Helms Deep... errr... New Zealand...

[Phoenix]

The Lord of the Rings films was filmed in New Zealand, and I have been fascinated with that land through the incredible cinematography.

Yesterday was exactly 1.5 years since I stopped smoking, cold turkey, 547 days. Estimated 27,350 cigarettes not smoked! And a whole lot of cash saved!

I promised myself a present. If I MADE it from quitting cold turkey not smoking, I would finally, FINALLY go visit New Zealand and/or Australia ... both such long plane trips away that I would NEVER do them if I were a smoker! I feared that trip beyond belief actually. Well, now, I'm ready. I'm thinking of going to NZ in the fall or winter, finally, to reward myself.

Any suggestions for New Zealand? ...besides "take a camera"

 

[tomson75]

The Lord of the Rings films was filmed in New Zealand, and I have been fascinated with that land through the incredible cinematography.

Yesterday was exactly 1.5 years since I stopped smoking, cold turkey, 547 days. Estimated 27,350 cigarettes not smoked! And a whole lot of cash saved!

I promised myself a present. If I MADE it from quitting cold turkey not smoking, I would finally, FINALLY go visit New Zealand and/or Australia ... both such long plane trips away that I would NEVER do them if I were a smoker! I feared that trip beyond belief actually. Well, now, I'm ready. I'm thinking of going to NZ in the fall or winter, finally, to reward myself.

Any suggestions for New Zealand? ...besides "take a camera"

That's probably the number 1 local on my bucket list. I have several friends that have visited, and one that worked there for some time...you won't be disappointed no matter where your wandering takes you. I'll see if I can get some info from them...

Oh, and congrats on quitting. I'm smoke free since September 11, 2009....best decision ever.

 

[Dallas]

My buddy Doug and his wife Patty (she's our business programming unit manager) just left yesterday for a 4 week cruise around AU and NZ. You might know Doug from the show "Mounted in Alaska".

I suggest you do what Doug is doing while visiting NZ. :

He is hunting goats and stag to later bring back and mount for the show, later.

I am jealous.


Doug far left - Giant Goofy Smile. Great guy!

 

[YosemiteSam]

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All I see is the blonde. Who are you talking about?

 

[Dallas]

All I see is the blonde. Who are you talking about?

Agreed.

 

[YosemiteSam]

btw, Phoenix. My advice is stay the **** away from Mordor.

It looks like this, and one simply doesn't walk into Mordor.

 

[Dallas]

Umm yeah, Phoenix? uhhh Check your iPhone

 

[Idgit]

Tripadvisor it.

 

[YosemiteSam]

Tripadvisor it.

Mordor is on Tripadvisor? :laugh2:

 

[Dallas]

Roll Tide

 

[Hostile]

My In Laws lived there for a while when they were microfilming birth, death, and marriage records for the Government there.

Bring me back the biggest can you can find of Milo. It is an Australian drink, but they do have it in NZ. Addicting.

I highly suggest scuba diving at Hauruki Gulf in Auckland. Stunning.

Congrats on your accomplishment.

 

[tomson75]

Umm yeah, Phoenix? uhhh Check your iPhone

:laugh2:

 

[Phoenix]

Thanks for the suggestions so far! I'll definitely take the long way around Mordor

 

[Wimbo]

Bring me back the biggest can you can find of Milo. It is an Australian drink, but they do have it in NZ. Addicting.

http://www.amazon.com/Nestle-Milo-Beverage-Mix-400g/dp/B000JMBE9U

 

[Mitcha68]

This looks cool!

http://www.hobbitontours.com/

if you find a gold ring, don't pick it up! :laugh2:

 

[Yeagermeister]

btw, Phoenix. My advice is stay the **** away from Mordor.

It looks like this, and one simply doesn't walk into Mordor.

Unless you are Chuck Norris. He'd walk in and give the eye a round house.

 

[Longboysfan]

Hang with the Hobbitts....

 

[Phoenix]

This looks cool!

http://www.hobbitontours.com/

if you find a gold ring, don't pick it up! :laugh2:

Wow, that DOES look cool!

 

[kmp77]

Wait until they finish filming the new movies. You can visit the hobbit town and i think now everything will be permanent instead of temporary like it was before. So it'll look just like it does in the movie. You can even go inside one