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Photo by Hendi Kaf, in Cambodia

I haven't been everywhere...
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Photo by Hendi Kaf,
in Cambodia



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  #16  
Old 31 Aug 2008
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Location: Bay of Plenty, New Zealand
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Zweiton (or Zweikanalton or A2) and NICAM are methods of transmitting stereo sound. Australia does use Zweiton, which allows for transmission of stereo or two separate sound channels in mono. See, for example, Australasian television frequencies on Wikipedia for an explanation.

But if your TV is fairly modern it is very likely that it will decode both signal types correctly. On a recent Panasonic TV there is a I/II button on the remote control for selecting the sound output mode. It works with both NICAM and A2. Check the technical information section of the TV operating instructions, or call the importer with the model number of the TV and ask if it will decode NICAM stereo broadcasts.

Unlike the TVs I helped to develop 25 or more years ago the modern ones are so full of computer power that it is almost cost free to develop and cheaper to manufacture ones flexible enough to decode most signals, instead of having different models for almost every market in the world. It's amazing how many different standards there are for TV signal transmission. In the Wikipedia article for Zweiton there is a list of broadcast formats for analogue and for digital TV signals.
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  #17  
Old 12 Sep 2008
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Thanks for the info artig. I think it's become an academic exercise as a family member now wants to buy the TV at mate's rates. I'll get a new one in NZ when I arrive.
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  #18  
Old 22 Oct 2008
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NZ Tour 2010 - Looking for another rider

It is a 'must do' for me to ship my bike to NZ and tour both islands. Heard so much about all the papers req and costs etc that can drive you crazy to almost give up the idea but no challenge no adventure, right? I am dreaming to do this tour somewhere in mid 2010. It will not be far wrong to say that if I tour NZ for about 3 months then shipping my bike would be the best way to go.
I am a Malaysian (going to retire from the Navy) and ride a Kawasaki KLR 650 model 2008. Awesome machine! Want to tour NZ with this bike. Looking for another biker to join.
Any comments?
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  #19  
Old 23 Oct 2008
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Hey I agree that touring both islands of NZ by motorcycle is a "must do".

I've travelled around both islands by car, but so far only the North Island by bike.

The question for me is whether it's more practical to ship my bike over from Australia, or sell it and buy a new one here in NZ.

At the moment a mate in Sydney is making good use of it, and I think he's rather keen that it shouldn't leave Australian shores.
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  #20  
Old 30 Oct 2008
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probably not worth it, mate... prices are reasonable here and good BMW support in the big cities...
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  #21  
Old 30 Oct 2008
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How long to Tour NZ?

Hello
I,m sure others have different views but how long does one need too tour NZ?
The North island has a lot more traffic than the South Island by NZ standards but has the Native culture.
The South has the better scenery and a lot less traffic and more relaxing.
Unless you want to do every road, you can do the South Island in three weeks if you need to ride daily.
Far less if you ride point to point.
Depends on how many ride free days you want and other activies.
4500km would do a comfortable round trip of the South island that,d make a local happy ( perhaps)
I reckon the North island would be nearly the same but if you pefer just riding , South Island.

All this should go into wether you want to ship or buy in NZ.
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  #22  
Old 1 Nov 2008
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Bring your bike.

Quote:
Originally Posted by amzahsulaiman View Post
It is a 'must do' for me to ship my bike to NZ and tour both islands. Heard so much about all the papers req and costs etc that can drive you crazy to almost give up the idea but no challenge no adventure, right? I am dreaming to do this tour somewhere in mid 2010. It will not be far wrong to say that if I tour NZ for about 3 months then shipping my bike would be the best way to go.
I am a Malaysian (going to retire from the Navy) and ride a Kawasaki KLR 650 model 2008. Awesome machine! Want to tour NZ with this bike. Looking for another biker to join.
Any comments?
If you are here for three months, then it's probably a good idea to bring your bike. there is a shipping link over there <----- on the left sidebar under the Planning heading. NZ is one of the easier places to bring a bike into. You don't need a Carnet De passage if you are prepared to put up a 12% refundable bond on the value of your bike. You have to get a Kawasaki dealer to write you a value, but they are usually happy to do that for free. Other than the GST bond, it will cost you about NZ$4-500 (about US$300) in fees, inspections and registration costs.

Mid-2010 would of course put you here in NZ in winter. Much better to try to come in late summer if you can. The best times would be from mid-January to April. By the middle of January most locals have finished their summer holidays.

There are many tens of thousands of kilometers of back roads and gravel trails that your bike would be perfect for.

Regards

Nigel in NZ
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  #23  
Old 15 Dec 2008
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Dear Nigel,
Very much thanks for your in-put. Will adjust my timing to suit the weather but I am prepare for the worst. For now, just doing local trips, trying to adjust myself and the load on my bike. Glad there are lots of you guys who are very helpful. Will keep in touch. Cheers mate. Amzah
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