Hi All in NZ,
I haven't told you guys yet, didn't even tell Robbie when he was here for SPSP
but I have some links with New Zealand basically because my wife is a New Zealander.
All of the foregoing is really pretty irrelevant but in short it means I travel back to New Zealand quite regularly to visit her family (3 times last year) and I would like to get together with some of you guys to do some observing each time I go there. My wifes family live in Whangarei, Havelock North (Hastings), Christchurch and Greymouth although normally when I travel to NZ I just fly to Auckland and then a link flight to Whangarei or I get a rental car in Auckland and drive to Whangarei. I rarely get to Christchurch or Greymouth although I was at both in Jan 05. Its a pity I didn't know about this forum earlier as I spent 5 weeks travelling both Islands of New Zealand in January. I found some wonderful dark skies up the West Coast of the South Island between Haast and Franz Joseph but only had my Binoculars with me.
My question is where are most of you guys located and is it geographically possible to get something organised next time I come over which will most likely be in early spring when I will be going to Whangarei and possibly Hastings.
I understand there are a couple of guys not far from Hamilton and that a few of you get together there on occasions. I could certainly get to Hamilton for a couple of days on my next trip then fly/drive to Whangarei.
Can we get something happening ?
CS-John Bambury