Any last minute tips?

Right - 5 days to go til we fly out to NZ - Yay! We're leaving Heathrow on Sunday afternoon, going via LA (2 hour stopover) and then landing in Auckland at 5:15am :shock: Tuesday morning! I can't wait! We're staying with Darren's cousins in Auckland for a few days then hiring a car and starting our 'tour'.

What I want to know now is do any of you guys have any last minute tips or advice for us nutters selling up, leaving everything/everyone in the UK, and going out to nothing, hoping to find a job and somewhere to live within the year of our working holiday visa? (Sounds a bit crazy, doesn't it!!)

I've heard that LA isn't a particularly nice transit lounge to be in, and apparantly there's only 1 toilet (hmmm, not sure how reliable that info is!), so I've been told to have a pee before I leave the plane :wink: , so if there's any other gems like this that anyone can provide, we'd be very grateful!

And Taffy, I'll get the Bar-B-Q warmed up for ya - how's it all going? (Any sign of Dan-ish yet?)

Cheers guys,

Jodie

Hi Jodie,
No sign of Mr Ish yet! Sorry I dont have any last minute tips or advice for you, we just wish you all the best with your brave venture! As for our progress, looks like we will be doing the same as you, WHV and a lot of hoping! House is up for sale and we hope to be out there by October, just in time for the weather to improve :)

I've heard a few bad things about LA, but if you are only there for 2 hours, then I wouldnt imagine it wouldn't affect you too much. If it was an overnighter or a longer wait, I suppose it would be a different matter.

Perhaps that could be next on the site agenda, a guide to airports!

Hi Jodie,

Good Luck..

I take my hat off to you.

all the best..

Craig Balsillie

I wish you the best of luck Jodie!

I know we all are hoping to be where you are very soon!

All the best,

Coulliette

LAX isn't too bad of an airport, I believe flights from Heathrow go to terminal 5. It's basically your standard international hub; a few restaraunts, shops, and I can assure you there is more than one toilet! haha. Two hours - you'll have no worries.

Jodie
Perhaps something to consider - if you plan on staying at least a year, why not buy a car rather than hire? Especially if you plan on looking for employment and will need transportation to and from work, it can be much more economical than hiring. Hostel message boards are a great place to find older used cars for sale that have made the backpacker trips around the country and are being resold. Often times these travellers are leaving NZ and need to sell quickly, sometimes you can get a great price. I found a 1983 Toyota for $1200 NZ, drove it around the South Island and to work everyday for 6 months, then sold it for $1400 to another tourist couple. Obviously there is a bit of a risk associated with buying an older car, but the mandatory safety certification requirement offers a bit of protection.
Also, for employment, don't hesitate to check out temp agencies. They are great for finding short term work that keeps you afloat - don't know how beneficial they would be for a career type search, but if you need something just for the time being they are a great help.
Hope your trip goes well.