New Zealand or Bust.

In lieu of engagement gifts, engagement parties, bridal showers, bridal gifts and wedding gifts, we are asking our loved ones (family and friends), and anyone else willing, to donate money to help us finance our dream trip to New Zealand.  We will be marrying this November, at the Santa Barbara courthouse; however, we plan to take our 'honeymoon' two years from now, once Kellen has finished his schooling. We are aiming for February-March 2016. The plan is to spend 8 weeks in New Zealand, exploring both islands, camping and traveling by camper van. The camper van, not only inherently adventurous, will allow us to see more, will provide more flexibility and will be the most cost efficient means. However, our biggest expense will be petrol. At our most conservative of estimations, we believe we will need to collect/save $3,000 just for petrol.  Our plan is to tour both islands, North and South, visiting, but not limited to: Bay of Islands, Auckland, Rotorua, East Cape/Napier, Central area/ Tanaka, coast just north of Wellington, Nelson/Abel Tasman/Golden Bay area, Queenstown/Te Anua/Milford, Dunedin, Christchurch, Akoroa or Kaikoura. Other expenses will include : shipping our bikes, supplies and gear, food, activities and presents for every person who donates to the fund.  We will both be keeping a journal, to be updated regularly on or blog, illustrated with photographs taken by Liz. We are excited to share this experience with everyone! Thank you for helping us make our dream a reality. Love, Liz + Kellen.