There And Back Again

hey

 Tom and I just got our passports about three days ago and I really like my picture. The look really cool. I’m a little mad because I start school next week. I’m going to the Dells this weekend with my family and my friends family. It’s Brandons first time going, but this is like my fifth time. It will be fun. thats all for now  See Ya Tim

Finally all our passports have arrived.  I recieved mine today, and I couldn’t be happier. I was a little worried, but for naught, it’s here,, Now there is nothing to do but start the official count down. Plane Tickets are bought, LOTR Toured paid for. Money for food and extra activities saved. As of today ( 16 Aug 06 ) there are only 50 days left until take off. That will fly by, I’m sure.  Once again thanks to all who have been supportive and encouraging…  Max

 Raewyn wrote me to ask what “Stars Room” we wanted when we stayed in The Powderhorn Chateau. Evidently the Actors stayed at this Beautiful placed while filming certain scenes from the movie,( which scenes I don’t know yet, until we get there), and if available you can stay where your favorite Character stayed. Needless to say there are three very important opinions on which room to choose.  Thomas lost out because someone got to Legolas’ room first, and Timmy lost out because Viggo (Aragorn) never stayed at the Chateau at all , prefering to stay in a fishing hut near his favorite place to fish. So by the Luck of The Istari, we are Satying in The Grey Pilgrims room, Gandalf. Now who would have thought that would happen !!!!!!  lol

Max

Here is a message from Raewyn, (our new NZ friend), she helps run the tour-giving us helpful travel tips.  

General Information that might be helpful for your planning:

You will need your Passport for I.D.
Your  driver’s licence with photo is also a handy I.D.

Money-wise:  we’d recommend having a credit card like Visa or
Mastercard,  that you can use for getting cash from ATMs  and or paying for meals and shopping, etc., etc.  The ATMs are everywhere and make life simple !  Check with your Credit Card Company before you come to ensure that your card  is readily accepted in New Zealand.
Travellers’ cheques seem to be unnecessary – hotels can only cash small amounts at a time usually  and it’s not always convenient to find a Bank. ( Also, Banks close at 4-30 p.m. )

Travel Insurance: book it from home before your tour. Cover things like loss of baggage, tickets, sickness or health needs / emergencies  – the usual things. If you are covered you won’t need it !!!  If you don’t, you’re tempting fate. (Just common sense cover.)

What to bring, clothing-wise  ~  you will need light casual clothing – 
dress for comfort.  It’s Springtime Down Under in October.  We
recommend bringing “layers” ~ a sweater to put on if it’s cool and take off again if it gets hot. Have something tidy/casual for dinner at a couple of the restaurants along the way.  Bring Nike-type sports shoes for walking/climbing activities.  A warm jacket and a shower proof parka !  Slacks are ideal for the ladies – no need for skirts unless you prefer them.  Pack a swim suit if you think you might like a soak
in the Polynesian Spa Pools in Rotorua.  Oh yes – remember to pack a
pair of shorts for crossing the streams at Edoras ( or tracksuit-type
pants that you can roll up above the knees).

Meals ~ hotel cooked breakfasts are included for 10 days. For the final 2 mornings breakfast is not included, giving you the opportunity to try out Queenstown’s Cafes prior to doing your optional activities.  For lunch (apart from the Hobbiton Lunch which is included), we stop at selected Cafes or Bakeries. Depending on your appetite, lunch will cost around $8 to $15.   Dinner is your main meal of the day and in the evening.  Main Courses range between $15 and $30. Desserts from $6 and $12. Coffee / Tea $3-50. Two dinners are included in your tour costs – one at Twizel ( a Buffet style) because you have no alternative eating place there; the other is our Farewell Dinner in Queenstown at the Skyline Restaurant (includes the Gondola costs to get up there.)
Optional activities ~  costs vary according to content and length, etc.
of course.
Just some examples:  The Zorb is $49,   Luxmore Jetboat is $75 ,  
Maori Cultural meal & concert is $85 ,   Nomad Safari Half Day Tours
range from $110 to $150,  and the Helicopters  are from $295 to $320.
And you can always shop till you drop !!! (Window shopping is fun too 
and our Flat White coffee @ $3-50 is a treat.)
Laundry:  Every hotel has laundry facilities,  so don’t over-pack.  Try
and keep to one case each and a back-pack type bag for daily use,  for water bottle, purse/ wallet, camera, etc.
Airlines say keep your luggage to 20 kg and a carry-on bag  up to 7 kg.
Tipping is not widely practised in N.Z.  There may be times when you
feel you’d like to tip someone for exceptional service and you are
welcome to do so, but it is not expected and there is no set $ %.

Questions are always welcome. As you think of things, send me an email.

Cheers,
Raewyn.

Vic & Raewyn James,
Red Carpet Tours.
Email
Web site
Ph:  +64 9 410 6561  Mobile: 021 964 398
Fax: +64 9 410 6591
P.O. Box 100-680 N.S.M.C.,
Auckland, N.Z.
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