Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB

Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB (https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/)
-   Australia / New Zealand (https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/australia-new-zealand/)
-   -   HU Meeting New Zealand 2009! New Details (https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/australia-new-zealand/hu-meeting-new-zealand-2009-a-36945)

Nigel Marx 5 Aug 2008 06:35

HU Meeting New Zealand 2009! New Details
 
Hi all.

New Zealand Horizons Unlimited Gathering for 2009!
Plan your NZ trip around this weekend.

Registration here!


Date: February 21 (when the weather is usually the best in NZ, so abandon the gloom of the northern hemisphere and head south).

But wait, there is more....

Special guests: Peter and Kay Forwood


For those who don't know, here is a small snippet from their website.

"This has been a twelve year journey throughout the world which started in Australia on the 3rd of February 1996 and continues today. The same motorcycle, carrying our luggage has now visited 189 countries and ridden over 480,000 km on its journey. We are endeavouring to have it take us to every country in the world".
http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/forwood/index.shtml

It is the most amazing motorcycle story I have read, and believe me, I have read lots.

New Zealand is the last country on their list and they will be there with their bike. This is reason enough to drop the mini-meeting and reach for full meeting status. Come along, shake their hands and be inspired.

In the spirit of the new HU community, incorporating the car and bicycle fraternities, all are welcome.

More details as they are confirmed.

Kind regards,

Nigel and Lee in NZ :thumbup1: :thumbup1:

Keith1954 5 Aug 2008 11:43

Deffo going to be there Nigel [.. emergencies excepted].

I'm flying into Queenstown on/around Tuesday, February-17 and picking-up my Transalp from Cromwell; backtrack to visit a couple of mates in Queenstown, and then in Otematata (Waitaki Valley) thereafter, then head across to the Banks Peninsular for the weekend.

What a fabulous venue for the HU Meeting .. goodonya mate ..:thumbup1:.. Gotta love SH75 across to Akaroa - what a great little ride that is!

Looking forward to seeing you there.

Cheers

KEITH

clintnz 6 Aug 2008 02:42

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nigel Marx (Post 201069)
Hi all. Having organised four mini-meetings in New Zealand over the last seven years, we have decided to bite the bullet and go for the Big One next year.

Announcing the whistles and bells, flashing lights and hooters,...


Hooters? did someone say Hooters? :)

I guess it'd be rude not to turn up then, hopefully I can fit in this & some SI touring as well as the planned month in Oz for 09.

Cheers
Clint

cooneyr 7 Aug 2008 04:41

Sounds interesting. Definatly keen to come along. I'm in chch and happy to be of assistance if required - esp if it involves riding ma bike :thumbup1:

Cheers R

Nigel Marx 7 Aug 2008 12:36

Thanks Mate. I'm sure there's jobs to spread around. My email is on my profile, drop us a note if you can. I have an idea that definitely involves you riding your bike!

Cheers, Nigel

cooneyr 20 Aug 2008 04:17

Went for a spin along the Bossu Rd (just of Wainui along the tops) couple of Sundays ago on my new bike. Just a little bit of snow including a drift about 1m deep. Awesome views - would be good for one of the ride outs. Could include crossing the mouth of Lake Forsyth for the keen.

Cheers R

Nigel Marx 20 Aug 2008 05:50

Small world?!?
 
A couple of Sundays ago? Were you just coming down the hill on Bossu Rd. into Wainui at about 4pm with two other bikes? From memory there was two Teneres and a DRZ that we met on a fairly blind bend as we were going up. I was thinking the same thing about a ride-out.

Regards

Nigel in NZ

cooneyr 26 Aug 2008 22:04

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nigel Marx (Post 203083)
A couple of Sundays ago? Were you just coming down the hill on Bossu Rd. into Wainui at about 4pm with two other bikes? From memory there was two Teneres and a DRZ that we met on a fairly blind bend as we were going up. I was thinking the same thing about a ride-out.

Regards

Nigel in NZ

:thumbup1: I know the car - we passed you on the bluffs just below the top. Me and ma bro were on the S10's and Transalper from Kiwibiker was on his DR650.

Cheers R

olyflyer 28 Aug 2008 14:35

hmmmm I might be keen for a ride, just got to sort out getting the bike over the watery bit near Sydney hmmmmm

Toaster 17 Sep 2008 05:02

Outstanding Nigel, can't wait. Will have to drag some mates of mine along too!. Cheers, Jonno The Road to Rio.

parkie 20 Sep 2008 23:52

Sounds good mate
 
Sounds like fun & a good excuse for a flying lap of NZ with a few mates...:funmeteryes: :mchappy:

Just need to jack it up with the wife, mates, etc.

What costs are involved?

cooneyr 29 Sep 2008 23:02

I'm out unfortunately. Things have come up such that most of Jan and Feb will be very busy.

Cheers R

Dave Milligan 30 Sep 2008 00:13

NZ HU meeting 2009
 
Hi Nigel,

You appear not to have received my email of 2 months ago. I'll be in Chch for a week at the time - have van if you need assistance carting stuff over the hill to Wainui on the wed or Thursday.

Will attend on the Bonneville and head back to Ruapuna early Sunday for the Sound of Thunder meeting.

Looks like there will be a few Aussies coming over - I've had several enquiries for bike shipping.

Nigel Marx 30 Sep 2008 02:37

Quote:

Originally Posted by parkie (Post 207623)
Sounds like fun & a good excuse for a flying lap of NZ with a few mates...:funmeteryes: :mchappy:

What costs are involved?

Not sure yet, but will have full details in a couple of days.

I will post as soon as I know.

Regards

Nigel in NZ

Nigel Marx 30 Sep 2008 02:39

Ta Mate
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by Dave Milligan (Post 208908)
Hi Nigel,

You appear not to have received my email of 2 months ago. I'll be in Chch for a week at the time - have van if you need assistance carting stuff over the hill to Wainui on the wed or Thursday.

Looks like there will be a few Aussies coming over - I've had several enquiries for bike shipping.

Hi Dave. Thanks for that. I'm sure the offer will be taken up.

Regards

Nigel in NZ

Sweetsprint 1 Oct 2008 22:23

Booking forms
 
Hello Nigel

We are new to the forum and The Hubb and very keen to attend the HU meeting in 2009. Can you let us know when the booking forms will be available?

Kia ora
Lisa

Nigel Marx 1 Oct 2008 22:49

It's getting bigger...
 
Kia ora katoa Lisa.

Will do.

Nigel in Rangiora

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sweetsprint (Post 209257)
Hello Nigel

We are new to the forum and The Hubb and very keen to attend the HU meeting in 2009. Can you let us know when the booking forms will be available?

Kia ora
Lisa


BaldBaBoon 2 Oct 2008 02:54

Mind if i pop in?
 
Hello

I should be about a third into my around Australia/New Zealand and maybe Japan Trip by then.....mind if i stop over and say hello?

Leaving the UK in Mid-November, and i am basically Just flying out with with my bike kit and buying a bike when i land, not even bothered where im flying into yet.....so if anyone has got a good word for any certain bike dealers, please give me a shout.

Andy

P.S. Dont worry about the lack of planning,it makes it into an adventure.

PaulD 2 Oct 2008 05:28

HU Meeting
 
I am interested in going to NZ for the meet, does any body know how to get my bike there from OZ is it expensive as it would have to leave from Brisbane or is it cheaper to hire one there, my plan is after the meet my wife and I would tour the Nth. Island for about 10 Days.

Cheers
Paul:thumbup1:

Iain 2 Oct 2008 11:50

If you've not been in touch, I'd recommend you try and track down Garth & Sandra Cooper, they're from and living in New Zealand. They've done three big trips, their third being the most unusual, as they spent a year or so travelling from tip to toe of the Americas on two bikes, along with their two children aged 4 & 6. I travelled through Tibet and China with them about ten years ago and they'd certainly be able to tell a tale or two. Garth works for the NZ police and Sandra is a teacher. Just a thought as to travel for this long with children is really quite unusual.

Yearlong motorcycle trek tests family of four | ScrippsNews

Nigel Marx 2 Oct 2008 18:58

Get Routed.
 
Hi Paul.
For a freight quote, send an email or PM to Dave Milligan, who posted earlier in this thread. He's got a container load or two of bikes coming over in time for the rally. Not many people know more about shipping bikes than him

Regards

Nigel in NZ

Quote:

Originally Posted by PaulD (Post 209288)
I am interested in going to NZ for the meet, does any body know how to get my bike there from OZ is it expensive as it would have to leave from Brisbane or is it cheaper to hire one there, my plan is after the meet my wife and I would tour the Nth. Island for about 10 Days.

Cheers
Paul:thumbup1:


PaulD 5 Oct 2008 01:40

Shipping to NZ
 
Thanks for the Tip I'll send Dave a email.

Cheers
Paul:thumbup1:

clintnz 6 Oct 2008 16:40

Quote:

Originally Posted by PaulD (Post 209288)
I am interested in going to NZ for the meet, does any body know how to get my bike there from OZ is it expensive as it would have to leave from Brisbane or is it cheaper to hire one there, my plan is after the meet my wife and I would tour the Nth. Island for about 10 Days.

Cheers
Paul:thumbup1:

If you're only planning on 10-15 days riding it's probably cheaper & easier to hire something over here. IIRC one of the hire companies (Kea maybe?) has offices in both Christchurch & Auckland so a one way hire might be possible.

Cheers
Clint

clintnz 6 Oct 2008 16:47

Quote:

Originally Posted by BaldBaBoon (Post 209285)
Hello

I should be about a third into my around Australia/New Zealand and maybe Japan Trip by then.....mind if i stop over and say hello?

Leaving the UK in Mid-November, and i am basically Just flying out with with my bike kit and buying a bike when i land, not even bothered where im flying into yet.....so if anyone has got a good word for any certain bike dealers, please give me a shout.

Andy

P.S. Dont worry about the lack of planning,it makes it into an adventure.

Good stuff mate, Maybe consider Oz first if you want to ship the bike over the Tasman, it's easier to import vehicles into NZ from Oz than vice versa, especially if you want to sell it off when you're done.

Cheers
Clint

olyflyer 11 Oct 2008 16:39

any one keen to ride from Perth and do the great central road and ship from melbourne????

butchdiamond 11 Oct 2008 20:44

That's just down the road from my place - lovely spot. Unfortunately, I'm up north for a year or so - gutted.

Hope all goes well. Have a good one.:thumbup1:

rollin-kiwi 30 Oct 2008 00:26

wish i could join but will be in South America at this time... cheers

jophiel 15 Nov 2008 19:45

Sounds great!

Completely by chance, I'm leaving remote Denmark for Christchurch mid january, starting a six month trip in NZ and OZ. I'll see if I'll be able to come by.

How much is it, and how far in advance do I need to state whether I'm coming or not?

Read all about my trip here and here


PS.: What an awesome, awesome forum!

rossmac 1 Jan 2009 03:29

Hu Meeting NZ Feb 09
 
I am still searching for details (registration) for Feb HU meeting any updates since Nov 08

Laura_CDA 5 Jan 2009 04:27

Help me get to New Zealand / Australia !!
 
Hello, I've been reading all the helpful replies to jophiel and his plans to travel to New Zealand (/ Australia) for the meeting and I would like to join you guys!

I'm turning 42 in February, bought a 2002 Suzuki DR650 last April, (so I'm relatively new at motorcycling, but am in good shape and have experience cycling long distances by mountain bike...) and am just beginning to plan an extended trip and since it's winter here in Canada, your meeting in New Zealand sounds perfect!

However, I have a feeling I'm going to need some help buying a bike down under and am extremely enthused by the quantity of bikes listed on trademe.co.nz !! I noticed not many of the bikes posted have back racks attached, would getting a bike rack added be a problem?

Unlike Jophiel, I'm not on a shoe-string budget, yet would like to keep my costs down as I'd like to stay as long as possible... (mid Jan - April/May) and hopefully have an authentic adventurous experience.

In Canada we have "graduated licensing", I have what we refer to as an 'M2' license. (One holds this for 18 months before taking an 'exit' exam to obtain a 'full' M license.) Any idea if this this going to be a problem for me?

Any specific advice for lone :mchappy:female riders in New Zealand / Australia?

Laura

Keith1954 5 Jan 2009 13:58

Hi Laura - As a Brit, I cannot help you precisely with the license issue, but take a trawl through these sorta NZTA web pages for some clues:

Getting a motorcycle licence

Information for visitors and new residents

.. or why not give them a call and ask for specific guidance on this issue? - trust me, they're a friendly and helpful bunch. Remember though, New Zealand is 18 hours ahead of your local time in Toronto, so allow for this if you do call direct.

As far as your concerns go about getting around as a lone female rider? My answer is: "No worries mate!" .. :thumbup1: .. NZ is a highly organised western society, intermingled with some fascinating Maori culture. During my visits I have found the overwhelming majority of ordinary New Zealanders to be: very kind, courteous, honourable and hospitable beyond expectation. Such striking levels of warmth, politeness and consideration from ordinary Kiwi folk - just like their country - just never ceased to amaze me. You’ll have a great time. Looking forward to meeting you ‘down under’.

Cheers for now

KEITH (& ELLEN)

clintnz 6 Jan 2009 00:31

Quote:

Originally Posted by Laura_CDA (Post 221391)
I noticed not many of the bikes posted have back racks attached, would getting a bike rack added be a problem?

Hi Laura, a local company called Ventura make racks for a wide range of bikes, including most dual purpose machines sold here. Any NZ shop should be able to get one delivered & fitted in a matter of days.

Or if you get another DR650 (a great pick for touring NZ & they are common & cheap too!) here you could just unbolt whatever luggage setup you have on your own bike at home & bring it over for the trip.

Have fun, we might see you in Feb at the meeting, & if you're in Rotorua definitely get in touch & we'll show you around some of the awesome local MTB trails.


Attn Nigel: We are planning on coming down for the meeting & are waiting on more details... is it still on :confused1: Do we need to book anything:confused1:

Attn fellow travelers: we're planning to sail over on the morning of the 21st, head for the meeting, then make our way to Queenstown & surrounds for a few days, then the ADV meetup near Te Anau, then sail back north 1 March.

Cheers
Clint

Sweetsprint 6 Jan 2009 01:12

Meeting not now at Wainui Heights
 
Hi Clint

Not getting any responses from Nigel I called Wainui Heights directly and was told by 'Robyn' that the venue booking was cancelled back at the beginning of December.

She was told that the 'committee' had decided not to hold a residential meeting that weekend.

So I don't know if that means that the whole HU meeting is cancelled or just that venue.

Being a real novice in this forum I do not know if there is anyone else we can check with other than Nigel, do you?

Is Nigel ok?

Isn't it odd that he hasn't responded to postings for a while?

:(

Safe riding
Lisa

Laura_CDA 6 Jan 2009 01:30

Acquiring a bike in NZ – Help!
 
Any suggestions on how much time and where would be the best place in NZ to acquire a bike? (Such as a DR650)

If I want to be in NZ for the meeting, I suppose it would be nice to have a bike prior to the meeting or would it be better/easier for me to get one at the time/after the meeting?

If it makes sense to get a bike prior to the meeting, should I try to negotiate one from the ‘trademe’ website here from Canada or should I fly to NZ first and then buy one? If I fly to NZ first, what town/city would be the best place to acquire a bike in? And what/where would be a good place to stay? (Wow, I have lots and lots of questions, don’t I?)


Thank you for the responses I have received so far!



Thank you in advance!

Laura

Keith1954 6 Jan 2009 14:55

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sweetsprint (Post 221640)

Is Nigel ok?

Isn't it odd that he hasn't responded to postings for a while?

Good question. This is all very odd indeed.

----------------------------------------

Laura - I would want to see and carefully inspect any bike before I bought it. A test ride would on my list of priorities too. Auckland is the main 'gateway' into NZ and 25% of the country's population lives in and around the City, so it's not a bad place - in fact, probably the best place - to start looking for a set of wheels. Plus, you can probably acquire all you want (parts & accessories) in Auckland to 'set-up' your bike the way you want it before commencing your tour.

If you think you're going to be in the Auckland region for at least a week, then consider stopping with Donna Pengelly (& Mum Val) at the Cockle Bay Heights B&B as one of your options; there's a discounted weekly rate on offer (or there was when I stayed there).

I stopped with the lovely Donna & Val for nearly a month all told a couple of years ago. Home from home bliss so-it-is, with more than a hint of luxury thrown into the bargain. Howick is a suburb of Auckland, and nestles in the southeast corner of the City. It has a 'village feel' about it, which is why I chose to stay in that particular region. I just got lucky with my choice of B&B. Although it's not 'down town' by any means, there is a decent bus service that picks-up/drops-off just a 5-minute stroll away from the B&B. The bus takes you right into the heart of the City.

pic - setting-off on my tour from the B&B:

http://keithooper.smugmug.com/photos...55_qW2ZU-S.jpg

Laura_CDA 6 Jan 2009 15:36

NZ late Jan early February
 
Keith: Thanks for the advice, sounds like a perfect starting place!

Hope Nigel reappears!

I'm only making plans (without) Nigel... we only want what's best for him...

Laura

clintnz 6 Jan 2009 20:39

Hi Laura, if you find a bike on Trademe in the Rotorua area I could go & have a look at it for you, & if buying from a shop (most shops have all their used stock on trademe anyway) they should be honest about the mileage & condition, so organising something beforehand may be possible. Otherwise Keith is right, checking the bike out is a good idea & Auckland is the best place to start.

Cheers
Clint

Nigel Marx 6 Jan 2009 23:26

Full Apology To Everyone
 
Hi all, very sorry for the lack of communication, but until yesterday I was not sure if I could go ahead with the rally, due to some major health and business issues. Yesterday I got the best news for ages; the doc rang to tell me they are sure they have got all the cancer in the surgery back in December. Woohoo! I live to ride another day. That's the fourth operation (two for cancer) that I have had in the last year or two so the old body has had a recondition, and service.
It was not possible for me to be sure that I could do a full HU Meeting so I have scaled it back to a mini-meeting at our house. We will be doing the same as we have done five times previously, with a meal including spit-roasted lamb, and a keg of beer from a friend who has a boutique brewery. It will be a day affair on Saturday 21st of February so Sunday will be free for a ride out or another casual gathering.

New details as below:

Venue: 25 Rollin St, Heathcote Valley, Christchurch


Date:Saturday 21st February 2009 (covered area so on even if raining)


Time: from 1pm with the meal at 6pm


Cost: Donation toward the cost of the meal and drinks


Please email or PM me directly if you are coming, as there will be no enrollment form here. This will give us some idea of numbers.

There IS a registration form now to make life easier for Nigel! (edit by Grant)

Peter and Kay Forward will still be guests of honour, and will be speaking in the evening about their 12 year, 515,000km, 193 country journey.
There will be no accommodation available at the venue, so people will have to organise their own, around Christchurch. I will be looking out for camping areas close by and post here if I can locate any. Otherwise search the Net for backpackers etc.

Again, I'm very sorry for the delays and for the inconvenience to those who been planning their trip around the rally, but until I was sure of MY availability there was nothing I could do.

Kind regards

Nigel and Lee

Laura_CDA 7 Jan 2009 03:39

Canadian rider gathering advice on riding through NZ
 
Keith: I’ve been in contact with Donna from Cockle Bay Heights and it brought a smile to her face when I cut and paste the picture of the three of you at the B&B… Thanks again for the advice and the name of the B&B; sounds like a great fit.

Clint: Thank you for the offer to go & have a look at a bike for sale in your area for me. I may just take you up on that and/or wouldn’t mind looking you up – if that’s okay with you and your partner, soon after I arrive in Auckland, hoping that I secure a bike well before the meeting on the 21st. Why are you sailing to the meeting versus riding? How easy/difficult is it to get from the North Island to the South Island?

Any one riding from the North Island to the South Island for the meeting? I would greatly appreciate a fellow traveler to join me.

Laura

Keith1954 7 Jan 2009 10:30

Laura - I've sent you a PM.

Nigel - What can we say mate? Except that it's a HUGE relief to learn that your recent surgery was a total success, and that you're well on the road to a full recovery. No worries, under the circumstances, scaling back the rally to a mini-meeting is insignificant, compared to what you've just been through. In fact, it's commendable that you are prepared to go ahead with any sort of meeting at all!

I for one will attend the revised mini-meet at your home. Count me in .. :thumbup1: .. and see you in 6½ weeks' time. [I'll send you a PM to confirm]

Cheers

KEITH

PS - I still might very well pop down to Akaroa, Banks Peninsular, just for a day or two after Nigel's mini-meet. It's such a nice little region to visit in any case.



Laura_CDA 7 Jan 2009 18:18

Questions unlimited...
 
Keith: Thanks again for the information, I would reply to your PM but since I have only “4 postings” I can’t.

Arne: Thank you as well for your PM… and again I would reply to your PM but since I have only “4 postings” I can’t. But I do have a few questions…

1. Re: “With your limited Canadian motorcycle license you may also have problems with insurance, and may be limited in NZ to riding bikes of 250cc or less.”

a)Being limited to a 250cc may be a blessing in disguise as although I have good sense of balance, I’ve lowered my DR650 and find that I’m still a little wary of handling it over challenging terrain because of the weight and the pain associated with landing after being thrown from the bike. Not exactly the same as a mountain bicycle experience, eh? I think a 250cc may not be as top heavy, better on gas and, unfortunately, I’m not a speed demon, so I think a 250cc may be the way to go. (Besides it would greatly improve my confidence to do trail riding which is something I’ve been meaning to do here in Canada.)

b)I’ve been talking to a friend who has relatives in Christchurch and am contemplating storing the bike with them until my return, which should be early 2011. Why buy the same bike twice?

c)I’ve read a few things about insurance on the HUBB, but I think it pertained to Australia (?) That the required insurance (3rd party?) comes with the registration process (??) and that other insurance is not required…guess I’m going to have to research that one more thoroughly…any feedback you may have would be greatly appreciated.

d) I'm waiting to hear back from the transport authority regarding my M2 licence (similar to a restricted schedule 6), they emailed me once asking me what "state" I live in. (In Canada we live in provinces or territories, so I thought it was kind of funny...) and I haven't heard back from them again since I mentioned I was in Ontario, Canada. Perhaps being from Ontario is a "no no" (ha ha).

2. Re: “Canadian couple renting two bikes instead”

I’m curious as to how much this will cost them. If I was only riding for two weeks or so it would make sense. But if I’m going to spend $2 700 Canadian on the airline ticket, I’m thinking of staying for ~3 months; I imagine that renting a bike for that period of time to be cost prohibitive!

3. “you cannot join or deal on TradeMe unless you live in NZ or Australia.”

Does this mean that when I’m actually in NZ I still cannot trade on TradeMe?

And/or when I arrive in NZ I could get someone who does live in NZ to help me negotiate a purchase?

Thank you in advance to Keith, Arne and everyone else that has further suggestions/instructions for an otherwise clueless rider wanting to travel by motorcycle in NZ!

Laura

Sweetsprint 7 Jan 2009 20:54

We would love to help you
 
Hi Laura

We are based in Auckland (20 mins from airport) and my partner (Hamish) is well used to buyin and fixing up bikes and between us we have a few in the garage!

I am a keen but infrequent rider on the roads, hopeless off road, but Hamish knows his stuff in this area so between us I am sure that we could sort you out.

Funnily enough we were in Toronto in September visiting relatives - what a small world.

If you want help with lifts from the airport, buying bikes, finding accomodation, maybe even the ride down to the mini-meet (all things being equal) contact me via email.

Kia ora
Lisa

Sweetsprint 8 Jan 2009 01:32

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nigel Marx (Post 221802)
Hi all, very sorry for the lack of communication, but until yesterday I was not sure if I could go ahead with the rally, due to some major health and business issues. Yesterday I got the best news for ages; the doc rang to tell me they are sure they have got all the cancer in the surgery back in December. Woohoo! I live to ride another day.

:clap:

Well done Nigel, it's wonderful news that you have triumphed over your chronic condition.

How great that you are also continuing with organising the mini-meeting. Thank you, we are completely new to the Hubb and are really looking forwards to meeting everyone and hearing the great stories and being inspired by Peter & Kay Forwood.

Kia ora Nigel, kia kaha
Lisa

artig 8 Jan 2009 08:21

Laura, you might receive more replies if you started a new thread with questions. Anyway, you now have 5 posts, so you might also be able to send personal messages.

The cheapest bike hires I could find were Waikato Car Rentals and Colemans Suzuki.
For a 6-week rental the Canadian couple were sure they wouldn't be stuck with a bike at the end of the trip that they couldn't sell. For longer periods and especially if you're returning to the country, purchasing a bike is probably a better option. There are also some bike dealers who will do a buy-back option if you want to be sure of selling the bike before leaving the country.

Insurance is not compulsory in NZ, but 3rd party insurance is usually cheap and is highly recommended. Included in the registration fee is a contribution to ACC, a compulsory accident compensation scheme for those who are injured in accidents. It does not cover any damage to property.

You could try contacting Star Insurance who have previously covered overseas riders in NZ, to hear what their prices and conditions are. Their email address is on the contact page.

The TradeMe Terms and Conditions for becoming a member has as the first condition:
"Becoming a Member: Becoming a member is free. You may only register as a member if you are resident in New Zealand or Australia and can form a legally binding contract that is enforceable against you. For example, you must be 18 years old. By registering as a member, you warrant that you can form a legally binding contract."

I know someone who lives overseas who has registered as a member, mainly to keep a watchlist of items of interest, but without the possibility of bidding on or buying auction items directly. You can certainly get someone in NZ with a TradeMe account to bid on your behalf.

In NZ anyone without a full motorcycle license is limited to bikes of 250cc or less. So it depends on how the authorities view your Canadian license. A 250cc with low seat height would be a good option for touring and for riding some of the gravel roads that are found in abundance. Unfortunately since all learner riders are limited to 250cc or less these bikes tend to be relatively expensive.

Laura_CDA 8 Jan 2009 17:50

Keith
 
Keith: Donna from Cockle Bay Heights is attempting to email you and doesn't have a current email address.

I tried to send you an email on Skype, but being new at this I don't know if it worked.

Laura

Laura_CDA 8 Jan 2009 17:55

Thanks
 
Artig,

Thank you for the reply. I need 8 posts to send PMs so you are helping/giving me reason to create more.

If I wanted to start a new thread in order to get more responses, would I post it under Australia / New Zealand? (Can you tell I am really new at this?)

Are you planning on going to the meeting?

Laura

artig 8 Jan 2009 19:19

Laura, the Australia/New Zealand forum would be the best place to post a new thread. When you are viewing the forum threads page you should have a button "New Thread" near the top. Click on that, and fill in the title, message, etc.

See for example also this thread started by a Canadian girl recently in this forum for some related answers.

I won't be going to the HU meeting, but if you are in the Tauranga area on your travels you are welcome to call in, and perhaps go for a ride on some of the interesting local roads.

Regards, Arne

Keith1954 8 Jan 2009 19:49

.. Yo, Laura
 
Laura - I've sent you a PM regarding my e-mail address. Just to be sure, I also cc'd the same message to your e-mail In Box.

BTW, your msg never got to my Skype account.

Cheers

KEITH

Nigel Marx 9 Jan 2009 05:00

Quote:

Originally Posted by artig (Post 222052)
The cheapest bike hires I could find were Waikato Car Rentals and Colemans Suzuki.

Insurance is not compulsory in NZ, but 3rd party insurance is usually cheap and is highly recommended. Included in the registration fee is a contribution to ACC, a compulsory accident compensation scheme for those who are injured in accidents. It does not cover any damage to property.

You could try contacting Star Insurance who have previously covered overseas riders in NZ, to hear what their prices and conditions are. Their email address is on the contact page.

Great advice from artig there.
If you are hiring from Waikato Car Rentals, say Hi to Murry Mark, the owner. He is a very good friend from since we were babies! They don't come more straight or friendly than him. Say hi from me.

And thanks to all for your kind and encouraging words, I really appreciate the messages and emails. It's kinda over-whelming really.

Looking forward to meeting you all in about 6 weeks.

Cheers

Nigel in NZ

rossmac 10 Jan 2009 22:24

HU Meeting
 
Nigel
Sorry to hear about your health issues and applaud you for continuing to host this meeting
I am currently planning a trip via Asia to the UK, therefore was eagerly wanting to attend workshops at the meeting to gather as much information from experienced motorbike travellers.
My question is, as this meeting has to be scaled down can you give some indication of the new format and will there be opportunities to get one on one advice (this will be my first meeting).
As I live in Auckland I need to judge whether or not to extend my budget to fly down to CHCH for the weekend.

Al_B 11 Jan 2009 00:07

Hello from Canada
 
I thought that I should introduce myself and join in this thread. Deb and I are the other "Canadian couple" who are renting bikes for our 6 week vacation in New Zealand (starting in just over 1 week). I've been exchanging e-mails with Arne for the last month as we have worked out the details for our bikes during our trip.

Keith pointed me to this site and the HU gathering last fall when I was e-mailing him for tips about travelling in NZ. Although Deb and I would like to join in and meet some more people, it just won't fit into our schedule. We will likely be heading back to the north Island on Feb 16 or 17 as we will be flying back to Canada on Feb 28. Our plans are not as flexible as they might be since we will be travelling with 2 other Canadian couples for much of February and we have to ensure everybody get to see some of the areas they want.

Laura, if you want any details about our rental situation, please contact me. I will be riding a Honda Transalp from Waikato (my dealings with Murray Mark have been super to date and the rental price was very good for our purposes). Deb will be on a Suzuki DL 650 from Coleman Suzuki (thanks to a nudge from Arne that worked out very well). We spent a lot of time checking into the option of buying bikes then re-selling them, but felt that the possibility of not being able to sell them quickly might increase the cost past that of renting.

By the way, we both ride Honda ST 1100's here in Canada and love them for their ability to eat up lots of miles in North America. For our trip to New Zealand, we wanted to go with dual sports so we can see if we enjoy the gravel road riding as much as the pavement. If so, we might have to add some to our stable back home.

Nigel Marx 12 Jan 2009 09:54

Quote:

Originally Posted by rossmac (Post 222569)
Nigel
Sorry to hear about your health issues and applaud you for continuing to host this meeting
I am currently planning a trip via Asia to the UK, therefore was eagerly wanting to attend workshops at the meeting to gather as much information from experienced motorbike travellers.
My question is, as this meeting has to be scaled down can you give some indication of the new format and will there be opportunities to get one on one advice (this will be my first meeting).
As I live in Auckland I need to judge whether or not to extend my budget to fly down to CHCH for the weekend.

Hi rossmac.

That's a good question, and I should have put something up before.
What will happen is there will be a blackboard up so people can write who they are, and where they are going/have been as well as what they want to get from the meeting. That way you can track down the people who may be able to help, as well as knowing what other people want to hear about. Also people can write suggestions for what they want to do the next day.

Officially, things start at 1pm, but anyone can arrive earlier then that, but will run a serious risk of being given a job! I do the spit roast the traditional way, with a hardwood fire and hot coals under the lamb, which is rotated by hand by everyone for the five hours or so that it takes to cook. It's great fun and VERY thirsty work :rolleyes2:

There could easily be a couple of informal workshops during the afternoon, should anyone want to kick one off.

Peter and Kay Forwood are speaking in the evening. As they are the most travelled motorcyclists ever (in fact they are the most travelled of anyone in the world on any motor vehicle), they are a veritable wealth of information and they both have a great manner when it comes to imparting what they have learnt. They have stayed with us twice now, and we have hung on every word. 12 years, 193 countries, 515,000km and they are off to China if all goes well, right after the meeting. They are worth the price of admission alone!

There will be lots of time and opportunities to get one-oon-one time with people, and I'm pretty sure I could organise to collect you from the airport if you come down.

Hope we see you.

Kind regards

Nigel Marx

Nigel Marx 13 Jan 2009 00:45

Limited internet, and accommodation suggestions
 
Just a note to all that I will be unable to reply to emails and PM's very often over the next 12 days as I am away from the computer for work reasons and and then 10 days holiday, camping on an island on Lake Ohau, fishing and reading..... I may not come back...:eek3:
I will check a couple of times while we are away, when I get near an internet cafe, but we are only planning one fresh food run in that time.

If you are looking for accommodation close by, the nearest cheap hotels and backpackers are in Lyttelton Tunnel Vision Backpackers Accommodation Hostel Home
Empire, Lyttelton Hotel
Royal Hotel - Lyttelton, Hotels & Taverns in Lyttelton - finda New Zealand

Of course Google will also help you find something. Be a bit careful to check that the address for accommodation is Lyttelton itself, as there are many places around Lyttelton Harbour and could be 40 or 50 minutes drive away. Lyttelton is 5 minutes away through the tunnel, and we will be running a van to pick up anyone from there and probably a return as well (although there are buses every 10 minutes past our house).


We are looking forward to meeting you all.

Kind regards

Nigel and Lee

rossmac 14 Jan 2009 04:40

HU meeting
 
Nigel,
Thanks for that info, looks like you have got things well organized.
Sounds like it will be worth making the trip (if only just for the spit roast )
Thanks
Ross

Andrew Lush 18 Jan 2009 10:02

HU Meeting NZ
 
Hi Nigel

We have not spoken befor but i am looking to attend the meetimh in Feb but do not know venue location or if we can get accommodation at this late stage could you please advise venue so i canm sort out accomodation .

Andrew Lush
Winchester SC

Sweetsprint 20 Jan 2009 01:24

New Venue Details
 
Hi Andrew, around a week or so ago Nigel posted the change of venue details:

"Venue: 25 Rollin St, Heathcote Valley, Christchurch
Date:Saturday 21st February 2009 (covered area so on even if raining)

Time: from 1pm with the meal at 6pm
Cost: Donation toward the cost of the meal and drinks
Please email or PM me directly if you are coming, as there will be no enrollment form here. This will give us some idea of numbers."


Look back a page or so in the thread.

Cheers
Lisa

Grant Johnson 21 Jan 2009 21:14

Okay, we DO have a registration form now to make life easier for Nigel! Sorry for the delay, it's been nuts here too. :blushing:

kevrider 26 Jan 2009 08:05

party crashing
 
Hey folks,
haven't spent much time in the HUBB lately, i'm glad i stumbled across this today. i helped my buddy Pete plan the ride at the first NC meeting a few years ago, it was a great weekend; the lectures were quite inspriational. it just so happens that i'll be on South Island next month so i'll do my best to join the meeting (even if i won't have a motorcycle).

cheers,
kev

Nigel Marx 27 Jan 2009 10:08

Registration and Accommodation
 
All right, I'm back on deck after the best holiday ever. Lets just say there are a lot of trout that used to be swimming around Lake Aviemore that are now in our freezer.
Thanks for all the registrations, there is about 25 confirmed and more every day (including Jo Morgan http://www.worldbybike.com/profile.php?id=2 ). Even if you had already earlier sent me an email or PM, please use the registration form in this link:
http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/meetings/NZ2009
that Grant so kindly set up. He will email me the details in the form of a spreadsheet so it makes life easier for us. If you don't it's not a problem as we will check the list against earlier messages so you should not be forgotten. Conformation emails will go out about a week before.
Also note that the rego form says show up morning, but that's not quite true. We would like a few people in the morning to help set up the spit etc (send me a PM or email if you want to offer) but otherwise come at about 1pm. The food will start from about 6pm.

Google Maps link to venue is here:

Google Maps

We have found a nice camp ground not too far away. The link is here:
Christchurch Holiday Park in Christchurch Campgrounds holiday parks christchurch campervan camping accommodation New Zealand
It's about 5km away but most of that distance is clear 100km/hr by-pass roads. If enough people are camping there we will run a van trip to pick up, and maybe also do a return. A taxi van would also be a cheap option to return.

Otherwise I still recommend the cheap hotels at Lyttelton that I mentioned in my earlier post, or Google until you find something that looks to be what you want.

Kind regards

Nigel and Lee in Christchurch

Nigel Marx 12 Feb 2009 10:22

Bump Bump
 
A note about this coming weekend; we will be sending out an email to all those confirmed for the rally. This will also allow those who are staying at the same place to get the chance to share transport. We have about 30 confirmed now so it will be a good chance to meet and chat with other travellers and would-be travellers.

If you are coming and have not registered, please do so soon. It's getting to the stage with numbers that we are going to have to make decisions about food.

Looking forward to seeing some old friends and meeting all the new ones.

Regards

Nigel and Lee

Nigel Marx 17 Feb 2009 02:45

Saturday 21st Mini-meeting
 
OK! It's all coming together nicely. I have replied to all those who have registered, so if you have not received a reply, then get an email to me sharpish. It means you are not on our list.

If the weather is wet, we will have plenty of room in the garage. There is about 35 registered at the moment; a good number to have I recon! :welcome:

Kind regards

Nigel and Lee:thumbup1:

Laura_CDA 19 Feb 2009 02:51

Looking for 250cc to tour South Island
 
Looking forward to meeting you all at the Meeting hosted by Nigel.

My original plans for a motorcycle have not worked out and I am

Looking for 250cc to tour South Island. :helpsmilie:

I am relatively new to riding, would like to buy a used bike in good condition, or would consider renting for a certain amount of time.

Thank you in advance!!

Laura

parkie 23 Feb 2009 22:32

How was the meeting?
 
Hi all,

How did the weekend go?

Christoph_B 24 Feb 2009 02:24

Mini meeting in CHCH 2009
 
The meeting was very nice!

It was my first one, and I am new to the HUBB. I meet a lot of nice people with interesting story's to tell. The ride down from Welli was very wet but worth the effort. I would assume that there have been around 30 people from all around the globe.
Thanks again to Nigel for the organisation and the GREAT catering :).

Cheers

Christoph

:scooter:

clintnz 3 Mar 2009 01:14

Great stuff thanks Nigel!
 
The meeting was very enjoyable, some very interesting people & some fine food & drink! Nice to meet you all & well done Nigel. It was the start of a full on week of riding for us & we had an awesome trip.

Cheers
Clint


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