We thought about doing this a year ago, but didn't pull the trigger. But now, she's about to open up a business in 4 months, and kids won't be too many years behind that. So this is sorta the last opportunity to go somewhere crazy without too much responisbility.

The website:
http://www.uncommonadventures.com/index.php?func=itinerary&itinerary_id=70

We used these guys when we went to Fiji 2 years ago, and had a great experience. They set you up with transportation and gear, take you around to go swim with seals and sea kayak around whales and such, but other wise leave you alone. More of a "drop you off, see you at 5" kinda deal than a guided tour. It's for 2 weeks. I'll check and see what city or cities we stop through, and make a damn-good concerted effort to expand my obnishing beyond the US.

<-- jealous.

Have fun!

New Zealand is great.

Dig it. Guess that puts SXSW with loogs and bloor and all the gang out of the question?

Can you rent a motorcycle down there?

My hatred of you is matched only by reticence to get on a plane for 24 hours. Of course, you can fly in the overhead bin, and for meand Femgar, they would have to remove a row and a half of first class seats. I hope the Maoris take you hostage. (But leave the firstmate unharmed)

Oh I wish we were renting a motorcycle and touring, but this will be more "active" than that. More "bike 30 miles" and less "drink 30 beers," unfortunately. Still. Should be fun as hell.

I am NOT looking forward to the flight. That's gonna be a shitload of sitting. And the downside of tiny-ness on a plane is that the headrests are all but useless. Shit, the overhead bins might even be more comfy. I could spread out up there.

can i please come? i'm small, i could fit in your suitcase.

my parents have been to new zealand a couple different times on hiking/biking/adventure type trips - let me know if you have any questions or want ideas for things to do.

I too am jls.

have a great time. one of my best friends hiked it for a year and a half and had the time of his life.

sounds awesome.

you too are Ish?

I am greeeeeen (yes, I do need that may e's) with envy.

That's awesome.

Expect to be bored with flickr pictures afterwards.

I, for one, looked forward to your weekend updates over the summer.

New Zealand is my number 1 place to go that I will never go to.

yo Cap'n, have a blast!

and thanks for the site. i've been looking into a trip to Tibet, and noticed these guys have an excursion. beautiful. they're highly recommended?

VERY highly recommended. Extremely personable, great info, = small company who has their shit together. If you like the idea of medium-level adventure travel, we've yet to find anyone better.

awesome. i like the fact that they let you go off on your own.

the trip to Tibet sounds incredible, and is exactly what i was looking for.

Well kickass. Thread side benefit.

when are you coming?

end of January - February has the best weather

First 2 weeks of January. Christchurch at least, as far as big(ger) cities.

Earlier tonight, one of my roommates was debating about going there.

The wife's wanted to go since I met her.

Safe trip. If you can must try one of their vegemite sandwiches.

New Zealand has Vegemite?