Ian had not considered steam museums in NZ ………are there many?

A visit to NZ maybe happening about this time next year. LOML will be visiting anything o do with wool and fibre, while I have Lynn museum on the cards so far.

Thanks Ian it will depend on if we fly over or do the cruise.

Got to look into wheelchair accommodation if we fly. If cruise doubt there will be enough time.

Hi Ian

"Neil all I see is a large white square."

I had the same problem just select the square and roll the mouse wheel toward you.

Hope this helps

Eric

Ian is perhaps being a little modest about NZ's engineering attractions. Not steam but there is a wonderful by any standards transport Museum between Palmerston North and Wellington (forget exactly where but sure Ian will know ) I got the feeling they probably did n't know the value of some of the items in there and a pretty good one but smaller S. of Christchurch (mainly old tractors and agricultural stuff.)

The South Island is even better with a fantastic museum at Wanaka (not much of a rust problem there and much is outside.) Whats more theres lots of stuff inside to keep the ladies happy. Outside Earth moving plant, huge US and Japanese fire Engines ,aircraft , WW2 fighting machines of all kinds and lots more. There is also a very interesting 3D museum which is a lot better than just "3D museum" suggests . Full of full size optical illusions.,puzzles, Trompe l'oeil paintings etc which have to be seen to be believed.A whole day in Wanaka (not far from Queenstown) would not be wasted. The Kiwis love their old vehicles and engineering history and there must be a lot more. You can also visit Richard ""Bamboo" Pearse's monument etc. , a guy who incredibly built probably the first aircraft to fly, (the engine -the lot) on his remote farm well away from large cities on the South Island. There is a lot of evidence he took off and made a few flights for considerable distances and he did n't use a catapult assisted launch unlike the Wrights' first efforts. He never claimed to be first as he never mastered the controlled landing. He took off and made controlled flights but did n't think it counted unless you made a controlled landing. Happily he survived all the landings but the last part of his life was rather tragic

Edited By alan frost on 26/10/2014 02:06:06

Ray, if you do get to NZ, Motat in Auckland is well worth a visit, lots of stuff there, and close to the port if you go by ship to Auckland. If you cruise, lots of sea days, to see the most of NZ, in my opinion do a land based tour, very friendly helpful folk there, you can do what you like, or maybe a cruise and stay?

Chris Gunn