Topics

1

General Discussion / NZ - A Gr8 place to tour!

« on: January 19, 2005, 05:20:16 am »

We have just finished 28days touring the Sth Island of NZ (again!).  We are from NZ, so perhaps a little bias - still we wanted to give you some insights for all you pedal anxious people out there about where to go and ask you all some questions that will help us with our plans.

In NZ you can travel SUPER light.  You need to be fairly fit as often you might not see a town for 80kms or so (if you are taking the quiet back roads) - but its easily achievable because you can carry less load.  We have backpackers that are around $18 - $20 per night per person (and yep if you want a double room the price doesn't really go up!), and cater for all your needs.  It would be very uncommon for them not to have a washing machine and dryer (usually about $3 for both), linen, pillows, and a kitchen which will often have plates, cutlery and cooking hotplates etc.  (we would reccommend taking a cup and spoon of your own though).

What is the set up like on the TransAmerica trail?  We are doing it in May and all the American's we have met have intimated that it isn't quite as well set up as NZ?  Do we need a tent?  If not - what about sleeping bags?  Do you have a similar Backpacker set up?  It sounds like its more likely to be cheap motels?

Anyone out there done it?

And anyone out there that want hints or info on NZ - bring it on!!

Cheers, Heather

This message was edited by heathermilliken on 1-19-05 @ 1:47 AM

2

General Discussion / NZ - A Gr8 place to tour!

« on: January 19, 2005, 05:20:13 am »

We have just finished 28days touring the Sth Island of NZ (again!).  We are from NZ, so perhaps a little bias - still we wanted to give you some insights for all you pedal anxious people out there and ask some questions that will help us with our plans.

In NZ you can travel SUPER light.  You need to be fairly fit as often you might not see a town for 80kms or so (if you are taking the quiet back roads) - but its easily achievable because you can carry less load.  We have backpackers that are around $18 - $20 per night per person (and yep if you want a double room the price doesn't really go up!, and cater for all your needs.  It would be very uncommon for them not to have a washing machine and dryer (usually about $3 for both), linen, pillows, and a kitchen which will often have plates, cutlery and cooking hotplates etc.  (we would reccommend taking a cup and spoon of your own though).

What is the set up like on the TransAmerica trail?  We are doing it in May and all the American's we have met have intimated that it isn't quite as well set up as NZ?  Do we need a tent?  If not - what about sleeping bags?  Do you have a similar Backpacker set up?  It sounds like its more likely to be cheap motels?

Anyone out there done it?
And anyone out there that want hints or info on NZ - bring it on!!

Cheers, Heather Text

3

General Discussion / Money and Banks

« on: October 12, 2004, 01:37:06 am »

My boyfriend and I are riding the TransAm from West to East, starting May 2005.  We are unsure as to how to manage our funds?!  Should we open an account from NZ in the States, and if so, do they provide cashflow (eftpos) cards for easy access?  If so, are there facilities all the way across to access your money - or do you need cash for remote parts of the trip?  We would prefer to stay away from travellers cheques if possible as they are just as much a liability as cash.  It may be easier to set up the bank account once arriving in the States?  Is any bank better than another? Any suggestions greatly appreciated!  Cheers, Heather