> The price isn't too bad if you budget for it - and pick and choose 
> when to go (Avoid Xmas and Northern Summer)

> I've escaped Ohio back home to the South Island most times for 
> US$1300 - $1500.
> Going home for Xmas the one and only time though cost me US$2500
> $60 a month will get you the airfare in 25 months. Only $2 a day :)

Per adult ... :-(.
And then there's a child (young man) as well, if he (and they) can't 
be convinced that it would be way cool to stay with relatives/friends 
for a month or so ;-).

> Of course you'll want to eat and have somewhere to sleep - maybe 
> even pay for some activities. Tenting can be done @ campgrounds for 
> US$8 - or free if on the side of the road/rest areas.

A group of 4 adults with a single vehicle (with or without a child) if 
prepared to live sensibly (tents, basic cabins, plain food, ...) could 
cover all travel, food and accomodation costs for in the range of 
$NZ50 - $NZ100 / day. Multiply that by about 0.7 for $US, so say 
$US35 - $US70/day for 4 or under $US20/day/person. On top of that add 
any entry fees, events luxuries etc. You could still have a very 
extensive NZ experience at a good price. For a 1 month trip the air 
fares could easily be the predominant cost if you wanted them to be.

In 2003 we did a 24 "country"* 9 week world trip - NZ - US (2 weeks) - 
Europe (4 weeks) - UK (2 weeks) - Thailand (3 days) - Australia 
(transit) - NZ.
All up cost for 3 adults with car hire, air fares, accomodation, 
food - ie all basic living and travelling was $NZ150/day. The airfares 
were about $40/day/person of that. Car hire in Europe was Eurolease 
which is superb. Accomodation was camping or cheapest of hotels etc 
(French hotel Premier Class rock). Travelling NZ could cost much less.

* countries include principalities, republics, places which insist 
they are separate countries (Scotland, Wales ...), and anywhere that 
Mussolini gave special nation status to in ?1929?.



        Russell

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