Next week I'll be at the U-Learn conference in Christchurch, so I've bought myself a Yaesu FT-60 dual-band handheld to use while I'm down there. This should allow me to open the various local repeaters, plus use their Echolink node to DX back to Nelson and keep in touch with the local hams.
Brian - ZL3BCO - was kind enough to let me use his FT-60 programming cable so I could start by loading it with a copy of the config I use in my FT-7800. From there I have added all of the Christchurch repeaters features in the NZART call-book, including the various codes CTCSS codes required to open them.
It will be an interesting experiment to see if I can keep in touch with the locals via a handhand from so far away.
I also plan to attend the monthly branch-5 meeting while I'm down there since it will coincide with my visit.