I couldn’t find much about insurance, apart from this:

Comprehensive or third party property motor vehicle insurance is not compulsory in New Zealand however it is strongly recommended that all vehicle owners obtain such insurance cover. Personal injuries resulting from a motor vehicle accident are covered by the Accident Compensation Corporation on a no fault basis. See www.acc.co.nz for more information.

The Accident Compensation Act makes partial provision for visitors to be covered for compensation and medical treatment for personal injury and death following an accident whether on the road or elsewhere. Although benefits are additional to payments from personal sickness and/or accident insurance policies, visitors should ensure that they are covered with adequate travel insurance.

The Accident Compensation Act abolishes the right to bring any action for damages in respect of injury or death in any court in New Zealand. Visitors are protected from any claims for their negligence resulting in personal injury or death to third parties.

Although insurance is not compulsory, most residents take out sufficient property damage insurance to safeguard themselves against any property liability should they be involved in an accident. Tourists wishing to purchase vehicles, and acquire property damage insurance should bring with them a “Letter of No Claims Bonus Entitlement,” so that they are able to obtain insurance at more favourable terms.”

So, it appears you would not have to worry about injuring any person, but you would be liable for damage to property or other vehicles. Maybe you can manage without insurance, then.

There was also something here, about buying cars in general. A bit more comprehensive than what I said.

www.backpackerboard.co.nz/articles/buying_car_nz.htm

Cherries seem to be in Otago, at the bottom of South Island. I’m not sure when, but probably around November-December. As an experienced cherry picker, I don’t reckon it’s any easier than any other fruit. You hang a massive container around your neck, which sits on your chest, and you climb up a tottery ladder and start plucking. There’s no time to eat any of the cherries, even if you wanted to.

Did you register for Wwoof or shall I send the booklet?

Good to speak to you, C’rot, albeit at 6.30 am!

However, having slid back in between the cosy sheets, it was a mite perturbing to have to climb out again to check another incoming text message, this one wishing me happy slumbers!!!!!!!!!

Hail,

The next big town we are going to be in is Wellington. If anyone wishes to send letters and whatnot possibly containing large amounts of money, there would be a good place to send a letter to the main PO again. Off for a spot of lunch now and a museum!!

T

I see what you mean about buying a car being stressful. Goddamnit – there’s not much available to choose from at the moment!!

Having fun in Auckland wallowing through the random down pours which occur every 10 minutes. Sun 1 second then rain the next!! Whipping ponchos on and off at a rate of knots. Wet 1 moment, and cooking inside a huge sack the next. How joyful!!
Tanya is keen to follow in Julio’s foot steps and head straight for the nearest McDonald’s.
Hopefully my good sense will prevail and we’ll head back to the hostel for a nugget of stale bread and mouldy cheese.
Geoff

I’ll check the post tomorrow for another letter or so. We have sena few vans, but all about $2900, and the people have got a week left so are keen to get the full price. Most disconcerting. we have an option in the pipline if the cursed girl ever gets back to us anout a van for $950, but not holding out much hope as when geoff phoned her the other night she said it was too late to talk about the van, and when we phoned back as instructed in the morning she had gone on an all day yoga binge and was not there when we phoned again in the evening. She is out again today, and will hopefully phone us at the hostel tonight, but not holding my breath. We may have to go with thte grey turd as it is the only car we have been able to see, no one being inclined to answer their mobiles or reply to messages. Hey hum. We either spend a thou or so and get a van or else we spend about 500 quid and don’t need to worry so much if it colapses or anything. Well, of for another day of truging round periodically phoning!

Jul – enjoy nusa, and glad annika likes the bag.

Liv – how are those press ups jul recommended going????

Well, hi to all and will let you know when we have sucummed to the pressure of getting a car and bought the grey turd!!

Tanya

Granny said cheers for the mini pewter platypus, which is keeping her silver Mull otter company.

She apparently sent two letters to Auckland. As you say, mine obviously got lost in the post.