20 replies to this topic

[debs]

Hi guys,

I've just booked a flight to New Zealand, leaving UK on Nov 17th, flying into Auckland and flying out of Auckland on Dec 15th.

I'm C5/6 travelling with my carer and plan to hire a car and now I need ideas, tips, accommodation recommendations, excursion recommendations, anything at all really.

I know there are a few SCI people in NZ that use this site too and was wondering if there is anyone or anywhere in NZ that would like to lend or rent me some e-motion wheels for a month, I use them here in England but I'm reluctant to take mine on the plane.

Any help/advice gratefully received....

[HiltonP]

http://www.apparelyz...newzealand.html

http://www.apparelyz...lfordsound.html

[Scribbler]

debs, on Aug 10 2009, 11:00 AM, said:

Hi guys,

I've just booked a flight to New Zealand, leaving UK on Nov 17th, flying into Auckland and flying out of Auckland on Dec 15th.

I'm C5/6 travelling with my carer and plan to hire a car and now I need ideas, tips, accommodation recommendations, excursion recommendations, anything at all really.

I know there are a few SCI people in NZ that use this site too and was wondering if there is anyone or anywhere in NZ that would like to lend or rent me some e-motion wheels for a month, I use them here in England but I'm reluctant to take mine on the plane.

Any help/advice gratefully received....

If the wheels come off your chair then I'd take it with you, but take the wheels on the plane and ask the cabin crew to keep them in a safe place. When I flew to South Africa I took as much off my electric wheelchair as possible and took it on the plane, the cabin crew were most helpful. It still didn't prevent the handlers at Heathrow from messing things up.

I have a sister who lives in NZ. About 8 years ago we planned a trip to visit her. Everything was booked, flights, stop-overs and a wheel-in vehicle for my Bro-in Law to drive us about. We had to cancel due to my wife's health so make sure your health cover is good.

I know you'll have a wonderful time, as its a stunning country; unless you bump into Nomis..

Don't expect hot sunny weather; that's usually January, February; its coming into their Springtime now.

Mike

[Ches]

Hey wow, I have a trip planned to Australia and NZ around December 1st..

Id love some tips too..

Nomis where do you live?!?!? I'm coming to get you...

Back to the tips,,..instead of 'Where should I go'.. just tell me where I shouldnt go.. the rest is fair game!

[Scribbler]

Ches, on Aug 10 2009, 07:07 PM, said:

just tell me where I shouldnt go.. the rest is fair game!

Don't visit my Sister, she'll tell lies about me and also get you working in their Avo and Kiwi orchards and only pays $12 per hour; that's NZ $...

Nomis lives in a Cave, like all Wise men do... Just follow the Bright Star, down the Yellow Brick Road... You cant miss him; he wears stilettos.....

Edited by Scribbler, 10 August 2009 - 06:58 PM.

[nomis]

Just briefly emerging from my carve (I'm not as wise as Scibbler who lives in a real house).
Ches, I live in Nelson at the top of the South Is. I'm waiting.
Debs, I think Scribs wise advice to bring your own wheels makes sense. You may be able to trace some e-motion wheels in Auckland through google but it's not something I'm familiar with. You might end up spending your whole holiday sorting out chairs.

Anywhere in NZ is worth visiting at least once. Depends on what you want.

[debs]

Hi again,

Thanks for the advice so far... I am definitely not going to take my e-motions with me as I can easily fit my lightweight manual wheels on my chair.

I'm reluctant to take my e-motions because if anything goes wrong with them my carer will have to push me and my heavy e-motions, I just thought I'd ask if there was anyone or anywhere in NZ that could hire me some because that would just be an added bonus to what is going to be a great holiday.

Now anyone got tips on what to do, what not to do? A former carer of mine has recently moved to Auckland so we're going to be meeting up with her and we plan to visit the Coromandel, Bay of Islands, Rotorua, Hawkes Bay, Waikato and probably lots more, I'm open to suggestions, we don't plan on doing the South Island this time around but I expect to visit again.

So out of the places I've named anyone got any advice? experience? anything at all?........

[chickadee]

I have no advice or experience, besides insane jealousy.

[Bevan-L]

Ches, on Aug 11 2009, 04:07 AM, said:

Hey wow, I have a trip planned to Australia and NZ around December 1st..

If you do come to Aus... we gonna go out partying or what?

[Slowlegs]

debs, on Aug 10 2009, 11:00 AM, said:

Hi guys,

I've just booked a flight to New Zealand, leaving UK on Nov 17th, flying into Auckland and flying out of Auckland on Dec 15th.

I'm C5/6 travelling with my carer and plan to hire a car and now I need ideas, tips, accommodation recommendations, excursion recommendations, anything at all really.

I know there are a few SCI people in NZ that use this site too and was wondering if there is anyone or anywhere in NZ that would like to lend or rent me some e-motion wheels for a month, I use them here in England but I'm reluctant to take mine on the plane.

Any help/advice gratefully received....

Hi, make sure you get onto the rental car as soon as possible if you want hand controls. Last time there were only two companies I could find (Budget and a cheaper place based in West Auckland) but I may be wrong. If you go onto the NZ Automobile association website they have some trips you may enjoy and 101 must do trips for kiwis which may help.

Try to see Rotorua (heaps of bubbling mud pools), Nelson (the cave where Osama Bin Nomis lives is there), Christchurch and Queenstown. It is usually starting to get pretty warm at that time of year which is good and it will be daylight savings time too. One thing you may want to be wary of is when you are turning left at an intersection you must give way to vehicles turning right. It is a frustrating rule even to us kiwi's and catch out unwary people.

Hope you have a great trip, you'll just miss my birthday party but if you want to catch up for a coffee with a kiwi and fellow apparelyzed member, drop me a bell.

[HiltonP]

debs, on Aug 13 2009, 02:05 PM, said:

. . . we don't plan on doing the South Island this time around . . .

There's your first mistake.
All the really good stuff is on the South Island.



http://www.globalacc...australia02.htm

http://www.globalacc...ndhawkins03.htm

http://www.globalacc...zealrainso4.htm

http://www.globalacc...dburns04pt1.htm

http://www.globalacc...dburns04pt2.htm

Edited by HiltonP, 14 August 2009 - 08:23 AM.

[Bill Forrester]

I agree there is some really great stuff on the South Island.
Have a look at my review http://travability.t...sland_Blog.html
Ches if you are coming to Aus in Dec drop me a note with where you would like to go and I will give you some suggestions.

[Scribbler]

Deb's,

I spoke to my Sister in NZ. She hopes you will be impressed with the accessibility there. Every where in NZ is good to see, even from a car; it just depends on your tastes.
I'm sure you'll have a great trip. Who are you flying with and where will you be stopping off?

Mike

[debs]

Hi again,

We're flying with Cathay Pacific and we're stopping in Hong Kong but just for a couple of hours.

I've been researching stuff on the internet, there seems to be tons of stuff to do and I'm having trouble deciding which bits to do!

I travelled down the East Coast of Australia a few years ago and took 3 months to do it, we didn't book any accommodation until we got there and we didn't have any trouble finding suitable accommodation as we went but as we're only in New Zealand for a month I feel I may have to be a bit more organised...

As for my tastes, I love everything, especially warm sunny weather (another reason to stay North!)

Edited by debs, 15 August 2009 - 05:04 PM.

[macthefox]

debs, on Aug 10 2009, 11:00 AM, said:

Hi guys,

I've just booked a flight to New Zealand, leaving UK on Nov 17th, flying into Auckland and flying out of Auckland on Dec 15th.

I'm C5/6 travelling with my carer and plan to hire a car and now I need ideas, tips, accommodation recommendations, excursion recommendations, anything at all really.

I know there are a few SCI people in NZ that use this site too and was wondering if there is anyone or anywhere in NZ that would like to lend or rent me some e-motion wheels for a month, I use them here in England but I'm reluctant to take mine on the plane.

Any help/advice gratefully received....

sorry to be late but I am enjoying Vietnam and haven't paid attention to apparelyzed. I have stayed in NZ twice and I cannot recommend it enough. If you need an adapted car I get my cars from Avis at the airport - do not drive the day that you land - you need a good nights sleep to remain safe. I always travel alone and never have problems and of course in NZ you will never have time to be lonely. I only book accomodation for the first night - at the airport and after that I book in wherever I stop. I use motels and nearly all have accessible accommodation and I have never had to sleep on the streets. This way, if I like it I can stay longer, if I don't like it I move on ---- you cannot easily do that if you book everything. As most have said - the South is the place but the North is fun and if you have an adapted car you can put it on the ferry and carry on in the South - if you are able bodied you have to change cars. As you are there for a month you can plot a circular route and cover most things within that time unless you keep finding your dream place in which case self control is the answer. I haven't found anywhere which I have thought is a waste of time and of course so much depends upon who you meet there. So many great people wherever you go.
Your emotion wheels will help a lot out there and re-charging is not a problem. Most people take their own but as they are very heavy protective covers are sensible - I have always found air staff very helpful and understanding over wheelchairs. (see my blurb on this site under wheelchair accessible airlines and toilets). If you really don't want to take your wheels I have a contact in the North who uses these wheels and she may be able to advise you (she flies with hers) - leave me a note if I can help.
Other than that all I can say is enjoy it ........... you surely will and I am just sad -- I have been there for the last two Xmas' but will miss it this year having fun in Vietnam and know that I will the fond memories hitting me this year -- I will never forget NZ

[Scribbler]

macthefox, on Oct 1 2009, 06:30 PM, said:

debs, on Aug 10 2009, 11:00 AM, said:

Hi guys,

I've just booked a flight to New Zealand, leaving UK on Nov 17th, flying into Auckland and flying out of Auckland on Dec 15th.

I'm C5/6 travelling with my carer and plan to hire a car and now I need ideas, tips, accommodation recommendations, excursion recommendations, anything at all really.

I know there are a few SCI people in NZ that use this site too and was wondering if there is anyone or anywhere in NZ that would like to lend or rent me some e-motion wheels for a month, I use them here in England but I'm reluctant to take mine on the plane.

Any help/advice gratefully received....

sorry to be late but I am enjoying Vietnam and haven't paid attention to apparelyzed. I have stayed in NZ twice and I cannot recommend it enough. If you need an adapted car I get my cars from Avis at the airport - do not drive the day that you land - you need a good nights sleep to remain safe. I always travel alone and never have problems and of course in NZ you will never have time to be lonely. I only book accomodation for the first night - at the airport and after that I book in wherever I stop. I use motels and nearly all have accessible accommodation and I have never had to sleep on the streets. This way, if I like it I can stay longer, if I don't like it I move on ---- you cannot easily do that if you book everything. As most have said - the South is the place but the North is fun and if you have an adapted car you can put it on the ferry and carry on in the South - if you are able bodied you have to change cars. As you are there for a month you can plot a circular route and cover most things within that time unless you keep finding your dream place in which case self control is the answer. I haven't found anywhere which I have thought is a waste of time and of course so much depends upon who you meet there. So many great people wherever you go.
Your emotion wheels will help a lot out there and re-charging is not a problem. Most people take their own but as they are very heavy protective covers are sensible - I have always found air staff very helpful and understanding over wheelchairs. (see my blurb on this site under wheelchair accessible airlines and toilets). If you really don't want to take your wheels I have a contact in the North who uses these wheels and she may be able to advise you (she flies with hers) - leave me a note if I can help.
Other than that all I can say is enjoy it ........... you surely will and I am just sad -- I have been there for the last two Xmas' but will miss it this year having fun in Vietnam and know that I will the fond memories hitting me this year -- I will never forget NZ

I'm so pleased your having a great trip. I have friends who've been to Vietnam and counted 7 on a Moped; have you seen 8?

[Bernard Briggs]

Scribbler, on Oct 2 2009, 05:48 AM, said:

macthefox, on Oct 1 2009, 06:30 PM, said:

debs, on Aug 10 2009, 11:00 AM, said:

Hi guys,

I've just booked a flight to New Zealand, leaving UK on Nov 17th, flying into Auckland and flying out of Auckland on Dec 15th.

I'm C5/6 travelling with my carer and plan to hire a car and now I need ideas, tips, accommodation recommendations, excursion recommendations, anything at all really.

I know there are a few SCI people in NZ that use this site too and was wondering if there is anyone or anywhere in NZ that would like to lend or rent me some e-motion wheels for a month, I use them here in England but I'm reluctant to take mine on the plane.

Any help/advice gratefully received....

sorry to be late but I am enjoying Vietnam and haven't paid attention to apparelyzed. I have stayed in NZ twice and I cannot recommend it enough. If you need an adapted car I get my cars from Avis at the airport - do not drive the day that you land - you need a good nights sleep to remain safe. I always travel alone and never have problems and of course in NZ you will never have time to be lonely. I only book accomodation for the first night - at the airport and after that I book in wherever I stop. I use motels and nearly all have accessible accommodation and I have never had to sleep on the streets. This way, if I like it I can stay longer, if I don't like it I move on ---- you cannot easily do that if you book everything. As most have said - the South is the place but the North is fun and if you have an adapted car you can put it on the ferry and carry on in the South - if you are able bodied you have to change cars. As you are there for a month you can plot a circular route and cover most things within that time unless you keep finding your dream place in which case self control is the answer. I haven't found anywhere which I have thought is a waste of time and of course so much depends upon who you meet there. So many great people wherever you go.
Your emotion wheels will help a lot out there and re-charging is not a problem. Most people take their own but as they are very heavy protective covers are sensible - I have always found air staff very helpful and understanding over wheelchairs. (see my blurb on this site under wheelchair accessible airlines and toilets). If you really don't want to take your wheels I have a contact in the North who uses these wheels and she may be able to advise you (she flies with hers) - leave me a note if I can help.
Other than that all I can say is enjoy it ........... you surely will and I am just sad -- I have been there for the last two Xmas' but will miss it this year having fun in Vietnam and know that I will the fond memories hitting me this year -- I will never forget NZ

I'm so pleased your having a great trip. I have friends who've been to Vietnam and counted 7 on a Moped; have you seen 8?

[Bernard Briggs]

Hi I did Auckland/Rotorua/Wellington 2 years ago. Be aware and check out hotels as what I regard as disabled and what NZ regards are 2 different things. Very accessable place though and the people are friendly. Hotel we stayed in Rotorua I think was called Kingsgate or something and even though it was a fair way from front of hotel was very accessable shower and toilets., however the hotels I stayed in auckland and wellington were no good even though thety were listed as disabled rooms. Even the kiwis said I should have done the south Island but time and cost didnt prevail. Kelly Tarpins aquarium in Auckland is a good place to see as was Auckland zoo and a place called MOTAT which is a modern science come museum . The ferry across the harbour was accessable as were the buses around the town. Auckland Museum and war museum are very interesting and so is the maratime museum down on the harbour. The food and pubs around viaduct harbour are fun. Sky tower gives a fantastic view over Auckland and the casino is fairly vibrant. The drive down the main hwy to Rotorua wellington is not boring with ever changing countryside. Rotorua smells a bit but you get used to it. Wellington has a venucular tram which is fully accessable and affords a good look over wellington. Have a enjoyable time its a good country but as I said make sure the bathrooms and rooms are accessable as we all know it can spoil things a fair bit

[macthefox]

Bernard Briggs, on Oct 2 2009, 05:15 AM, said:

Scribbler, on Oct 2 2009, 05:48 AM, said:

macthefox, on Oct 1 2009, 06:30 PM, said:

debs, on Aug 10 2009, 11:00 AM, said:

Hi guys,

I've just booked a flight to New Zealand, leaving UK on Nov 17th, flying into Auckland and flying out of Auckland on Dec 15th.

I'm C5/6 travelling with my carer and plan to hire a car and now I need ideas, tips, accommodation recommendations, excursion recommendations, anything at all really.

I know there are a few SCI people in NZ that use this site too and was wondering if there is anyone or anywhere in NZ that would like to lend or rent me some e-motion wheels for a month, I use them here in England but I'm reluctant to take mine on the plane.

Any help/advice gratefully received....

sorry to be late but I am enjoying Vietnam and haven't paid attention to apparelyzed. I have stayed in NZ twice and I cannot recommend it enough. If you need an adapted car I get my cars from Avis at the airport - do not drive the day that you land - you need a good nights sleep to remain safe. I always travel alone and never have problems and of course in NZ you will never have time to be lonely. I only book accomodation for the first night - at the airport and after that I book in wherever I stop. I use motels and nearly all have accessible accommodation and I have never had to sleep on the streets. This way, if I like it I can stay longer, if I don't like it I move on ---- you cannot easily do that if you book everything. As most have said - the South is the place but the North is fun and if you have an adapted car you can put it on the ferry and carry on in the South - if you are able bodied you have to change cars. As you are there for a month you can plot a circular route and cover most things within that time unless you keep finding your dream place in which case self control is the answer. I haven't found anywhere which I have thought is a waste of time and of course so much depends upon who you meet there. So many great people wherever you go.
Your emotion wheels will help a lot out there and re-charging is not a problem. Most people take their own but as they are very heavy protective covers are sensible - I have always found air staff very helpful and understanding over wheelchairs. (see my blurb on this site under wheelchair accessible airlines and toilets). If you really don't want to take your wheels I have a contact in the North who uses these wheels and she may be able to advise you (she flies with hers) - leave me a note if I can help.
Other than that all I can say is enjoy it ........... you surely will and I am just sad -- I have been there for the last two Xmas' but will miss it this year having fun in Vietnam and know that I will the fond memories hitting me this year -- I will never forget NZ

I'm so pleased your having a great trip. I have friends who've been to Vietnam and counted 7 on a Moped; have you seen 8?

No - I have only seen 4 plus a chicken under the drivers arm - I will keep my eyes open and see if i can do better.

[debs]

Well I'm flying tomorrow, any last minute recommendations?.....

[Dancingdolphin]

debs, on Nov 16 2009, 11:04 AM, said:

Well I'm flying tomorrow, any last minute recommendations?.....

I'd bring the e-motions.....I went to New Zealand last year and BA wrecked 1 of the e-motions (I left them on the chair as usual). I went to the supplier in Auckland and got another ..just took 30 minutes to get it and BA paid as soon as I put the claim in.....(Haven't got the number handy but I just rang the people that supplied me with the e-motions here and they got it, instantly)
I fly heaps..always leave the wheels on and this was the first and only time to have a problem.
I always bring the other wheels too..
have a fabulous time
xx

Edited by Dancingdolphin, 16 November 2009 - 11:58 PM.