[Yollie]

Hi everyone, I'm from the Netherlands, have lived here since 1978. Before that I lived in Christchurch, NZ, moved over here when I was 15. I went back for a visit in 2001, after 23 years, and now am saving for another trip, hopefully next year!

[Gromit]

Great...

[Enigmatic1]

Originally Posted by Yollie

Hi everyone, I'm from the Netherlands, have lived here since 1978. Before that I lived in Christchurch, NZ, moved over here when I was 15. I went back for a visit in 2001, after 23 years, and now am saving for another trip, hopefully next year!

Hey there

Welcome to the boards. Missing New Zealand at all?

[Yollie]

Yes often I do, specially my friends. I am still in touch with a few from back then, and have caught up with various ones in between times. Not that I mind living here, as we can travel almost everywhere in a couple of hours. Like this summer we are going to Turkey.
Its a shame that NZ is so far away and expensive to travel there.

[Enigmatic1]

Originally Posted by Yollie

Yes often I do, specially my friends. I am still in touch with a few from back then, and have caught up with various ones in between times. Not that I mind living here, as we can travel almost everywhere in a couple of hours. Like this summer we are going to Turkey.
Its a shame that NZ is so far away and expensive to travel there.

I love it here but am envious that you're so close to all different places.

[Yollie]

Originally Posted by Enigmatic1

I love it here but am envious that you're so close to all different places.

Yes that is a big plus to living here. The Netherlands can be quite cold in the summer so its nice to be able to travel down to the south of France, or Spain at relatively cheap prices. But I miss the old Kiwi sense of humour and the beautiful scenery. Over here its all flat - living in Christchurch you would always see the hills in the distance. I'm glad I live near the sea though!

[Neophis]

Hope you enjoy your trip back to Kiwiland

[Sparklechick]

Yes it is a shame that travel has been very expensive, the prices have come down somewhat. I was very lucky to work for an airline (Ansett NZ) for 5 years until they went into receivership. I lived most of my life in the top of the North Island and apart from trips to Auckland, Tauranga and one to Christchurch when I was 12 I don't think I would ever have seen as much of NZ as I did when I worked for Ansett.

The West Coast of the South Island is absolutely beautiful, I recommend it to anyone. I took some travel agents on a trip from Christchurch to Greymouth (on the train) then bussed to Franz Josef Glacier (amazing) then on to Queenstown. One of the best trips I've ever done.

Queenstown is one of the most beautiful places in New Zealand.

Good luck with your saving

[Yollie]

Originally Posted by Sparklechick

Yes it is a shame that travel has been very expensive, the prices have come down somewhat. I was very lucky to work for an airline (Ansett NZ) for 5 years until they went into receivership. I lived most of my life in the top of the North Island and apart from trips to Auckland, Tauranga and one to Christchurch when I was 12 I don't think I would ever have seen as much of NZ as I did when I worked for Ansett.

The West Coast of the South Island is absolutely beautiful, I recommend it to anyone. I took some travel agents on a trip from Christchurch to Greymouth (on the train) then bussed to Franz Josef Glacier (amazing) then on to Queenstown. One of the best trips I've ever done.

Queenstown is one of the most beautiful places in New Zealand.

Good luck with your saving

Thank you Sparklechick. I lived in Christchurch, and saw quite a lot of the south island as we went on holiday with another family. We camped in Nelson a few times, and on our last summer we took a three week trip around the south island, going down the east coast, then over to the west coast, traveled up north to Nelson and then along the east coast back to Chch. Did a small repeat with my own family last time (Chch-Dunedin-Queenstown and back to Chch). And stayed in Auckland for a couple of days. Next time I plan on visiting Wellington (friends)and seeing a wee bit more of the North island.