Christchurch Avenger meet up - The Panther goes south

[avenga]

Hi Guys.

As some of you already know, each year I drive down to the South Island for the MoPars in the South car show. This year it will be in Ashburton.

Last year I had a great time touring around the country and popping in to see fellow Avenger forum members, I think I ended up visiting about 4 or 5 of you guys on my travels.

This year I was thinking of having a little Avenger meet up in Christchurch while I was down there. It will be over Labour weekend so I was thinking we could meet in Christchurch on Monday the 28th of October (Labour day) on my way back from Ashburton.

Let me know if who is keen because I would love to meet more of you South Island members.

Also here is a copy of my route, so if I am coming through your town and you want to say hi or see the Panther in the flesh then give me a yell.

23rd October (Day 1): Auckland - Hawkes Bay
24th October (Day 2): Hawkes Bay -2:30pm ferry - Blenheim
25th October (Day 3): Blenheim - Ashburton
26th October (Day 4): MoPars in Ashburton Day 1
27th October (Day 5): MoPars in Ashburton Day 2
28th October (Day 6): Ashburton - Avenger meet up - Picton
29th October (Day 7): Picton - 10:30 ferry - Mid North Island. Taihape/Turangi/Taupo depending if the ferry is delayed or how far we make it up the island
30th October (Day 8 ): Mid North Island - Auckland

[blekkja]

I'm looking at moving to Hawkes Bay next year so it might be cool to have a bit of a cruise. I think my Uni should be over by then. I need to go sort the place out anyway.

[avenga]

Cool. We have heaps of other Hawkes Bay members so it is about time we had another Hawkes Bay meet.

Give me a yell when you have moved down there and I will see if I can arrange a meet up, or maybe we do what we did for our last HB meet up and crash Wheel on Windsor, I think it is in February.

[kierbear]

It's the first Sunday of march I think. Defiantly move to HB, it's a great place especially in summer. Having said that, I have been applying for jobs outside of the region for a change lol. I'd be keen to catch up but not sure where I will be in NZ if it won't be till march.

[Memphiz]

I'll definitely be keeping that Monday free Richard.  Have to try find somewhere for some sweet Avenger photos.  Hopefully some more Christchurch members come to the gathering

[blekkja]

Keen to see your beast in the flesh - you still on track to pass through Hamilton tomorrow?

Also I obviously need stickers.

[avenga]

Yup, leaving tomorrow. I was going to go SH2/27 but I can go through hamiltron instead for a change.

I have already loaded heaps of Avenger stickers in the car, just about finished packing.

I will PM you my details.

[blekkja]

Don't put yourself out of your way just for me, it's no biggy.

[avenga]

Nah it will be good. It breaks up the long stretches of driving. Gives me an excuse to get out and stretch my legs.

I have a 5 1/2 hour drive tomorrow so a break in Hamilton then an other in Taupo. I usually stop off in Tirau, which is boring, so I will make my first stop the tron instead.

Plus now that your Avenger is on the road in need to be rocking an Avenger sticker.

[avenga]

Hey guys.

I made it back safely, sad to say the Panther didn't make it all the way back. Something went bang in the engine going up the Bombay Hills on the way back into Auckland. I think it was the head gasket, so I had to get it towed the last 50KM home. Went fine for over 2,500KM of the trip just to let go with Auckland in sight.

Anyway, at least it was better than it happening in the South Island.

Other than that it was a really great trip. It was awesome to catch up with Reuben in Hamilton on the way down and Richard on the way back up in Christchurch. The highlight was going for a little blat along SH1 with Richard following me in his 4AGE power Avenger. The sound of my dual Dellortos and his quad throttle bodies was music to my ears.

Also ran in to another Avenger on the way up the South Island. A red 1600 Auto, the owner was driving it from Auckland down to the deep south, seems like Avengers are meant for these long road trips.