South-america - New Zealand

[CHA]

Hello! I am rather new to this way of travelling, but have had it with airports and am in dire need of some help.

I am currently in Santiago, Chile, and I wish to go (in the true style of my country-man Thor Heyerdahl) from here to Oceania. Auckland, New Zealand to be exact.

I am having some trouble finding a ship that actually does that stretch, and as I do not think myself capable of building a suitable raft, I hereby request any assistance you can offer.

The very charming port of Valparaiso -an hour north of Santiago- is the port from which I wish to depart. Preferably in March this year. I am not too fuzzy about what kind of ship that can take me; as long as it is seaworthy and reasonably safe I shall be happy. I travel alone and I am hoping I might get a better price with a cargo-ship/freighter than with a cruiseship (or the bloody plane, which by the way costs a fortune from here to NZ).

Anyhow, please give me some feedback if you can. I shall be most grateful for any information regarding anything remotely significant.

But what an adventure it would be!!!

CHA

[Steve]

Hi

You will need to ask an agent for advice on available sailings.

I can tell you that if you are simply looking to save money, you will be dissapointed - freighter travel will be more expensive than flying - however, if you can find a ship on your route, I can pretty much guarantee that it will be cheaper than a voyage on a cruise liner.

[Luna]

Hi CHA, You can google for a freighter travel agent in New Zealand and see if they have any info. There are a couple but I can't recall names. It wouldn't be cheaper but there are ships up the coast to LA then several ships to "down under." This is only for the really phobic flyers. Also check Egon Oldendorff ships thwey are in the south pacific a lot - are tramp bulkers. Luna

[Steve]

New Zealand agent is FreighterTravel (NZ)

Google is not necessary - simply hit the 'Bookings' link in the main navigation menu at the top of this page - you can then email them direct from this site

I'd try asking the other agents too - you'll need to shop around for this one.

Another alternative to consider is taking a short flight to Tahiti - once there, you will have no problem getting a freighter to New Zealand - many ships call in there on the Panama to OZ/NZ route.

Steve

[CHA]

Thanks a lot! I'm still trying, but have so far been unlucky. Maybe you are right, Steve; a flight to Tahiti doesn't sound too bad. In fact, Tahiti itself doesn't sound bad at all... But, there are still other options, it's just a question of finding them. I shall keep you informed - I can't be the only one in the world wishing to do this spesific trip! Or can I? :-)

CHA

[Steve]

A flight to Tahiti would be my choice here - even though I would much rather take a ship than get on a plane!

When you look into the cost of a one way air ticket to Tahiti, remember that you are saving money on the voyage - at a cost of $100 per day, a voyage from Tahiti to NZ would probably be about $700 cheaper than from South America to NZ (if a voyage was even available).

Steve

[jer]

Hey CHA

I'm in South America trying to get home by freighter too...only I'm trying to get to Canada!

So, I'll share with you what I know...

Oldendorff is the best option...and especially for you - they have freighters from S. America to New Zealand (if I remember right).  Check their website... www.oldendorff.com.  The lady to email is Renate Renaska (use the contact us button on their site)..she's super nice and will probably find you something...but...this will cost you about 50 bucks US a day....which is pretty expensive in my books....but that's the best bet.

Also...I've heard Valpairaso is the best port to leave from in S.America...lots of grapes being shipped out of there and harvest is coming up soon...so I've been told...so wines and grapes will be being shipped out real soon...so your in thr right place apparently.

Oh...the cheapest option I think is by tramp vessels...which are freighters that stop in ports at short notice - like taxis of the ocean.  You can check this site: http://Freighter World Cruises/places/short.html   for updated schedules.

Now...let me ask you for some help in return....

We're (me and my girlfriend) trying to get as close to home as possible from Patagonia...but we'll probably have to bus it up to Santiago/Valpairaso or Buenos Aires to find a ship home.  IF YOU FIND ANYTHING OUT PLEASE LET ME KNOW...cause maybe it will be usefull info. for us too.

K, that's about all I know...hope it helps...and good luck...finding freighters seems to be pretty difficult (freighters that aren't cruises, that is...i.e., no swimming pools, saunas or 100 US/day costs!)...we're gonna resort to walking up docks and asking boat captains we think...if that's even possible...

Ciao,

Jeremy Sager