@LAST... Coming to Wellington, GORGEOUS NZ in MAY... ;)

[chommavong somphane]

Crap, why am I just finding this out???

I had no idea the Wellington was one of the most dangerous Airports for Crosswind landings, and most of them were in various years in MAY!! Same time I'm going... CRAP!!


Oh well, I guess this will be one of those times that I really do listen and respect the "REMAIN SEATED WITH YOUR SEAT BELT BUCKLED TILL WE COME TO A FULL STOP" message... ;)

SCARY STUFF....



Wow that is a really scary thing.
Nice to shake your hand at the reduser party Ketch

phane

[Ruff]

Hey Hans, hate to say it... you are mistaken.

But thats all good, we like to keep it hidden away. All the best bits you need helicopter access.

I spent a bit of time on LOTR... South Island for the bulk of locations.

Bethells beach is okay, but I am a bit over it after 4 years on Hercules and Xena... it was the go to location.

North Island has some nice locations (I shoot them often and have spent years on location in both islands). South Island gives you a different location around every corner... did not find that in Northern Europe. But hey, I am biased.

[John Bannister]

Hi Ketch! I am thrilled that you are finally making down to my neck of the woods. I am based in New Plymouth, that's about half way between Auckland and Wellington, I would be honored to be you're videographer whilst you are in Wellington if your still in need closer to the time. Don't sweat flying into Wellington, the pilots in NZ are some of the best in the world as the videos prove and they do it all day everyday :)

Failing all else, it would be great to meet and chat with you personally. Keep us posted on you travel,plans mate, we will do all we can to make your visit to our beautiful country one you will remember.

Hit me up on my email if you have any questions mate!!

[KETCH ROSSi]

Wow that is a really scary thing.
Nice to shake your hand at the reduser party Ketch

phane

Likewise Phane, always nice to meet new Reduser in person... ;)

Hey Hans, hate to say it... you are mistaken.

But thats all good, we like to keep it hidden away. All the best bits you need helicopter access.

I spent a bit of time on LOTR... South Island for the bulk of locations.

Bethells beach is okay, but I am a bit over it after 4 years on Hercules and Xena... it was the go to location.

North Island has some nice locations (I shoot them often and have spent years on location in both islands). South Island gives you a different location around every corner... did not find that in Northern Europe. But hey, I am biased.

Don't worry guys, with couple of weeks, I have plenty of time to see it all, and the people I'm going to see I'm sure know the ISland inside out and up... A Hely will be no doubt boarded for birds eye view of the various locations... ;)

Hi Ketch! I am thrilled that you are finally making down to my neck of the woods. I am based in New Plymouth, that's about half way between Auckland and Wellington, I would be honored to be you're videographer whilst you are in Wellington if your still in need closer to the time. Don't sweat flying into Wellington, the pilots in NZ are some of the best in the world as the videos prove and they do it all day everyday :)

Failing all else, it would be great to meet and chat with you personally. Keep us posted on you travel,plans mate, we will do all we can to make your visit to our beautiful country one you will remember.

Hit me up on my email if you have any questions mate!!

Thanks John,

yes I had imagined that those Pilots would not be like any other pilots, they need to be to land in those Crosswinds like that on a regular basis, not afraid, but prefer the much more manageable Heli's to be tossed around in, even when strapped outside of it filming, I have no problem, in such big planes, it does not fill as good when you are going cross wind on landing, done it once in Asia and I like not to repeat it... ;)

It will be a pleasure to meet you, and again, I might land in Auckland, not sure, but I truly appreciate your offer, and your words sound really good, look forward to land in NZ, has been a long time coming... ;)

[Phil Holland]

He he, I will be doing a little more then a tour @ Weta Phil... ;)

Nice :)

[Gavin Greenwalt]

Actually I might end up landing in Auckland... I take signs in life pretty seriously, and might be also a good idea to do a nice drive to Wellington form there and see some country... ;)

Even so my schedule will be depending greatly on that of the Production house and the people I'm there to see, it would be a pleasure to meet you.

It's a nice drive. You could also maybe stop at hobbiton on the way. ;) But in all honesty... I am 10x more afraid of driving in NZ than landing in Wellington. Mostly 2 Lane roads + high speeds = some pretty nasty head on collisions.

[Patric Ralston]

this thread has gone funny :) Im a Kiwi now living in London. Went to school in Queenstown and lived for 15 years in Wellington...
The only thing i would say is take note of the road signs! if it says 20 do 20! the roads have a habit of biting you if you drive at the wrong speed!

[Ruff]

Yep, driving here is a lot more dangerous than flying.... especially with all the tourists in camper vans trying to remember what side of the road to stay on and the locals getting pissed off at them driving so slowly! Fun times...

[KETCH ROSSi]

Okay, fine I'll fly to Wellington... ;)

[Phil Holland]

Hi Ketch, I finally got a second to reply. I enjoy staying at The Museum Hotel in Wellington:
http://www.museumhotel.co.nz/

Fantastic suites. Wellington is relatively small and that hotel is close to some great food, museums, and sites.

There's a really fantastic view of Wellington from Mount Victoria:
http://maps.google.com/maps?q=wellin...gl=us&t=m&z=14

It's a bit of a hike, but you won't get a better view of the city without being in a helicopter. Shot this pano there in 2008:


If you're up for it and the wind isn't insane, there's really affordable helicopter tours right by the bay. The hotel can help you out. They'll fly you around and even land in some remote areas that are stunning photographic gems.

There's great sushi all around and great local breweries too. If you're craving a unique "burger experience" I can recommend BurgerFuel for quick eats. I like the "Peanut Piston".

Good luck sir. Wellington is one of my favorite cities on Earth. Dated a Kiwi for a bit. Nearly made me move there. Have a good time at:


What out for the dragons :)