New Zealand Jan - Mar 07

[petermcp]

Two of us are planning on doing a round trip of New Zealand on BMW F650's. We arrive in Auckland middle January 2007.

We have no route planned; we hope to take in some of New Zealand's road racing and perhaps one of the crazy bungee jumps.

We are interested in meeting up with any one on the way. Also any advice on things to do or see will be appreciated.

Peter

[MAZZA]

Hi Peter

Im going to be coming to New Zealand from Oz on the 7/8th Jan. I have 3 Weeks maybe more to travel around and am planning to hire a Motorbike to do this. Only plan at moment is to start in South Island/Oueenstown as want to go Skydiving, will pass on Bunge Jump!

Mary

[Kiwirider]

Hi there

Dont forget to look us up here if you make it to the North Island

My wife and I may be able to show you around some of the area, just look us up on the communities section here
We are in Hawkes Bay

Happy travels
Scott

[Loose Goose]

We're also New Zealanders (myself and my husband) and we are happy to offer free accommodation to travelling motorcyclists. We have a spare room and a double bed plus plenty of secure garaging. We live in the country near Levin, which is 50kms south of Palmerston North and 100kms north of Wellington in the North Island.

So far we've hosted three German couples, a Scotsman and two Swedes and have another German couple arriving early next year. Please feel free to contact us if you need somewhere to stay for a few days or a week.

[bartman10]

I'm in Wellington NZ, 5 mins from city center and South Island ferry terminal. Happy to help out with somewhere to stay, mechanical repairs etc. I have got a well equipped secure workshop and garage for bike parking.

National road racing championship dates are:

Rnd. 1 ~ Teretonga Invercargill (in the deep south) 6th & 7th January 2007

Rnd. 2 ~ Levels (Timaru - South Island)13th & 14th January 2007

Rnd. 3 ~ Ruapuna (Christchurch - South Island) 20th & 21st January 2007 ~Including New Zealand Grand Prix

Rnd. 4 ~ Manfeild (Near Palmerston North, North Island) 24th & 25th February 2007

Rnd. 5 ~ Pukekohe (Auckland, North Island) 10th & 11th March 2007 ~ Including New Zealand Tourist Trophy

For more info about track days, motorcycling in NZ, rallies etc etc visit www.kiwibiker.co.nz

The official motorcycling body, MNZ is at www.mnz.co.nz

Plenty to do and see. I'd recommend going to Cape Kidnappers in Hawke's bay which is a good ride on the beach. There are some stinky exotic birds out there worth seeing. Can help with secure gear storage in Hawke’s Bay too ...

Taupo is a tourist center with bungee jumping, fishing etc. The Huka falls in Taupo are worth seeing. Mt Ruapehu is also worth a look.

In the South Island I would go to Milford and the Manapouri Power station. Go to Milford in the late afternoon after all the tour busses have left or risk getting stuck behind a stinky tour bus moving at 3 mph. There are some excellent free camping sites around there.

Catlins forest park on the Southern coast of the South Island is also fantastic.

Be careful with your gear in Northland, north of Auckland. Fantastic riding and marvellous scenery, but locals can be a bit rough.

I won't rant on too much here about other things to see and do. PM me for more info about other things to see if you want.

Crossing between North and South Island is a piece of cake on the ferry etc. Usually cheaper to book in advance, but you can just about always get a spot for your bike at very short notice.

If your into cheap camping the Department of Conservation runs a network of camping grounds between $3-$10 per night. (approx 1-3 pounds) Please see

Here

and here

I'm going to do an off road adventure ride out to Sutherland's some time early in the next year. If you want to experience a bit of the real back country your welcome to join in. (Dates are not fixed yet. Happy to change dates for you if you're keen to join in)


Details here:

and here


Was going to recommend you pm Kiwirider too but looks like he's already made contact!

PM me for phone numbers etc.

All the best.

Cheers.

Mark

[nx650]

Hey Rich here I live down in Timaru and would happily let you stay if you need somewhere. Happy to take you on a good trip of some of the best gravel roads down here aswell they are amazing and fantastic. E mail richrtw@hotmail.com I'll send you my tel number. I work shift work but if you planned your dates I am sure it would work out

cheers Ride safe

[alaska 1]

I am traveling around N.Z. on an 1150GS and would like to meet other travelers. so far I have been here a 3 weeks and have only seen one bike traveler. I was expecting to see a lot more.

[Loose Goose]

Hi Alaska1, welcome to NZ! We tend to find most touring motorcyclists arrive here after Christmas as the best weather is usually February and March. I'm not sure if you're the same one I've contacted through Kiwi Biker, but if not, feel free to make contact if you are near Levin and need a place to stay.