New Zealand - The Planning Stages!

Its getting to the point now where I am getting so organised that I just want to book my flights and load up my backpack!

I am heading out with my folks for a month long 'holiday' as we havent seen Joe, my brother, and his girlfriend Hannah since May 2011. We wanted to make it a holiday of a lifetime while catching up and seeing where Joe and Hannah study along with seeing their home etc. It will be the furthest my parents and myself have been so it will be an adventure we will all enjoy, I am sure of it.

The plan is to hire a camper van (I have offered to take a tent and sleep next to the camper if we cant get one to accommodate us all!) and drive around both the North and South islands and see as much as we can before my parents fly back to the UK. I will then be seeing both islands, Tramping and camping, sleeping in Hostels and backpackers...all alone. Worried? Nah, I am not bothered by this at all. I couldnt be happier knowing that I can go where I want to go, when I want to go and meet some great people along the way. The 'relaxed' take it as you go life really appeals to me.

So, as far as 'planning' is involved, I have submitted the documents needed to obtain my Police Certificates to prove at the NZ and Australian boarders that I have never committed a crime - ever. I am a good girl, me! I am applying for my WH Visa at the end of this month (pay day - woo hoo!) and doing some investigations on flights this coming weekend. I only want a one way and its looking like I'll be spending at least £700...ah well, thats what you get when you head to a country during its peak season!

The plan is to take The Overlander train from Auckland to Wellington (after spending a night sleeping and getting slightly less jet lagged - oh I can feel the swaying now. Is it wrong I am looking forward to the jet lag?!) as it works out really reasonable. Its about $129 which works out just over £60 for a 12 hour train journey...you wouldnt be able to get to Southampton and back for that! The train is supposed to be amazing with breathtaking views. Can. Not. Wait.

I have been looking at insurance but I think I will have to leave it until nearer the time to actually purchase a policy due to the fact that the most cover I can get at the moment is 18 months and I will be looking at least 2 years. Hopefully I will sort myself out a sweet deal to give me more money to spend in the pub on arrival in Auckland!