finn
Leading Aircraftman
Posts: 4 
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Post by finn on Dec 10, 2013 4:28:24 GMT 12
I am a corporate pilot from Finland. My job has taken me to just about every corner of the world, except Australia and New Zealand. Now it looks like that I have a trip coming up, taking me to Auckland and Christchurch over the Christmas and New Year holidays. Despite having been flying for a living for all of my longish adult life, I am still addicted to aviation and aircraft, especially warbirds and vintage ones. I do carry a camera with me most of the time, photographing the more unusual aircraft I happen to see.
Do any of you forum members have suggestions what to see, and how to get to see whatever it is, in the vicinity of these two cities?
I don't mind advice on matters other than aeronautical, either, meaning watering holes and restaurants, or other interesting stuff (where I can direct my crew, while I pursue my addiction...).
Thank you in advance!
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jaybee
Squadron Leader
Posts: 122
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Post by jaybee on Dec 10, 2013 5:09:39 GMT 12
Welcome Finn
Lots to see in both cities! I am sure you will get lots of advice but a quick starter for ten aviation wise
Auckland
MOTAT museum / Meola rd site at western springs for aircraft including Lancaster, mosquito, skyhawk etc
Ardmore airfield, including avspecs and the NZ Warbirds visitor centre
Auckland War Memorial museum, which holds a spitfire and Japanese Zero
Christchurch
RNZAF museum at Wigram. At least one of the forum members is a guide
Ferrymead. Aviation section is well worth the visit.
CHCH airport including the Deep Freeze base
And 1 hour south, the Ashburton Aviation museum, including Harrier GR3 etc
Do you have specific dates yet?
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Post by lumpy on Dec 10, 2013 6:18:29 GMT 12
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finn
Leading Aircraftman
Posts: 4
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Post by finn on Dec 10, 2013 19:25:11 GMT 12
Thank you for the replies so far. As for the dates, we should arrive in Auckland during the morning of 23rd, leaving for Christchurch on the 30th and staying ther until the 5th of January.
Moore details and suggestions would of course still be welcome...
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Post by raymond on Dec 10, 2013 20:11:08 GMT 12
If u hire a car in Auckland a 2.5 hour trip to the Classic Flyers Museum in Tauranga www.classicflyersnz.com/ is quite good as well. Auckland War Memorial museum has a Spit and Zero in it as well as a V1 |
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Post by Peter Lewis on Dec 10, 2013 21:16:30 GMT 12
Can recommend a trip around the islands in the Waitemata Harbour (Auckland's harbour).
Very scenic.
Can be done by boat or, if you have the cash, by helicopter of Beaver floatplane.
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Post by DragonflyDH90 on Dec 10, 2013 22:17:30 GMT 12
What, if any, of those events are closed for the Xmas break through New Year. Could someone local chase that up for Finn as it would be bad luck for most to be closed.
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Post by ErrolC on Dec 10, 2013 22:17:45 GMT 12
Thank you for the replies so far. As for the dates, we should arrive in Auckland during the morning of 23rd, leaving for Christchurch on the 30th and staying there until the 5th of January. Moore details and suggestions would of course still be welcome... Note that nearly all attractions will be closed on Dec 25th, and driving out of Auckland (especially northwards) will be frustrating on the 26th, 27th, and probably 28th and 29th (due to people leaving for holiday locations after spending Christmas in the city). Personally we're travelling north on the 25th, and returning the day after. Others have offered good suggestions. Also consider the late 19th Century coastal defences on North Head (you can take the ferry to Devonport if you don't get out on the harbour otherwise). www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-visit/auckland/central-and-south-auckland/north-head-historic-reserve/ |
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Post by ErrolC on Dec 10, 2013 22:57:18 GMT 12
What, if any, of those events are closed for the Xmas break through New Year. Could someone local chase that up for Finn as it would be bad luck for most to be closed. This will be covered on their websites in nearly all cases. Warbirds at Ardmore would be the main concern contact via nzwarbirds.org.nz/contact.html or Facebook if no-one knowledgeable comes forward. Days that are "Public Holidays" are 25th, 26th, 1st and 2nd, but most big tourist locations will only be closed on the 25th. Some labour-intensive businesses (generally cafes and restaurants) charge extra on public holidays, they must make this very clear to you before ordering. |
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finn
Leading Aircraftman
Posts: 4
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Post by finn on Dec 14, 2013 19:37:22 GMT 12
Big thanks to everyone who offered their advice. I guess Google and hotel concierge will answer the rest of my questions. Now looking forward to an interesting (and long) trip...
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jean210
Leading Aircraftman
Posts: 1
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Post by jean210 on Dec 18, 2013 11:55:49 GMT 12
Terve Finn
My wife ia a Finn, should you need more help (we are in the Auckland area).
Hyvaa matkaa
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finn
Leading Aircraftman
Posts: 4
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Post by finn on Dec 19, 2013 5:09:48 GMT 12
Terve Finn My wife ia a Finn, should you need more help (we are in the Auckland area). Hyvaa matkaa Terve Jean Just goes to prove that sometimes you have to go the extra mile for a good thing...  And I should know, my wife is a Finn, too... Hyvaa Joulua |
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And I should know, my wife is a Finn, too...