2011 do over NZ Crop Retreat Options

[Lauren]

After twice organising a retreat in Christchurch and twice having to postpone/cancel due to earthquakes one would wonder if we were the cause.... hence... We will take Christchurch off the menu for retreats for this year .

We do though have a few other options if you are interested in our 4th annual laptop crop/retreat

1. a day long crop at our normal venue Fernz (www.sfern.co.nz/) where you can stay and pay your own accommodation if you are out of town.

2. weekend retreat at Waiheke ( possibly at Waiheke Heights (www.waihekeheights.co.nz/)which we used in the past) - 2 nights -+ we need car transport at Waiheke so the cost of car ferry for enough cars to transport all

3. Retreat at Pacific Palms (www.pacificpalmsresort.co.nz/) in Papamoa - apartment style accommodation with 2/3brm apartments - free wifi ( mostly around the pool area) . Transport extra though carpooling will make this not too expensive.

4... any other idea you have that you can pm me

Vote in the poll .Date at this stage is unknown but probably during the next school term - so may - early July - or in the third term - definitely before the world cup starts.

[Tina]

Hope you guys get to do this one!

[timelord]

I'd be really keen this time if in 3rd term. Location doesnt bother me as I have to fly to Akl from Chch anyway

[spotty]

I, too, am interested; got my thinking cap on... :think:
Will forward link to Jan.

[Lauren]

Thanks Jo - I dont know why I left Jan off - I was only talking to her about it yesterday!!!

[spotty]

Lauren, your Waiheke Heights link is broken; is it the Waiheke Heights Lodge at Palm Beach???

[webfrau]

Hmm decisions, decisions.

[littlekiwi]

As far as price goes I'd be more willing to do Fernz but any of them could be doable as long as uni timetable permits.

[Lauren]

Ive fixed the link to waiheke heights - for those who didnt go last time the address palm beach is a little misleading - its not near the beach at all and does require car transport ( hence we will need probably 2 cars on the car ferry depending on how many of us there are) to get anywhere but it has a great view

[Erica]

It depends on the date in July for me as to whether I can make either a 1 day crop or retreat as the 3rd week in July I'm in Rotorua then. And I'm not bothered whether a crop or retreat, both are fun :D I haven't voted yet but I will.

[Lauren]

Wouldnt necessarily be July but sometime between 2 May and 15 July ( thats term 2 ) or early in term 3 1 August - 7 October - definitely wouldnt be in the third week of July as thats school holidays

[littlekiwi]

I am free during the week before the july school holidays as I am off from uni from the 8th of July

[Cathiemarie]

If I were eligable to vote I'd vote for Waiheke any day. I loved Fernz and don't know the third option, but oh boy do I love Waiheke.

[bendipez]

I agree with Cathiemarie.....lolololol..!!

[spotty]

Check this as a possible alternative and we would not need cars - just go direct to Coromandel on the ferry.
http://www.corocottagesmotel.co.nz/accommodation.html
Lots to see and do but would not have the convenience of indoor pool with dining alongside...

[JanP]

I, too, am interested; got my thinking cap on... :think:
Will forward link to Jan.

Thank you for the PM Jo. My computer wasn't even TURNED ON yesterday! <gasp> :rofl:
We had DH's eldest DS and DIL visiting to say goodbye on their way to emigrating to Australia! They fly out tomorrow from Christchurch!
We'll miss them, but we intend to visit if at all possible.

So ... if anyone is interested in visiting Hawke's Bay I could look into venues here. Napier is a great place for photo walk with all it's Art Deco buildings.

Other than that I don't mind where we go, but Papamoa would probably be my choice as it's closest to home for me. :)

[JanP]

If I were eligable to vote I'd vote for Waiheke any day. I loved Fernz and don't know the third option, but oh boy do I love Waiheke.

I agree with Cathiemarie.....lolololol..!!

Well if we do choose Waiheke - will you two and Lynnie come over again??? Pleeeaaassse! :pray: :tup: :yes:

[JanP]

Well I see that Fernz and Waiheke are neck and neck so I'm not going to cast a vote yet. :rofl: Either is fine by me.

[webfrau]

I've not voted yet either Jan. What I'd like to do and what I can afford to do are two different things.
Napier sounds appealing. Lots of vineyards in the Hawkes Bay too aren't there? :)

[Lauren]

Hawkes bay sounds very appealing to me - Jan if you could look into venues Im happy to look into accommodation costs - ideally some kind of place with accommodation and with a meeting room would be the best - It does make it more expensive as flights into Napier arent as cheap as main centres, Id be ok with driving down and carpooling too but it will also subtract from scrapping time

[Lauren]

Check this as a possible alternative and we would not need cars - just go direct to Coromandel on the ferry.
http://www.corocottagesmotel.co.nz/accommodation.html
Lots to see and do but would not have the convenience of indoor pool with dining alongside...

Waiheke heights had lots of room and a big table for scrapping too which made it ideal

[JanP]

Right - I'll see what I can find down here to throw into the mix! :lol:

[bendipez]

Well if we do choose Waiheke - will you two and Lynnie come over again??? Pleeeaaassse! :pray: :tup: :yes:

I think I'm gonna hafta skip this time!!:cry::cry:
Shawn is probably going to be starting dialysis within the next couple of months.
Hmmm, maybe I should send a Pez over in my place....lolololol..!!

[JanP]

This one might be worth looking at ...
http://www.fountaincourt.co.nz/

[JanP]

I think I'm gonna hafta skip this time!!:cry::cry:
Shawn is probably going to be starting dialysis within the next couple of months.
Hmmm, maybe I should send a Pez over in my place....lolololol..!!

Definitely! Send one for each of us! :rofl:

[spotty]

Sounds really good Jan. I am VERY interested and I could even get to use up my AirNewZealand credit... :applause:

[littlekiwi]

If it is too far away I probably won't be able to do it - I'm only allowed 3 missed classes out of 16 weeks and I have 10 more weeks to go

[Lauren]

Waiheke heights has gone up to $810 a night - thats quite expensive - I didnt sleep in the main house -but in the woolshed - I believe the main house had 6 beds??- if we had 8 people including transport and food we would be looking at least $300 each for the 2 nights. - I'll keep looking ....

[Lauren]

http://waihekeresort.co.nz/Conferences/Packages/Share

This place will do an all inclusive for $249PP +gst including all meals - - Looks good but im thinking Fernz is quite a bit cheaper....

[JanP]

Ooh yes - Fernz was definitely cheaper than that last time. :)

[timelord]

The cheaper options sound good to me.... although have never been to Waiheke Is before. Being an unemployed lady of leisure at the moment. Better get off my butt and get a job.....
Knowing my luck Auckland's volcanoes will play up, or another Napier earthquake. LOL

[shazzt]

If I only I knew what I would be doing! Napier sounds cool but Fernz is so much closer (and cheaper!)

[Erica]

I love the Napier/Hawkes Bay idea there is some fabulous scenery down there, not only Napier city but the surrounds too.

[Erica]

Sounds really good Jan. I am VERY interested and I could even get to use up my AirNewZealand credit... :applause:

Yes I have credit from our last failed attempt for Christchurch. Thanks for the reminder Jo :)

[Erica]

Wouldnt necessarily be July but sometime between 2 May and 15 July ( thats term 2 ) or early in term 3 1 August - 7 October - definitely wouldnt be in the third week of July as thats school holidays

This has really peed me off, we always take our mid winter break the 19th of July because Ian's birthday falls then and it's usually the week the kids go BACK to school not start their break. Why the term change this year? Anyway we're going to see if we can change our booking in Rotorua to the week before school break!

[spotty]

uh-oh that last one has a two nights minimum which would make it even more expensive...

see this page - http://waihekeresort.co.nz/Accommodation

FERNZ is looking more and more the better option for a crop.
Elsewhere for a Retreat and as we are using laptops a large table is not so necessary - comfortable but not necessary. Armchairs and couches are attractive too. If we include photowalks [for our health, of course] then Coro is still a good option - no cars needed and much less expensive than Waiheke...

Erica, the terms had to be built around the Rugby WC - Govt decree...

[mum2riley]

This has really peed me off, we always take our mid winter break the 19th of July because Ian's birthday falls then and it's usually the week the kids go BACK to school not start their break. Why the term change this year? Anyway we're going to see if we can change our booking in Rotorua to the week before school break!

They changed the school terms to work around the rugby world cup.

I'm undecided as yet and depending on when it is I may not be able to make it anyway as we're saving to go to a wedding and have a family holiday in early August.

[Lauren]

Yes its frustrating for the kids (older ones anyway) that the school year changed this year - Matthew has just ONE WEEK in the last term before they stop for the NCEA exams - how stupid is that.....

[Lauren]

Fernz prices have gone up too btw but are still cheaper than other options - I will enquire regarding the Napier options too but I know that might make it too expensive for those in the South Island .... - flights between Christchurch and Auckland seem to be quite often on grab a seat these days

[JanP]

Well I'm happy to come up to Auckland again - or anywhere - where ever is best for the majority. :)

[timelord]

A silly question... what is the difference between a crop and a retreat?

[littlekiwi]

I'm at this stage unless it is after I receive my tax stuff/after my birthday I think the only option for me is somewhere in Auckland

[littlekiwi]

A silly question... what is the difference between a crop and a retreat?

crop is usually just one day (some people stay a day or two longer) where as a retreat is usually 2 or 3 nights in accommodation

hope I have explained it well enough

[Erica]

They changed the school terms to work around the rugby world cup.

I'm undecided as yet and depending on when it is I may not be able to make it anyway as we're saving to go to a wedding and have a family holiday in early August.


:mad::mad: I am so not a Rugby fan ;)

[timelord]

crop is usually just one day (some people stay a day or two longer) where as a retreat is usually 2 or 3 nights in accommodation

hope I have explained it well enough

All clear... thanks!

[timelord]

Are we etting any closer on a decision on destination and dates?

Also Lauren what time tomorrow is your chat (NZ time)? Havent done a chat yet and hoping to tomorrow

[Lauren]

Not yet!! And it's 1pm nz time tomorrow

[Lauren]

ok - I have a possibility for Waiheke - Staying at the Waiheke Resort in the lodge.

Large kitchen, large fridge, hotplates, oven and microwave

SKY TV, phone

Large lounge, dining room table

Entertainers balcony with views overlooking Palm Beach

Top level - 2x single beds, 1x queen bed with ensuite

Middle level - kitchen, lounge, toilet, bathroom, laundry, 1x single - bed, 1x queen bed

Lower level - 1x king bed (splits to twin), 1x queen bed, 1x - bathroom, access to balcony

Cost for this would depend on numbers but its much cheaper than waiheke heights .

IF we had 8 people the cost for the accommodation portion would be approx $100 each for 2 nights. ( Friday and Saturday) .
8 is the maximum we could fit in without sharing beds ( dont want to do that)
On top of that would be costs for ferry ( including car ferry for 2 cars so we could do a photo walk and get out for dinner etc) and food costs.
That would probably run to about $120- $150 each for 2 breakfasts, one lunch and one dinner ( and then perhaps we would go out for one dinner at own costs extra) and including car ferry and passenger ferry costs - its not cheap unfortunately to take your car there but quite necessary for photo walks etc)

Alternatively - we could do an entire conference package where all meals and accommodation are included - that cost is $250+gst for one night - extra on top of that is ferry costs and car ferry for photowalk purposes .

They also do a one day conference - havent asked for the cost for that yet because I figured if we are just doing a one day thign then fernz is probably the best option.

SO...... - what do you think??? - do you want a retreat for a couple of nights at Waiheke , or just a one day crop and photo walk the day before at fernz???

[littlekiwi]

I'd probably lean towards Fernz but if enough notice was given and I could save up then Waiheke could be an option for me too

[Lauren]

Ok so im totally mistaken - that cost for the lodge is PER NIGHT - not for 2 nights - so that makes it not such a great deal at all..... sorry......
so looking at that price for 8 people it would be $350 each for the 2 nights inclusive of breakfasts, lunches transport and one dinner.

One night conference is $249+GST pp including all meals provided by the resort but does not include transport.

Fernz would cost approximately $60 including lunch for a day long crop. Accommodation there ranges from $120 for a studio- $190 for a 2brm

[timelord]

Hi Lauren
I am happy to go with majority. I have only been to Akl a couple of times and just done the central touristy things so your options are all new for me.

It will really be what dates that will matter for me. I am currently not working but hop to be soon (have an interview on Mondays so fingers crossed) - so will need to ask for the Friday off

[littlekiwi]

with the new info my choice would be fernz only

[Donut]

I'd not be able to afford the Waiheke option right now, although a 2 day retreat is tempting. :) So I'd be in if it's Fernz, out if it's Waiheke I'm afraid. :(

[webfrau]

Waiheke would be a definite no for me. Fernz maybe.

[timelord]

Lauren if its Fernz would it be the one day crop only?

[Erica]

I loved our retreat last time on Waiheke, it's a fabulous place and I'm happy to do it again :love3: But it seems we would be depleted in numbers if that option is chosen :cry: Do we have total numbers yet Lauren? Anyhoo - I'm happy to go with the majority.

[webfrau]

I loved Waiheke last time too Erica, it was such a fantastic weekend, so fun and relaxing. I would love to do it again but it's just not possible. :(

[JanP]

I'm with the Fernz people :) although, depending on dates, I may not be able to come. :(

[JanP]

Oh - Papamoa would be my second choice. :)

[spotty]

:drumroll: FERNZ appears to be a better choice to get more people together. Extra appeal possibility is to hire the projector and have it hooked up to Lauren's laptop :tup: THEN we come prepared with Photoshop and digiscrap questions. Do you feel up to that Lauren?

AND / OR a smaller group retreats :popcorn: to Waiheke for a holiday with focus on photos and cropping.

I would be up for either and/or both :applause:

:hug: My sympathies are with Lauren... :hug:

[Lauren]

Lauren if its Fernz would it be the one day crop only?

It would be a photo walk on one day and a crop on the following day Michelle

[Lauren]

Papamoa would cost a little less than waiheke - the apartment costs are around $300 a night but sleep fewer people.

Fernz has smaller room options than weve used before so numbers arent so vital.
We would certainly organise a dinner for the same night as the photo walk as weve done in previous years so for those who come from out of Auckland it would still be a 2 day thing.
Id probably be looking at mid June at this point. -
I will phone fernz and check for availability on Monday
Jan and Michelle and other out of Aucklanders --what weeks would suit you better - Im pretty flexible

[littlekiwi]

just to throw a spanner in the works - I have uni class on Sat 25th June so wouldn't be able to do that day

[timelord]

Lauren I'm pretty flexible to. I just need time to hopefully get cheapish flights.

[timelord]

Hi - hope everyone has had a good weekend.
Lauren I have just booked something for the of 11th June. So that weekend would be out for me now

[thecharmed01]

I'd be keen but I can't do June.
I'm already in Auckland the weekend of the 18th organising my friends baby shower...

[thecharmed01]

:drumroll: FERNZ appears to be a better choice to get more people together. Extra appeal possibility is to hire the projector and have it hooked up to Lauren's laptop :tup: THEN we come prepared with Photoshop and digiscrap questions. Do you feel up to that Lauren?


I have a portable projector (high lumens for daytime use) if it's of any use... I can bring it depending if it's a weekend I can come.

[Lauren]

I have access to a projector ( as long as it's not being used) so that's not a problem.
I came up with a plan that might combine the best of a waiheke retreat and a cheaper crop at fernz .
On day one we could get the ferry to waiheke and rent a car ( split costs)- it's cheaper than using the car ferry ).we could have lunch there..at onetangi -there's a reasonably priced restaurant on the beach-and do a little tour of the island .
Get the ferry back and have a dinner together .
The next day we would have our crop at fernz and could even do another dinner .
This way people could participate in the parts that they want /can afford without missing out totally .
The waiheke part of course is weather dependent -we would need an alternative which we can discuss later .
I will contact Fernz tomorrow and check out dates for this school term. Definitely has to be before the world cup .

[timelord]

Sounds amazing Lauren! Thanks for all time you are putting into organising this!

[littlekiwi]

I love that idea Lauren

[shazzt]

Sounds like a great compromise Lauren. I probably won't be able to do 18-19 June as Paul is overseas.

[littlekiwi]

I could still do the weekend of the 25th if things were either done on Friday after 3pm or on Sunday

[Lauren]

Well I cant cater for everyone clearly as someone will have something on one weekend or the other - Im tending toward queens birthday weekend ( weekend of the 4th 5th 6th June) because it may make it easier for most with that extra day off but thats dependent on Fernz
Those out of Auckland would need to book at least 2 nights accommodation because we would take an earlyish ferry to devonport on the first day.
But if we had the photowalk we could do either Saturday Sunday or Sunday Monday .

[littlekiwi]

Any more news on this event yet??

[spotty]

Lauren I really like your plans! Best of both worlds, as you say. Keeping my fingers crossed that we won't be setting off any more 'natural' calamities... :yahoo: Liz is also very interested.

[Lauren]

I think the best weeked might be the first weekend in July . Trying to fit in with as many as possible

[littlekiwi]

I think the best weeked might be the first weekend in July . Trying to fit in with as many as possible

sounds good - maybe I can see if my family are willing to give me an early birthday present with some cash in it :) it would only be a week early

[timelord]

You are doing an amazing job Lauren

[Lauren]

I'll be phoning Fernz today to tentatively book us in for that first weekend in July and then i will work out a price . - The price you will pay me will just cover the crop day - including morning tea and lunch. - Everything else will be optional and paid for independently. - this makes it a lot easier for me to organise.

I will give an indication of the costs for Waiheke including sharing of car hire ( we may need 2 cars so will need a second driver too if we go with that option )
I wont ask for money for these in advance as if its a wet day we may need an alternative option. ( which I havent thought of yet!)

[Donut]

Sounds great Lauren, I think you may well be offered a job with United Nations once this is all confirmed! ;)

[Lauren]

OK We can get Fernz for the weekend of 2nd /3rd July. - Prices have gone up a bit since last year - and we will need to have the same room that weve normally had even if we have smaller numbers because the alternative room is already booked.

Cost for the Crop Day only - $65pp which includes the crop and morning tea and buffet lunch and internet .
In addition they are offering queen chalets at a discounted price of $115 a night. ( which you will book individually)
Fernz website - http://www.sfern.co.nz
Fernz unfortunately is a long way from the airport. If timing is ok I could possibly arrange to pick some of you up otherwise a shuttle bus is probably the best option.
If you are coming from out of Auckland and wish to do the day trip to Waiheke you will need to arrive on Friday night or very early Saturday morning . We will either take the 9.00am ferry or the 11am ferry - I can provide transport for up to 7 people )including me)from Fernz to and from Devonport to the ferry.
We will return on the 4pm or 6pm ferry ( depending on which one we take over) -light for photos would be better if we took the earlier set of times .
Cost for Waiheke ferry is $35 return pp - ( to be paid individually)
Rental car cost approx $15pp depending on which car and numbers...

Dinner for Saturday will be organised soon and details will follow - this is optional and extra.

I will need confirmed numbers asap as the Fernz quote is only good for 7 days and they have had a change of management so I have a different contact than previous years

[thecharmed01]

Sorry I'm a definate no at this stage, flights look to be around $500 for me to fly up Friday evening and back Sunday evening.
It's even more to fly up Saturday morning and back Sunday evening at about $550.

I can't do Thursday-Monday as I have a toddler to look after but I'm not prepared to spend that much on a crop.

Sucks as those dates are on Grab-A-Seat for $69 but they have sold out of most times.
I'd have to fly up at 4pm Saturday and leave at 11am Sunday to get the good prices!

[Lauren]

Sharyn if you wanted to risk Jetstar they have a $69 and a $109 on friday night from wellington to auckland and an 89 and a 79 back on sunday night

[thecharmed01]

Oh, never looked there, I just did ANZ and Quantas!
I'll have a wee look, ok make me a maybe again till I can check them out. I have no luggage, just carry on!

[littlekiwi]

I'm pretty much a definite yes at this stage. Tomorrow I'll have a look to see if I have any assignments due around that time then I will confirm

[timelord]

Hi Lauren. Just looking at flights. Is it Ok if I catch an early (very early!) flight Sat morning and fly back Sunday night. Never been to a crop before so not sure if need to be there night before or not

[littlekiwi]

I probably won't be able to do Waiheke which is a real pity but I can only afford to do either dinner/crop or waiheke at this stage

[JanP]

Would love to come but don't think I'll be able to. Thanks for all your hard work Lauren. :)

[Lauren]

Michelle fri would be better but if it was really early sat then we can probably swing it with the 11am ferry ..probably wouldn't work with the 9 am ferry unless you got in by 7am

[Lauren]

We will miss you Jan!

[mum2riley]

I think you'll have to count me out as well. We're planning a family holiday for the beginning of August so any spare funds are going towards that.

[spotty]

Well, living by the Harbour Bridge, as I do, I am sitting pretty for joining in with all proposals. Please count me in, Lauren :yippee: :drumroll: :popcorn:

[Lauren]

We will miss you too Fay

[littlekiwi]

what time would the crop be from on Sunday - I've moved and it is now a little harder to get to Fernz

[Lauren]

9 am

[littlekiwi]

Ok it just means an early morning for me on the Sunday as it will take me close to 2 hours to get there

[shazzt]

I will have to check about Saturday but I should be OK for the crop.

[timelord]

Sorry to be a pain Lauren, but I could get a flight Sat morning arriving 7am. Also only cheap flight on Sunday night is 6.30pm depart. Would these work? If Ok will book in the morning as I see seats are getting low

[Lauren]

Yes both would work - the 7am flight would arrive at 8am -that wouldnt leave enough time to do the 9am ferry trip but the 11am might be a bit easier for most anyway - and still leaves us quite a bit of time on the island - Im sure one of us who lives near the airport might be able to pick you up - otherwise I can drive over and get you
The 6.30 depart means you would need to leave the crop a bit early- but not much - its about 40 minutes from fernz to the airport

[littlekiwi]

yeah if I go to waiheke the 11am ferry would be much easier

[timelord]

The flight to Akl I am looking at ARRIVES Akl 7am (leaves Chch 5.40am - yikes). Although I see have missed on the cheap fares. There is a Jetstar flight ETA Akl 8.30. Which flight would work better?
There is a flight back leaving 8.45pm which $50 more - am I better to do that one? or stick with the 6.30

[Lauren]

Oooooooh thats an early one !!!- well if we plan for the 11am ferry you could get the jetstar one - - that will be no problem and Im sure someone will pick you up - the 7am one it might be harder to get someone up to pick you up!!!!
Either return flight is fine - do you by chance have Fionas phone number?- you could see what flights she plans to take ..
The other person who is coming from Christchurch is Bett -(Chardonnay) - so you could pm her and ask her what flights she is taking too.

[timelord]

Will do.
Either way will book tonight as the fares go up every time I look!

[timelord]

Flights all booked! So I am now a definite.

[spotty]

Looking forward to meeting you, Timelord. :yahoo:

[Lauren]

Ive created a new thread thats a bit less confusing than this one - If you are coming let me know and I will add you to the list at the top
http://www.digitalscrapbookplace.com/forum/showthread.php?p=975272#post975272