2014 Top Deck Travel Reunion returns to New Zealand
The 2014 Top Deck Travel reunion is again taking place in the South Island of New Zealand since the last reunion was
held, over ten years ago. It will be held at Borland Lodge, Manapouri from Friday 24 January to Monday 27 January, 2014.
Since 1973, over 2000 Top Deck Travel crew including drivers, couriers, cooks and wallahs have travelled the globe,
providing unforgettable travel adventures for 18-30 somethings – including the infamous overland tours from London to
Kathmandu in old Bristol K5 and Lodekka buses.
Top Deck crew have been gathering at reunion celebrations in various locations in Australasia with an invitation for all
crew to attend – from far and wide, no matter what age or crew role. The idea was conceived at the Munich Beerfest by
driver Tim Oliver in 1979, and a reunion has been held every year over Australia Day long weekend ever since. The last
reunion held in the South Island was in 2001 in Hanmer Springs and in 2009 a reunion was held at Pipers Lodge National
Park in the North Island.
Tim Oliver says, "I think we can boast that the reunions have been a huge success over the years and just goes to show
what an impact those crazy days on ‘the road’ with Top Deck, had on all of us. Life time friendships and even marriages
were forged - the reunions have been held each and every year since that first one in 1980, and show no signs of
stopping."
NZ Top Deck Reunion committee chair Judy Coulter says the 2014 reunion is a milestone event for the company having
recently celebrated its 40th birthday.
“We expect to see up to 100 people at the upcoming event with registrations from as far as the UK. The reunion events
are a whole heap of fun, a chance to catch up with old crew members, reminisce on trips, tell a few tall tales and meet
new faces. There are a range of activities of planned including a day trip to Te Anau, sightseeing, bowling and golf in
Tuatapere as well as a ‘beerfest themed’ night on the Saturday.”
A number of local businesses including Venture Southland are supporting the event with Southland Boys High School
catering teacher Scott Richardson and a team of his students catering for the weekend event.
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