So glad you are having sunny weather. The weather just seemed to be chaning for the better as we left. We would have been better to go a few weeks later I think. Enjoy the sun. It is dull and overcast here today in Christchurch. Still getting over yesterdays over eating. I wont be able to do that too often or I wont be fit for the Geri- Limpics !!!!!!

For Our Canterbury GROWNUPS we are costing the hire of our 12 Seater Minibus and the accomodation etc @ Tahuna Beach Holiday Park and food options to assist Grownups on a BUDGET. as there may be more considering joining us.Already 5 are going up in car, or 2 motorhomes.Cheers

Good morning folks, re costings, for those in the North Island wishing to travel by Public Transport or are thinking of taking your car or campervan across the ditch, e.g. Ferry; may I be out-spoken here and suggest you think quickly on your decisions as to whether or not you are intending going to Nelson, for booking purposes. Driver of the vehicle goes free so it is only the passengers and the car you have to pay for.

Foot passengers (like I will be) fare is about $44.00 one way, but if there is enough of us to make a Group of 10, I understand Inter-islander will do a Group discount, works out about $40.00.

Bus to Nelson departs from the Picton Terminal; costs is about $25.00.
Not sure if you Senior folk can use your Gold Card on that service. Someone may be able to enlighten us on that one.

Bus ride to Nelson takes about 2 hours or so.
Hope the above information is of help to anyone in the North Island.

I understand some may be thinking of flying down. Just under 8 months to go!!
DrL, a suggestion, if anyone has a spare seat that are travelling up from various parts of the South, may like to detour into Picton and pickup any one incase they don't like travelling by bus. Was just a thought that came to mind. Petrol voucher could be given as a gesture etc.

..........and a shared car rental from Picton to Nelson might work out inexpensively too, and then able to use car at venue - eg, we are hiring a car next month in Queenstown - for the two of us is approx $450 for a 8 days, so would imagine for 4 days in Picton/Nelson area would be approximately half that at $225 for only four days - divide that by 4 people per car, not really too bad.......worth thinking about. (Of course there would be petrol to pay for, but don't imagine there would be a terrific cost involved).

LN, & Lindelew, Great thoughts to think about I,m just looking @ 12 Seater Minibuses as Desi & I will be sharing the driving.At moment we have 8 or 9 for minibus.as one Bitofadoer just indicated interest yesterday.And we have to allow for Luggage & Pink Plonk.?

If you book early enough on either Intercity or Nakedbus.com you may get a $1 fare each way. Booking period opens about 3 months before travel. The first few seats booked are $1 then they go up progressively as th bus fills up. This applies on all their services, so to Welington as well.
There are plenty of car and van hire firms in Picton and they would meet you at the terminal.
Bluebridge fares are cheaper and they don't increase then at peak times. Again early booking will get a discount also for over 50's
Rental cars vary according to time of year.As well as Air NZ there is a service from the new airport of Kapiti by air2thereto Nelson $90 each way.
If you book with nakedbus (no you don't have to travel in the nud) they offer a fare of $38 on Bluebridge. Info as last year.

I Wonder if any of our Nelson BITOFADOERS are in Christchurch this weekend for our CRAFTY FAIR for quilters.?Ps Started today.

Some of our NORTH SOUTH PINK PLONK CHALLENGE Bitofadoers have been saying How about allowing a bit ofPINK PLONK Kiwi ingenuity and originality in wearing an outfit that epitomises our Personality rather than T SHIRTS ALL the same.? Now is that an idea.?Of course if a T SHIRT does it for you Go for IT.! What do you think.?

......us pinkplonked Newmarketerrs have already started on our "ingenuity" ideas Dr L! Can't wait to see what everyone has in store! Got our German Restaurant night this Saturday - 20 pinkplonkers and "wannabes" will be there including your Sivam, which we are looking forward to, so there could be some interesting conversation!

Anybody going to Picton by ferry, I might be able to 'con' my club in letting me have a minivan to come and pick you up. Manager is in Oz at the mo so will twist his arm next week.

I'm sure I am not being told about our ideas just in case I let slip after all that German beer I will have my entourage to keep an eye on me.
In Auck by tomorrow evening
Cheers
Sivam

Sivam, Nod Nod Wink Wink. In Pink Plonkedness.