New Zealand Advice - Horizons Unlimited

**petermcp** · #1 22 Jun 2006

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.

**Matt Cartney** · #2 23 Jun 2006

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

**Kiwirider** · #3 23 Jun 2006

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

**mattmbishop** · #4 23 Jun 2006

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.

**beddhist** · #5 25 Jun 2006

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

**Nigel Marx** · #6 26 Jun 2006

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

**Kiwirider** · #7 27 Jun 2006

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

**Matt Cartney** · #8 27 Jun 2006

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!

**beddhist** · #9 11 Jul 2006

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.

**y_kiwi** · #10 15 Jul 2006

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..

**fatboyfraser** · #11 5 Aug 2006

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.