Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Regional Forums > Australia / New Zealand
Australia / New Zealand Topics specific to Australia and New Zealand only.
Photo by Daniel Rintz, Himba children, Namibia

The only impossible journey
is the one
you never begin

Photo by Daniel Rintz,
Himba children, Namibia



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 22 Jun 2006
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: Isle of Man
Posts: 4
New Zealand Advice

I've just booked tickets for a friend and myself to NZ for January 2007. We are flying in and out of Auckland; we are hiring two bikes and staying for just under two months.

I would be interested in finding out about any must see's in NZ. So far the only plans we have are to take in as much as we can hopefully going from the peak of the North Island to the bottom of the South.

We would also like to see some of New Zealand's road racing.

Any info appreciated.
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 23 Jun 2006
Matt Cartney's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Edinburgh, Lothian, Scotland
Posts: 1,350
Wanaka, in the South Island, is a lovely wee place to spend time. On a lake, surrounded by mountains it is miles nicer than nearby Queenstown where all the 'You must buy the extreme, jet-boating/bungee jumping/sheep wrestling, extreme, adreneline fueled, extreme package (extreme version)' guff rather buggers the ambience.
The Remarkables are nice though.
I have a freind who bought a package which was a bit expensive but said it was one of the best things he'd ever done. It involved flying to Milford Sound past Mt. Aspiring and getting a boat tour in the sound. Might be worth looking into.
Matt
__________________
http://adventure-writing.blogspot.com

http://scotlandnepal.blogspot.com/

*Disclaimer* - I am not saying my bike is better than your bike. I am not saying my way is better than your way. I am not mocking your religion/politics/other belief system. When reading my post imagine me sitting behind a frothing pint of ale, smiling and offering you a bag of peanuts. This is the sentiment in which my post is made. Please accept it as such!
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 23 Jun 2006
Kiwirider's Avatar
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: New Zealand
Posts: 97
Hi there

You would be welcome to tag along with us on our adventure around New Zealand in February 07, a bit rushed, but you are welcome to tag along for entire event, either the North or South Island, two days or just one day, whatever suits you.

The post can be found HERE

In regards to the racing, I am an official at a few of these events (North Island) so I will have a dig around and see what I can find out, would you be interested in helping as a Crash Rescue Volunteer?? Best seats in the house, but can be as busy as hell cleaning up the carnage too, no medical qualifications required though as that is what the paramedics are there for, and we hope they are needed at all!!

Cheers Scott
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 23 Jun 2006
mattmbishop's Avatar
Contributing Member
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Galway, Ireland
Posts: 74
A thumbnail description of NZ would go:
North Island - Beaches and Cities
South Island - Mountains and Lakes
Of course, that's not to say that there aren't some wicked little cities down south or that the North is devoid of decent lakes, but generally divide your time up between the islands according to what you want to see more of.

In the SI I would put up the West Coast Road and the Catlins as being two areas that you shouldn't miss. Also, the Molesworth road is a good ride and there's a nice road between Picton and Havelock as well.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 25 Jun 2006
beddhist's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Whangarei, NZ
Posts: 2,214
Thumbs up

90 Mile Beach, just for the sheer size of it.
Bay of Islands, go boating.
Great Barrier Island, take a tent
Coromandel Peninsula
East Cape Road
Taihape-Napier Road
Napier, architecture
Urewera National Park
Stratford-Taumarunui Road, check out the pub in Whangamomona
Whanganui River Rd, just North of Wanganui

Marlborough Sounds
__________________
Cheers,
Peter.

Europe to NZ 2006-10
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 26 Jun 2006
Nigel Marx's Avatar
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: South Island, New Zealand
Posts: 798
Smile Lotsa places to ride!

What sort of roads turn your crank mate? About the only type of riding you won't find in NZ is long straight freeway-type roads.
For the best road racing at that time of the year, there are five rounds of the NZ road race series.
Teretonga near Invercargill - 6th - 7th of Jan 2007,

Levels near Timaru - 13th - 14th Jan,

Ruapuna near Christchurch - 20th 21st Jan,

Manfield near Palmerston North - 3rd - 4th March,

Pukekohe near Auckland - 10th - 11th March.
So you best bet would be to head south as soon as you can and follow the series north. Also the weather is more predictable down south at that time of the year. The New Zealand Grand Prix is held at Ruapuna, which is near where we live. I was racing there yesterday. Give us a little warning and there is probably a caravan at our house that you can use. At there very least, drop by for a , and I might be able to show you some great riding roads and trails. Feel free to email me.

Regards

Nigel in NZ
__________________
The mouth of a perfectly contented man is filled with . -- 2200 BC Egyptian inscription
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 27 Jun 2006
Kiwirider's Avatar
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: New Zealand
Posts: 97
Hi

For some real good info on New Zealand, visit this site
www.purenz.com
It is the official tourisim site

They have just added your very own travel planner.
Also you can Search by regions so that way you dont miss anything worth visiting

Cheers
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 27 Jun 2006
Matt Cartney's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Edinburgh, Lothian, Scotland
Posts: 1,350
Smile

If you want to take time out there is a company (or more) who do sea kayaking trips along the north coast of the South Island. I was going to do it when I was there but had an accident and couldn't go, long story etc. Can't off hand remember the name of the place, it was years ago. But some of my freinds have since gone and done it and it sounds amazing. No experience nessecary, pulling up on deserted beaches, cooking on campfires, sleeping under the stars, crystal waters etc. etc. (Am really bummed I never did it!) If this sounds like your cup of char I will get the details off my mates.
Matt
PS: Possibly New Zealands greatest contribution to the world (apart from powered flight, Richard Pearce 1903) is the Cheese and Mince Pie, you gotta have one!
__________________
http://adventure-writing.blogspot.com

http://scotlandnepal.blogspot.com/

*Disclaimer* - I am not saying my bike is better than your bike. I am not saying my way is better than your way. I am not mocking your religion/politics/other belief system. When reading my post imagine me sitting behind a frothing pint of ale, smiling and offering you a bag of peanuts. This is the sentiment in which my post is made. Please accept it as such!
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 11 Jul 2006
beddhist's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Whangarei, NZ
Posts: 2,214
Quote:
Originally Posted by Matt Cartney
If you want to take time out there is a company (or more) who do sea kayaking trips along the north coast of the South Island. I was going to do it when I was there but had an accident and couldn't go, long story etc. Can't off hand remember the name of the place, it was years ago.
Abel Tasman National Park.

We did it, too, and had young seals swimming around and under us. Great experience.
__________________
Cheers,
Peter.

Europe to NZ 2006-10
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 15 Jul 2006
Gold Member
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Jun 2001
Location: Auckland & Wellington, New Zealand
Posts: 66
just ride

NZ is incredibly accessible - so just get on your bikes and ride. Pretty much every road is fantastic, and you'll meet people on the way who will steer you towards the great places.

I'd try to spend most of the time in the south island, which has more beauty and less people.

Accomodation is easy - we are well set up for travellers here, with everything from camping and (really good) backpackers through B&B's to motels, hotels and luxury lodges.

I travel light here - everything is easy. e.g. I dropped a chain on a mountain road one morning and had a tow back to Wanaka and a new chain fitted within about 3 hours. On a Saturday.

have a great time and let us all know when you arrive..
__________________
http://www.elevatorfactoids.com
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 5 Aug 2006
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Cardiff
Posts: 31
Try the East Cape and the Waitomo caves (not actually bike related but a unique experience in the North Island.
In the South Island there is no way to get round it that is not spectacular. A pizza in Glen Orchy would be my top tip.
Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now
, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

HU Event and other updates on the HUBB Forum "Traveller's Advisories" thread.
ALL Dates subject to change.

2024:

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

HUBBUK: info

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.




All times are GMT +1. The time now is 16:55.