for weekends. I'll stop now.

Will meet up with Kiwi tomorrow and will attempt to drink all his beer. Steinlager for me thanks Chris. 

JustA mazing Fitzy! Been following all your travels really beautiful county! 
As far as the Prius; come to the US & drive one on the freeway here! When you finally stop & get out you will kiss the ground! Also save all the money you can because they break a lot & cost a ton to fix! 
 

Kiwi! When you take Fitzy for that ride two things! Put a $20 on the dash & tell Fitzy he can have it if he can get to it before you hit 4th gear! Also take some ear plugs the screaming & crying might be a little intense!

Edited September 13, 2022 by Last Indian

[Fitzy]

Well, here we are at Taupo. Rain, wind, grey skies, weird locals...

Caught up with Kiwi & "The Boss." He made me go outside with him in the searing icy blasts of wind and made me admire all his toys - see attached pics as proof that we actually made it. In all seriousness, lovely people, beautiful house & property and a killer collection of cars, including his projects. We are going out for dinner tonight and I WILL NOT be drinking that zero alcohol abomination that he showcased. If I had known, I would have brought along a bible for us to study. In fact, with the way the weather is we mightn't even get a chance to go for a blast in one of fhe toys, but we'll see.

You know how you chat to people online and you form a mental picture of what they might look like? Well as usual, he is nowhere near what I expected. I was expecting a dishevelled creature dressed in rags, one eye, no teeth, hunchback scarpering out of an old caravan weilding a shotgun - been living on possums for the last 10 years so as to afford all that shiny metal. But nothing like that...although there were no possums to be seen, so you never know.

To break tradition we had already agreed to post a pic of us so that you may all bathe in our collective good looks. I'm the better looking tall dark handsome one on the right. No, the RIGHT.