NZ on a 5-year plan

[smallstreams.co.za]

So, a little group decided we need to make a conscious decision to start saving up and do a world class destination. We aren't getting younger, and in 5 year's time all our kids will be old enough for mom to survive for 2-weeks without us. Major issue is planning ito saving up, so planning budget for us is NB. Once there we will probably take a guide for a day or 2.

The reason for the post is to ask the guys that have been to NZ before, if our costs are more-or-less ballpark. We decided (at this stage) to rent a campervan (might have to do 2 campervans if the party number demands it) since we would have accommodation wherever we decide to travel, the option of a kitchen, a shower, a toilet etc.

Most of the variable costs (yellow cells) have been exaggerated a bit as a worst-case-scenario, any advice would be appreciated.

Yes, 5-years is a long time, but we have to start somewhere

https://www.dropbox.com/s/dlmz3401yu...dropbox%29.xls

[JadeDsantos]

Awesome Mario! So glad you are doing this. I need to do the same someday. Its like a religious pilgrimage doing to SI I feel. Thanks for sharing the costing!

Cheers

J

[smallstreams.co.za]

Awesome Mario! So glad you are doing this. I need to do the same someday. Its like a religious pilgrimage doing to SI I feel. Thanks for sharing the costing!

Cheers

J

I wish I could just pack and go, but at this stage not even almost a chance

The Fellowship of the Fly will be between 4 and 8 guys, so the costing is based on that. For the time being March/April is the target window, seeing that flights over Dec/Jan is almost 10K more than in March/April. The fishing still seems to be pretty good during that time, and the 10K could be put towards guides in my mind rather than flights. Dunno if this makes sense - the guys that have been there will know better.

[JadeDsantos]

I tried to do a bit of research for it last year but it seem you already know more than me. I was hoping to con Matt Zilliox and Liam S into joining me. I have been doing a lot of research for great NZ style of fishing up around here, but the only thing that comes close is Kamchatka or Iceland, NZ is just the mecca.

Maybe in a few years I will follow suit and fly over to NZ troutbum style, buy a small motorbike and drive around SI for a month.

I suppose budgeting for saving becomes the most critical thing right now, everything else is doable. Maybe since its over 5 years, I see no harm in sticking money in some kind of fund. If all you guys are doing the same, it would be worth all chippin together so you get more back from your interest. But that also comes with a host of other complications . . .

J

[smallstreams.co.za]

I see no harm in sticking money in some kind of fund. If all you guys are doing the same, it would be worth all chippin together so you get more back from your interest. But that also comes with a host of other complications . . .

J

That is the plan ja - all of us have to plan and save (the sad reality of the average Joe). I did the math, there is no benefit really ito saving into the same fund. The disadvantages and complications that that would have, far outweighs the combined interest gained (which according to the clever people is zero anyway).

[JadeDsantos]

Yeah its what I thought. Pity though.

I think its anyones reality if you are heading on a trip like this! No extreme fishing trip is going to be cheap! If I wanted to do a similar trip to Sweden, Norway or Iceland I would be paying more than that in rands and the fishing would not be as good! I think NZ is great value for money with regards to the catch!

One place that actually seems very affordable to fish in comparison is Slovenia! I was doing some research and between guides and licenses its very affordable. Maybe we should make a thread for good value for money international trips!? Share some thoughts on flybumming it in some exotic locations.

J

[Scythe]

If anyone on this forum, or in this country for that matter, is silly enough to believe that the Rand will show marked improvement against the Greenback thereby bucking it's torrential tumble, at any point in the immediate (or longer term) then I would like to see your fly patterns for catching Fairies and The Easter Bunny... really.

Take your saving and invest it in a fund of funds which is invested offshore (ie : get your Rands into Dollars and keep them there till you need it, especially if this is a 5 year plan)

[Scythe]

Why put a damper on someone else's excitement?

For the first time in a long time, there is a thread on the Forum that actually deals with the fishing and not just k@kpraat.

I for one find the thread very informative and entertaining, keep on doing the legwork Mario, remain excited, this is an awesome resource.

[smallstreams.co.za]

Found this from a previous FT post - what is nice is that you can download some of the issues as PDF files.

http://www.flyfishersinc.com/flipboo...4_download.pdf

[KevinC]

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