Possible NZ retreat late 2010

[Lauren]

At our recent crop we discussed the possibility of running another retreat later in the year.
A retreat differs from a crop in that its normally held over at least 2 days/nights. Its usually a smaller group where we would all stay somewhere together - ie a large holiday home/apartment or possibly in a hotel with suitable facilities.

Our last retreat was held in a large holiday home on Waiheke Island - it slept 12+ making it ideal and even had internet ( and a pool though we didnt use it) and we ran the retreat from friday through to sunday evening.

We have several suggestions for locations for a second retreat
1. Same location in Waiheke
2. Papamoa ( Pacific Palms Resort has large 3 bdrm apartments and free wifi internet and has a nice pool complex- is near the beach and walking distance to a variety of decent restaurants
3. Christchurch ( no suggestions on venue here but Im going to ask Fiona to check some places out for us )

If you have other suggestions for locations that would be suitable please do holler.

Timing for this retreat will need to be out of school holidays so probably late October/Early November would work the best if we are going to fit it in this year

[webfrau]

Watching with interest - I really enjoyed the Waiheke retreat.

[littlekiwi]

October would suit me better - less chance of clashing with exams in November - I'm out with exams from October 25th through until November 12th. Past experience has been they are usually the 2nd week out of 3 but I won't know until probably 6-8 weeks out from exams for sure.

[Cathiemarie]

Hmmmmm, let me go check my calendar (and bank) hee hee

[mum2riley]

My sons birthday is at the end of October but if it doesn't coincide with that and depending on location then i could be interested :)

[mum2riley]

Oh and Christchurch would suit me perfectly :pray: :lol:

[Lauren]

Just found this place http://www.questchristchurch.co.nz/index.site.home.property.11.html - we could possibly get 2 or more apartments and use one of them to get together during the day .
A 3 bdrm apartment with 7 people is $390 a night so makes for a not horribly expensive price.

[thecharmed01]

I could do Christchurch....

I cant do the 1st weekend in October, or the last as the 1st weekend is DP's birthday and the last, we have a rather huge Halloween party happening at our house.

Either middle weekend is okay or any weekend in November works......

[littlekiwi]

Just a thought - October 22nd through 25th is Labour Weekend so things could be pretty booked up for that weekend.

[thecharmed01]

Maybe November would be better then, and chick you wouldnt have exams on the weekend would you....... :)

[littlekiwi]

Maybe November would be better then, and chick you wouldnt have exams on the weekend would you....... :)

I haven't so far & it is only one exam this time around so hopefully it will be during the week.

[littlekiwi]

I might not be able to go anyway so don't specifically plan it around me and when my exams might be - it just depends on finances and whether I can gain enough holidays again between now and when ever it is.

[shazzt]

Sounds interesting - I will have to see if I can swing it. My last practicum ends on the 5th of November but I also have a camp at the end of November so will have to see how it pans out. Christchurch would be awesome! Haven't been there for years.

[thecharmed01]

ohh you HAVE to come Shazz!!!!! Won't be the same without you :p

[shazzt]

If I do get there, I will remember to take a paper bag to put over my head whenever you are pointing your camera at me :)

[thecharmed01]

haha you know, if you smile, I'll get bored and go away LOL

The challenge is the fun part :p

[honeymoon]

Looking into options. Just remember that Christchurch at the start of November goes mad leading into cup week and show weekend (our anniversary weekend).

[thecharmed01]

What about coming to Wellington?

We have some amazing places to go for photo's here!!!

[Donut]

Depending on dates, location and cost I'd be interested, Waiheke was so much fun!

[Erica]

I'm in!

[spotty]

Thought I had posted in here right at the beginning - maybe I just subscribed...
Anyway - YES I am interested :) :yippee:

[thecharmed01]

What about the first weekend in November Lauren?

[Lauren]

Grr I just typed this and it disappeared !- Fiona mentioned the first weekend in November as being cup weekend there and because its a holiday weekend accommodation prices could me much higher ( not to mention flights) - in addition I need to confirm some dates with DSP events to make sure Erica and I dont spread ourselves too thin. - We may look at the second weekend in November perhaps but no promises yet.

[thecharmed01]

LOL don't you hate that Lauren!!!

Well, I'll tentatively tell DP I'm 'busy' that weekend LOL

[littlekiwi]

I don't know if this accommodation is of any interest in Christchurch http://hotelso.co.nz/

[Lauren]

Thanks for that Jennifer - I will look at it but a retreat really requires far different accommodation than a regular hotel - we need something that will hold most of the participants in one apartment/house situation rather than regular hotel rooms - thats why the place we had in Waiheke worked so well - - A large holiday home or apartment complex is the best option for this kind of event

[littlekiwi]

No problem. The only other place I have been in Christchurch is a Conference center out of Christchurch but I am not sure they have internet we could use - Blue Skies Conference & Training Centre.

[littlekiwi]

I am 90% likely now that I won't be able to attend a retreat now. Just a couple of days ago I found out that I am losing my government help of $160 a week which now means I am surviving on about 10 hours a week at work (hopefully more but I sincerely doubt I'll get anything extra)

[Erica]

That's big loss for you Jennifer but I hope you can continue with your goals for the future.

[Donut]

I'm sorry to hear that Jennifer, and like Erica I hope you can afford to continue with your plans. I don't understand the way they dish out and take back allowances etc, it seems madness, the same has happened to my daughter.

[Lauren]

I may have found the perfect Venue - I might get Fiona to check it out - http://www.christchurchapartment.co.nz/
they do a shuttle to downtown - its right near brighton beach and the pier which would be good for photo ops
In the first week of november the price is only $179 for a 3 brm apartment that will sleep about 5 or 6 depneding on the set up of the beds which apparently they are quite flexible with and can do up to 4 singles per apartment.
If we had 10 of us and we stayed 2 nights then we would be looking at less than $100 each for the accomodation portion.

Before we could go ahead with booking this we would need confirmed numbers.
Timing isnt great for families as the first week in november is over guy fawkes... second week is christchurch show week so we would probably have to look at 29 - 31 october

[Donut]

That looks a fabulous place, Brighton Beach and Pier would make me think of home too! lol! But I think you are going to have to count me out on this one, by the time we have added airfares and expenses I won't (or shouldn't!) be able to stretch to it, as we head off to UK for 2 months at the end of November. I'll sit on the other Brighton Beach and wave back in this direction instead. :)

[littlekiwi]

There is a chance that depending on exams I may still be able to swing the trip - if I get holiday pay I might be able to do it.

Loss of my allowance doesn't stop me, it just means my play $$ is gone for now.

[thecharmed01]

I'm a definate if it's pretty much anytime in November, but I can't do the 31st of October.....

Oooooooh how exciting!!!!

@Jennifer, that is so shitty about the changes, I feel so bad for you and everyone else it has affected

[quanita]

Erm I'm just kinda popping in here to keep up with things, only just came back to DSP yesterday so don't want to get too ahead of myself.
:wave:

[honeymoon]

This is another option:

http://www.thepoplars.co.nz/Poplars-Hotel-and-Cashel-Apartments/The-Poplars-Apartment-Hotel_IDL=4_IDT=2878_ID=16464_.html

I thought that if we were able that we would get the Presidential suite... which could sleep 3 and some hotel rooms that sleep 2. Then we could use the suite to all get together.

This is central city so lots to be able to walk around.

I'll keep looking.

Have to say the 30th isn't the best for me as have a booking for a light party for the kids at church.

[Lauren]

LOoks lovely but its pricey!!- so if the end of october is no good we will need to do the third weekend in november ........

[thecharmed01]

Works for me Lauren!

[littlekiwi]

3rd weekend in November would work for me if I was able to come because by then I would have finished my exams. If it was to be Christchurch I would like to come as I have a school friend I could catch up with as well while I am down there

[webfrau]

This is probably not really helpful and just distracting.
If you're looking for something completely different, though not necessarily cheap, dh recommends Tongariro Lodge - he went to an IT "camp" there a couple of months ago.
http://www.tongarirolodge.co.nz/

[littlekiwi]

Any more word on this? I am only asking so I can start to save $10-20 a week for awhile so it hurts less at the other end

[Lauren]

No I havent got any further yet. I have a lot on my plate at the moment but as soon as I get a respite I will do some more research.

[littlekiwi]

No problem, I'll start saving anyway

[JanP]

Count me in! Been told I have to take some respite breaks :D so I'll make this one of them! :yippee: Oct 31 doesn't suit me either, but the second weekend in November would. So I'll see you all, wherever we may be! :lol:

[Lauren]

Well thats great Jan - looks like 2nd or 3rd weekend in November is the best time for most of us so I will investigate

[Lauren]

Ok Fiona and I have been looking at dates and November isnt going to work - so it would need to be the weekend of the 16th October or the very first weekend in December - I personally would prefer October but Im open to negotiation and bribes

[spotty]

I've pencilled it in! :yahoo:

[mum2riley]

I'm good for either but December is getting a little too close to Christmas for my liking.

[shazzt]

December might work for me but October definitely would not (right in the middle of my last practicum). I would be sad to miss one but don't change anything on my account.

[webfrau]

The timing is not critical for me either way, though December is traditionally getting nasty time-wise.
Finances will be the biggest factor for me.

[littlekiwi]

December would be better for me but I could swing it either way most likely after a visit to WINZ last Thursday - no money yet from them but could be as much as $375 a week.

[Lauren]

Yes dates in December always give me the heebie geebies - thats why I preferred the October dates ..... - Will wait a little longer to see how many others will vote and then get numbers to make a booking

[littlekiwi]

October certainly works for me too - personally I think work would prefer it over December but I am sure they will survive either way.

[littlekiwi]

I'm certainly going to have to start saving if I am to fly with Air NZ and our retreat is in October - $262 so may end up booking with Jetstar if I go - $218 if I leave mid day so I can see a school friend or $198 if I fly down in the late afternoon.

[Lauren]

Really? - I get $130 return auckland to christchurch in October......

[honeymoon]

Keep watching Grab a Seat, they had flights for the October weekend the other day.

[littlekiwi]

It's mainly based on the fact I want to catch up with friends as well so am thinking of going down reasonably early on Friday.

The $130 fare is based on a 6.10am departure going down & 8.55am departure coming back - neither of which would really work terribly well as I would be taking the bus to Auckland domestic airport

[littlekiwi]

Any more news on this? I've seen some good fares today that end soon on grab a seat

[Lauren]

Sorry I just havent had time to investigate the accommodation options - i do intend to get to it soon though

[littlekiwi]

No problem Lauren - I'm still 50/50 on this anyway as I am still battling WINZ four weeks after I first applied to them.

[Lauren]

Weve decided to postpone this until early 2011 - perhaps February or March when the weather is still good before the easter holidays

[littlekiwi]

Sounds like a good idea - February would be a good time for me before uni gets going again on 7th March

[webfrau]

That's OK, October is looking like a really busy month anyhow.

[bendipez]

This gives me more time to save.......am seriously considering this

[honeymoon]

Cool. You'd get to see the South Island then Brenda.

[Lauren]

This gives me more time to save.......am seriously considering this

yay cause really you havent seen NZ till youve been to the South Island ... - The real beauty of the country is in the South.

[spotty]

I am still in! :applause: Thanks, Lauren :tup:

[spotty]

Oops, lucky we did not go in September... :eek:

[Lynnie]

That's for sure!

[Lauren]

Yes !poor Christchurch

[Lauren]

Ok I have some possibilities on this again now.

The beachlife apartments in Christchurch (http://www.christchurchapartment.co.nz/) - can do several 2bdrm apartments with 4 - 5 single beds in each - cost would be around $60- $70 a night each - give or take a few dollars depending on how many of us there are .

We can use one apartment as a base. They have free wifi internet though they do limit it to 100MB per apartment per day and I havent enquired what their rates are on top of this.

They can fit us in in mid february.

what I will need for us to go forward on this is confirmed numbers very early including a pretty hefty portion of the fee upfront.

Basically we will be looking at around $120- $150 each plus food and airfares and transport too and from the airport for 2 nights .

[thecharmed01]

What dates are you looking at Lauren, I'm a 90% just need to confirm the dates before I know for sure!

[Lauren]

Probably the weekend of the 19th 20th - so starting Friday 18th... but hey Im nothing if not flexible at this point - we can do the weekend after or before if it suits most

[littlekiwi]

Feb works for me - just give me a few weeks to get some back pay from WINZ and I can seriously look at this

[thecharmed01]

I'll know this weekend, I'll talk to the other one and make sure nothing's planned at this stage!
But I think I'm a definite!

[Lauren]

yay !!- look forward to seeing you again

[littlekiwi]

when would you need a definite decision? I might not know for 2-3 weeks yet

[thecharmed01]

I can pay the $120 on Tuesday and I'll definately know by then :-)

[webfrau]

Sorry, I can't come.

[Donut]

Sounds wonderful but I will have to miss out on this one, too close to our big trip this Christmas! As soon as that's out of the way I'll start saving for the next NZ crop. :)

[thecharmed01]

awwww that's sucky you guys! Would have been great to see you again :)

[shazzt]

With what I am doing next year very dependent on whether I get a job, I think I will have to say no to this. If I am working, I think I will be needing those weekends!! Also, I have a feeling my in-laws will be here then. Of course if I win Lotto in the mean time....

[spotty]

[QUOTE=Lauren;905788]Ok I have some possibilities on this again now.

The beachlife apartments in Christchurch (http://www.christchurchapartment.co.nz/)

Sounds cool!

[Lauren]

I can pay the $120 on Tuesday and I'll definately know by then :-)

I'll work out a price when we get some numbers and let you know. Wont need it as soon as Tuesday !!

[JanP]

Ok I have some possibilities on this again now.

The beachlife apartments in Christchurch (http://www.christchurchapartment.co.nz/) - can do several 2bdrm apartments with 4 - 5 single beds in each - cost would be around $60- $70 a night each - give or take a few dollars depending on how many of us there are .

We can use one apartment as a base. They have free wifi internet though they do limit it to 100MB per apartment per day and I havent enquired what their rates are on top of this.

They can fit us in in mid february.

what I will need for us to go forward on this is confirmed numbers very early including a pretty hefty portion of the fee upfront.

Basically we will be looking at around $120- $150 each plus food and airfares and transport too and from the airport for 2 nights .

Now that sounds great! Please put me on the "95% sure" list. :D

[bendipez]

I'm saving but with Shawn's health issues may hafta pass......

[littlekiwi]

Looks like I will be flying with Air NZ down on Thursday morning and back lateish Sunday night (6.55pm) and hoping to book this soon with a travel agent friend from school that works for Air NZ

[Lauren]

Well dont book yet - I havent confirmed the dates .. It may be the week Ive said but it could be the week after -It depends on the Christchurch members and also the venue.

[Cathiemarie]

Well now, the way things are 'panning' out here for me miught mean I will be joining you!!! how cool might that be heh?

[littlekiwi]

Well dont book yet - I havent confirmed the dates .. It may be the week Ive said but it could be the week after -It depends on the Christchurch members and also the venue.

Don't worry about me booking yet - I have no $$, I'd probably look at booking in a month or so

[Lauren]

Keep those Pans on the stove Cathie!!!!- - I cant wait to see you again!!!!!!

[littlekiwi]

the other reason I won't be booking for a few weeks is health reasons - I have had no energy for the past few weeks and have been off work so am needing to see both my new doctor and my dietitian this week to see what is going on (I think it might be anemia but not sure) and get clearance to travel again as such.

[Chardonnay]

Count me in. :yippee:

[Lauren]

Count me in. :yippee:

yay!- look forward to seeing you again!!!

[JanP]

Well now, the way things are 'panning' out here for me miught mean I will be joining you!!! how cool might that be heh?

Oh yes Cathie - do come - I would love to see you again! Would Lynnie come too?

[littlekiwi]

Oh yes Cathie - do come - I would love to see you again! Would Lynnie come too?

this would be a real treat if you do come & Lynnie too!

[Lauren]

Ok so for Fiona the best date is the last weekend in February - thats Friday 25- - Sunday 27th-
I need a list of people who are pretty sure they can make it that weekend to decide how many rooms we want.

The rooms would be shared rooms - if you want a room to yourself the cost will be higher obviously - Im going to make a new thread where you can indicate your preferences etc.
heres the link to the thread - http://www.digitalscrapbookplace.com/forum/showthread.php?p=906842#post906842