I am thinking about a trip around NZ north & south islands for about a month (not adventurous in the grand scheme of HU but it is for me). My initial idea is that I go down there and hire a bike (which will cost me in the region of 4500 to 5500 NZD).

Question 1.

Could I reduce costs by buying a bike down there (I am a UK citizen with no access to an address in NZ for registration, insurance and anything else), then sell it at the end of my trip? My suspicion is that for such a short period of time it wouldn't be worth it.

Question 2.

I am looking for cheap accommodation (akin to the camping cabins in Norway) that I could either drop into on the day or pre-book the day prior to turning up. Is there anything like that in NZ and what would typical prices be?

Many thanks, Rach

Buying a vehicle as a foreigner without any official adress in New Zealand is very easy. The adress thats needed for your bike papers must of course be a valid adress of New Zealand but not an official adress for you. So thats very easy. I bought a bike there in March 2016. It would be conveniant if you have a friend/acquaintance there that could help you. Especially in the selling process - as if you havent sold the bike and your departure date is getting closer - you will have to sell it cheap. But if you have a friend that can help you then you wouldnt have such a restricted time limit to sell it and thus get a better price for it.

About camp sites and cabins - yes many campgrounds have cabins for rent. But its a rather expensive option, I think prices are from 40-50 NZD and up. New Zealand is great for camping so you might have to consider that.

Maybe Nigel Marx will have some more detailed information to share... :-)

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In the end everything will be fine. If its not fine its not the end....

I have done a couple of motorcycle trips to NZ and highly recommend as a destination - although it can be a little expensive and gets busy at peak tourist destinations in the holiday season

I mostly used hostels affiliated with a group called BBH Hostels and always bought a room (average cost about $45 NZ in 2015) - they all have cheaper dormitory beds if you're OK with sharing

There are plenty of camp sites but I think cabins can be quite expensive - even camping can be $25 to $30 for a site

Hi Rach
You don't need to go off-tarmac to have a wonderful adventure in NZ. It's a much better idea to buy than hire as if you do decide to go off-piste, most hire policies won't let you.

I live in Welly and there are several bike companies here within easy reach of the CBD; Auckland has more but you may need a car to go bike shopping Christchurch & Dunedin are other options.

As mentioned, you don't need to be a NZ resident to buy & getting insurance would be easy too. Rego (road tax) is expensive compared to UK costs.

Be prepared to either sell at a discount or for a long wait as NZ simply does not have the population to shift them quickly. Perhaps think about ending your trip in Auckland so you can sell it faster. eBay doesn't exist here, look on TradeMe to get an idea of costs - however, you won't be able to buy on TM from the UK as it has location restrictions.

There are lots of cabins around & I often use them on my own. I've stayed in cabins at $20 per night. Holiday camp costs will be $80+ in high season.
I recently stayed at a lovely AirB&B for $50 per night in the Marlborough Sounds - big double bed, my own bathroom, fridge, kettle etc. They even put my bike in their garage - everything a girl needs

When are you thinking of visiting & what type of bike do you prefer?
If I can be of help, just ask

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Elaine

Striving to live the ordinary life in a non ordinary way

btw - a month to tour north & south is doable but you'll be packing up almost every day. If you can't spend more time here then I would urge you to consider just touring the SI.

And, at the risk of being controversial - unless biking is on your bucket list, consider a car. Cars are cheaper to buy than bikes & much cheaper to hire. You can pack everything, go anywhere & it's somewhere to hide when the sand-flies are biting.
Don't get me wrong, the roads are amazing here & biking is a dream, but NZ is not for budget tourists

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Elaine

Striving to live the ordinary life in a non ordinary way

About 20 years ago I toured there on a rented F650, and a car driver asked me what I was paying for the rental. It was about $90/day which was quite a cheap rate even then. He was shocked and said, "But you could have rented a car for much cheaper!"


"Yes," I told him, "but then I'd be in a car instead of riding a motorcycle."


I don't think he quite got it.

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Bruce Clarke - 2020 Yamaha XV250

Yep, cabins can be a good option, most commercial campgrounds will have a few different options, usually around the $60 - $90 range depending on what you get, but sometimes you'll get a really basic one cheaper. Also check out backpacker hostels as most of these have a few options for rooms as well as the std bunks in a dorm.

Booking the day prior will almost always get you something, but tourism is booming in NZ so so you'd want to book further ahead in the real tourist hotspots & during the summer peak Xmas-January when all the locals are on holiday also. That's where carrying a tent can come in handy as most places will be able to squeeze in a bike & a small tent somewhere at short notice.

Cheers
Clint

Many thanks for your responses. I am thinking of a one off trip but still want to take in both islands. I am very happy to be pretty much continually on the move so while it might be a bit of a rush at times it suits me.

Another question is would I be better off choosing November or April, to avoid high season but still get reasonable weather?

I've toured NZ a couple of times on a motorcycle, once for 3 weeks and once for 2 weeks. With a month of time and a vehicle, you won't see everything, but you can see a lot of both islands.

One trip was in late October-early November, and one was in April. I think the weather was slightly warmer for the April trip. Both trips were dry and sunny about 80% of the time, with the occasional rainy day.

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Bruce Clarke - 2020 Yamaha XV250

If you can do late Feb/early March, you'd be better off.

Regards
Nigel in NZ

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The mouth of a perfectly contented man is filled with . -- 2200 BC Egyptian inscription

Why is that Nigel?

Hi, just catching up on your questions...

The main time to avoid is the school holiday period between Xmas & early Feb. Many businesses close down for 2-4 weeks so camp grounds & touristy areas can be heaving, so unless you book in advance, you will struggle to find an available cabin on the day.

February/March is a much better time to visit. Those months are still warm & sunny, but accommodation will be easier to find, especially during the week (weekends may still be busy as Kiwi's love the outdoors).

November & April can have good weather but it varies, just like the UK!
I'm writing this in the middle of winter yet yesterday was t.shirt weather & today is bitterly cold wind and lashing rain.
Summer can be just as weird

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Elaine

Striving to live the ordinary life in a non ordinary way

Hi,
Have to agree with Phoenix. Both times I have ridden a motorcycle in in NZ have been in Feb-March by design. School holidays finish in the first week in Feb and weather is generally good Feb/March. Keep in mind there are many events - national rowing competition; river festivals etc that can occur in Feb/Mar but this is not as much a problem as trying to get suitable accommodation when all the parents and school children are travelling. Many types of accommodation available in NZ. Great country for motorcycling.

Mal

Hi all , we are heading over from australia to the Greymouth street races , we are hiring some bikes out of Christchurch. For a 12 day quick trip of the South Island including a look at greymouth . Have done some research, was after any local knowledge or must see things . Was thinking of backpacker private room,airbnb / pub room accommodation. Have some experience with the Island having lived in Queenstown for a snow season, a few years ago now. Travelled the west coast down to Stuart island, did the Milford sound walk . Was younger then ....
Cheers