Just returned from three weeks camping and surfing in New Zealand and in addition to all the great diesel Landcruisers, Hiluxes and Surf Wagons we saw the Great Swiss travelers Liliana and Emil Schmid (<http://www.weltrekordreise.ch/a_starte.html>) in a supermarket parking lot (car park) in Kaitaia. Talked to Emil and they are shipping to New Caledonia next week to continue the trip. Twenty-four years on the road! Says a lot about their partnership as much as anything!
And those that surf, yes, we caught some good Shippies- not great but awfully fun. A remarkable trip. I'd post a picture of the Schmid's truck but the FAQ about posting spoke of albums which my User CP doesn't have (paying feature I'd guess). Even if you don't surf go to NZ- it is an amazing place. Buy a cheap van in Aukland and go to it, you won't be disappointed.
(PS: Anyone have experience shipping a loaded Landcruiser around the world? I've shipped cars to Hawaii but Matson demands they be emptied to a stock off-the-lot condition. I've got a couple of years' commitment in SF and I am off, fishing gear and surfboards in the truck and am thinking I'd like to start in NZ or Australia and on to Asia and then Europe. My HJ60 is pretty camped out with bed and reefer and only getting more so. Seems like following the Schmid's lead is a good plan. Should have asked Emil but I was enjoying talking about NZ experiences and wasn't thinking of logistical questions.)
And those that surf, yes, we caught some good Shippies- not great but awfully fun. A remarkable trip. I'd post a picture of the Schmid's truck but the FAQ about posting spoke of albums which my User CP doesn't have (paying feature I'd guess). Even if you don't surf go to NZ- it is an amazing place. Buy a cheap van in Aukland and go to it, you won't be disappointed.
(PS: Anyone have experience shipping a loaded Landcruiser around the world? I've shipped cars to Hawaii but Matson demands they be emptied to a stock off-the-lot condition. I've got a couple of years' commitment in SF and I am off, fishing gear and surfboards in the truck and am thinking I'd like to start in NZ or Australia and on to Asia and then Europe. My HJ60 is pretty camped out with bed and reefer and only getting more so. Seems like following the Schmid's lead is a good plan. Should have asked Emil but I was enjoying talking about NZ experiences and wasn't thinking of logistical questions.)