Jul 29, 2016

New Zealand Bound!

It's two weeks today until the Romance Writers of New Zealand conference - cue excited dancing! The RWNZ conferences are always a lot of fun and it's been a few years since I've been across the ditch to attend one, so my anticipation is high.



I'm actually leaving on Monday (gah! Someone needs to start packing!) so I can spend some time before the conference with friends, including fellow Lovecat, Barbara DeLeo. Then onto the conference itself, where I'm planning on catching up with more Lovecats - Yvonne Lindsay, Louisa George, and Sue Mackay. Sounding like a pretty fun time, right?

I'll be presenting two workshops, sitting on a panel, attending a dinner with my publisher, drinking cocktails, and chatting all things writing and books. 

But, as mentioned above, I haven't started packing yet. And although it's winter in both places, a sub-tropical Queensland winter is *nothing* like a New Zealand winter, so I'm starting to panic about having enough warm clothes. 

Any tips on packing for a winter holiday? Or things I should try and see while I'm there? All advice welcome! 

27 comments:

  1. Our weather has been surprisingly AMAZING lately, but of course that could all change in an instant! Luckily I have a never ending supply of hats, gloves and scarves incase the real winter decides to show up! Roll on Monday (but not too fast. I still need to type 'the end' before you get here!)

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    1. Amazing weather would be most kind to this poor Queenslander! Can't wait to see you!

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  2. Hope you have a fabulous time, Rachel!
    Just take heaps of layers, then you'll be set for any weather, and you can add or shed as required :)
    Michelle

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    1. Michelle, that is most excellent advice! Layers. I'll look like the Michelin Man! :)

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  3. Oh, what fun you'll have. In my experience, a glass of bubbly always helps warm one up. ;-)

    Looking forward to hearing all about your NZ adventures!

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    1. Now *that's* good advice. Sensible, plus fun. Every time I have a glass I'll be thinking I'm simply being sensible!

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  4. I second Michelle's advice. So envious of you Rach! The NZ conference is so lovely. Must get across the ditch again one day soon!

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    1. Amy, you should! Plus, we should organise that writing retreat in NZ that we're always talking about!

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    2. Yes! I was thinking next year but if you've just been....

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    3. Yes, but then I'll be in the rhythm! I'll do some sounding out while I'm over there... :)

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  5. Rachel, you'll have such a lovely time and in the conference itself you'll probably be warm. Maybe a pashmina in the bag just in case? Sometimes the aircon is a bit chilly. As for the rest - a good coat and scarf make a difference.

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    1. You know, that's excellent advice, Annie. I often forget at conferences that I'll need the option of something extra. Will do!

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  6. Looking forward to catching up, Rachel. Hate to tell you but it's snowing down south today. :) But I'm sure we can find you good weather for most of your stay.

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    1. Gah! Snow! Really? I might spend the entire trip under a doona! :)

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  7. Hi Rachel

    I would love to be coming with you what fun it will be and we visited NZ a few years ago in November and most places were cold then so not sure although there have already been some great suggestions :) I look forward to catching up in Adelaide

    Have Fun
    Helen

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    1. Helen, I'm putting my faith in the ability of New Zealand to heat the places I'll be! :) Yes, to catching up in Adelaide! Yay!

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  8. Margaritas will keep you warm, Rachel. Looking forward to catching up.

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    1. Elizabeth, I'm counting on you and Louisa to lead me in the direction of margaritas. :)

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  9. Hmmm, layers is definitely a good idea. Also a windproof layer - although Blenheim and Auckland are not as windy as Wellington, wind can still add a bite to the temperature. A waterproof layer for rainy times.
    Use http://www.metservice.com/national/home for an idea of weather, but it does look like rain based on 10 day forecast - that's likely to change though.

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    1. Lyn, you are a godsend! We check the weather here on the web all the time - I hadn't even thought to ask what the website was over there. Mr Bailey will love this too - I bet I get messages from him about the NZ weather while I'm over there. :)

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  10. Rachel,
    That conference poster photo is fab. Wish I could attend your presentation. No advice on packing since I have no idea about the local weather, but hoping you miss the snow! Let us know how much stuff you take just in case that stays in the suitcase ;-)

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    1. Oh, Laura, I'm hoping I'll miss the snow too! Pretty as it might be, my fragile Qld self would probably have trouble breathing air that cold!

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  11. How exciting that you are off to NZ, Rachel. Have a wonderful time.

    Re packing, I alway put everything out on the bed in categorised piles and then half it. I like to travel light!

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    1. Jen, you're an inspiration! I'll try your method. :)

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  12. Hi Rachel! I'm packing layers because that's what works best for me. I usually take a couple of singlets or shell tops that can be worn alone if it's hot or popped under a shirt and/or jumper and/or jacket. Pashminas are great as they can work as scarves or shawls. Jeans and one or two pairs of trousers and I'm done. Looking forward to meeting you.

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  13. Have lots of fun, Rachel! I've never been to a New Zealand conference but always hear how wonderful they are.

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  14. Hope you have an amazing time, Rachel!!

    I would definitely take a big blanket-style scarf with you, if you can find one. They're great because you can use them around your neck, throw them over your shoulders like a shawl or use them as a blanket if you need extra warmth on the plane or during the conference. Plus they fold down easily and don't need ironing.

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