New Zealand South Island
 

Hello,

I'm going to NZ early next month to visit my brother and tour the South Island by motorcycle.

He has a new Triumph Tiger 800 and i have rented a Kawasaki KLR 650.

We have about 2 weeks but this has had to be split up into 3 parts because of his work schedule, we will be based out of Christchurch.

My question is:- during the days when my brother is busy can someone recommend a one day trip and a 2 day trip, may be one headed north and the other headed south. I'm not a skilled off roader but gravel roads would be ok.

Also , does anyone know how to get a routable map of NZ onto my TOMTOM.

I'll take lots of pictures and such and do a presentation at the next HU meet in Cambria.

Best regards. Peter

Hi Peter, I recommend you buy, beg, steal or borrow a copy of Peter Mitchell's 'Motorcycle Atlas of New Zealand', which is widely acknowledged and regarded to be THE definitive NZ motorcyclists' guide. Indeed, I wouldn't be surprised if your brother already has a copy, as many (perhaps most) Kiwi riders do have one lying around somewhere.

Dunno too much about TomTom, but NZ Open GPS Project is good for a Garmin.

Enjoy South Island. Lovely scenic roads down there .. :mchappy:
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Hi Peter, my daughter lives on the south island - it's a wonderful country.
Don't worry about the SatNav - just get a good map - there aren't that many roads to get lost on! I have the NZ M'cycle Atlas but I didn't use it because whichever route you choose, it will be truely spectacular :)
Just remember, with a strict 60mph limit and small roads (compared to the USA), don't plan too many miles in 1 day especially if you plan to sightsee too.

Hi Peter,

I spent about three weeks travelling around the south island, unfortunately not by motorcycle. Still thoroughly enjoyed my camper van though! Not too far from Christchurch is a town called Akaroa. We went there the day before our flight back home, and it was one of my favorite places we visited on the south island. From what I remember the road was fairly twisty, and should be great on the bike. Easily a day trip, or you could spend a night there. Other suggestions would be Arthur's Pass, Fox and Franz Josef Glacier, Pancake Rocks via Greymouth and the coast highway, and Milford Sound. Milford is a bit of a trek though.

Enjoy your trip! I loved my time in New Zealand. Safe travels.

Cheers,
Dan

Thanks for taking the time to reply,

I am so looking forward to this trip, I know we will have fun.

The Banks Peninsular will be a great day out and I take the point about limiting mileage expectations. Heading out of Los Angeles east or north east you have a few hundred miles of desert to get through before getting to the good stuff.

I have managed to load a NZ map onto the Garmin i took out of the car, I'll figure out a mount to take with me..

Thanks again,

Peter

Fantastic
 

It doesn't matter where you go NZ is brilliant, all the places xspanner spoke about are wonderful. Make sure you climb franz Joseph and do Milford sound. Queens town for your adrenaline fix recommend shot over jet!

Enjoy your time you will love every minute:funmeteryes: