skidz

We stopped for the night at the historic Cardrona Hotel, lovely meal and comfortable accommodation but no sign of the ghost. A short detour for us through to Alexandra via Cromwell and Clyde dam - another government Think Big project from the 1970’s. Then regroup at Tarras for the drive through the Linda’s Pass and on to Twizel. But first a stop at the Clay Cliffs at Omarama. We have driven past the sign many times but this was the first time we have ventured in. It was well worth the effort.

Next day we were off to Milford Sound by bus. Another day of great weather despite a cool start, and the scenery is just out of this world -simply stunning. PreCovid this road was busy every day, with tourists in buses, car, campers etc. When we were there, the bus park, which can hold 48 tour coaches, had only three plus our 18 seater. They were hoping and praying for the Aussie bubble to open, so they could see a return to more normal levels of customers. We were lucky enough to have a pod of dolphins swim with us on the boat trip. Another night in Te Anau and then off north via Queenstown and Arrowtown for lunch. But first a stop at Kingston-to view the Kingston Flyer a tourist train that has been idle for years. We had a photo shoot in front of the station, safe that no trains were coming. And then we see on the news just a few days later the train was back on the tracks for a trial run.

You need to take the E46 down! From Invercargill we headed towards Te Anau via the fishing port of Riverton and the Southern Scenic route. A morning coffee stop saw us checking out the Southern Sushi aka cheese rolls and the world famous Tuatapere sausages - the cafe did really well that morning! Then onwards through more amazing driving roads and wonderful scenery Lunch today was at Lake Manapouri. Back in the 1960’s this beautiful lake was the subject of public opposition to government plans to raise the lake level to assist with operation of the Manapouri power station. The flow of the Waiau river was reduced by 90% to increase flow to the lake. The power station supplies electricity to the Tiwai Point aluminium smelter, one of the Government’s think big projects. Eventually and perhaps surprisingly, public opinion won out and the lake levels are controlled within “natural levels” whilst flow of theWaiau river has been restored to about 30%. This was the star of the conservation movement in New Zealand- it was quite a turning point. Te Anau was another town that has been badly hit by Covid keeping international tourists away. But one amusing moment arrived when one of the locals arrived in the town centre with his friend Penelope the pig in the back seat of his Mazda Apparently she goes everywhere with him. Life is different down South!

Thanks Murray. Yes the weather was great and the scenery just amazing - it was like driving in a pictorial calendar! After the Catlins trip, we had two nights in Invercargill with the intention the group would make a day trip to Stewart Island. As with some other things on this journey, no ferry bookings had been made and it seemed the morning ferry was fully booked. Undeterred, Donna and I went down to the ferry terminal and ‘bluffed’ our way (see what I did there?) on. Donna had not been there before and this was the one thing she was most looking forward to. We had a nice smooth crossing over and then took a bus trip which took us to all the hotspots. There is only 25km of roads and I think we covered them all! Stewart Is covers a large area but only three percent of the land area is available for occupancy - the rest is National Park, and DOC reserve. We were not able to get onto the boat trip to Ulva Island which is a bird sanctuary- this one was full. So instead it was off to the South Seas Hotel for lunch - the Blue Cod burger was superb. They have installed a symbolic chain to link Stewart Island to the mainland, this referencing the story of Maui who used Stewart Island as his anchor whilst fishing the North Island from the sea. We were able to visit both ends. There is a new museum, visitor centre and library but otherwise it was much as I remembered, and I was there 50 years ago! The rest of the tour group took the opportunity to visit the Richardson’s Truck museum (amazing place - I was there in November) and to wash there cars. We had made some detours onto unsealed roads while in the Catlins.

I have a crank, rods etc which may be available... The old story, have them for an engine rebuild I will probably not need. Or do.

Day three saw us head to Ashburton for coffee, and a street display, Timaru for lunch, Oamaru and then Dunedin. In Oamaru we had the chance to visit the Riverstone Castle (true!) check out the old limestone buildings, the Steampunk displays and motor museum. Then on to Dunedin, with dinner that evening at the restaurant within the historic railway station. Day four and we continued south to Invercargill via the Catlins. Stops along the way at the seaside settlement of Kaka Point, the Purakanui Falls, the Petrified Forest (only 170 million years old) and on round the south coast. This was probably our coldest day, with some rain, but still the most amazing scenery and really nice driving roads. IMG_0406.MOV IMG_0445.MOV

Hi there, I recently had the chance to join a group of MG enthusiasts on a South Island road trip. There was a late withdrawal so this was my opportunity to join. And, BMW owned MG Rover for. a.while in the 1990’s so kinda fits, right? Day one was to meet up at ferry terminal, cross the strait and first night in Blenheim. Here we struck our first mechanical issue ~ one of the MGF managed to snap a gear change cable as they drove onto the motel car park! Day two saw us head south via the Kaikoura cost to Christchurch for the night.. this drive is simply one of the best in the world. Along the Kaikoura coast the road clings to the side of steep cliffs with. the Pacific Ocean on the other side. Weather was ideal for top down motoring and the scenery just superb. The coast line has changed dramatically since the 2016 earthquake with the land uplifted by over 4 metres in some places, raising the seabed and exposing more of the shoreline.

Hi all, I am about o order some bits and pieces from Ireland Engineering but the freight is a killer, anybody want to add to the purchases and share freight costs

sold, sorry

as per title, looking for per face lift fog light lens (or two) Cheers...Stephen 021 744 881

can you send me a photo

i would vote for SH1 to Bulls, then to Whanganui, National Park, Te Awamutu, rejoin SHI at Ngaruwahia Nice roads, less traffic... Or SH2 to Napier, then to Taupo, SH1 North...

OK cool, i will drop off to courier on Tuesday remind me the address deets. I replied to your text but it bounced - sorry- but your car looks great!

Sorry, is sold Nice looking E30 !

Eliongater to the rescue! All the pics should be there in glorious colour now

have reposted the photos, should be ok now

yep come and have a look at the side trim and yes i have an analogue clock All the photos are showing when i view, so really odd - a couple of peeps have said they cannot see them. At this rate i will have JTP on my case!

Fibreglass rear apron for Pre Fl sedan or coupe - new, never fitted to a car $150 Pfeba soft rubber boot spoiler (similar to the one shown) $old M Tec1 side skirts - will need some plastic welding but hey, these are getting hard to find $old Front plastic inner guards, good order $60pr Front plastic under-tray, good order $50 Glovebox, good order with a lock that works! $50 Dashboard, has one crack but could be usable for someone, $old Centre Console with six pack cassette holder, nice piece of 1980s nostalgia, $OLD (or a plain one for $20) Have the front section also, for a sedan Various pieces of exterior side trim - Facelift or pre facelift, $5 per piece Wiring and cables for rear battery ,$old E30 ecu, $40 each, let me know what part number you want other odds and ends, let me know what you are looking for Cheers...Stephen 021 744 881

Clearing out my garage,selection of mechanical bits and pieces E30 steering rack $100 E36 steering rack converted to manual (non power steer) $100 325i Airbox and AFM $50 Ireland Engineering Stainless Steel front strut brace - will need welded to suit your car (engine height etc) $100 325i (883) cylinder head - has some damage to a camshaft journal and will need repaired but is straight and not soft $old Electric Fan $25 next post will be trim and interior Stephen 021 744 881

i will hold them for you, Jon

Set of four Revolution Motorsport wheels, white, fitted with Federal semi slicks (that are old and hard) $650 Stephen 021 744 881

Various bits and pieces left over from my E30 projects Coilover front struts, Koni inserts, K Mac adjustable top hats, springs, hubs $old Rear adjustable Platforms and springs $old King Low Rear Springs $200 Koni Rear Shocks $old Bilstein Rear Shocks $old M50 Throttle Body $50 Stephen 021 744 881

They Are Revolution brand, Motorsport style, they are white

I have a set of 17 4 x100 rims,they currently have Federal semi slicks fitted, give me a call, 021 744 881 cheers...Stephen

Geez, Elijah, dont you already have a big shed for your toys?