Bucket list Trip to NZ in November

[YannisHD]

Hi,

I and a friend we are finally ready to go for our long lasting dream ride in NZ.
The dates are set November 13-30, 2018.

We will be renting bikes so any suggestions on reputable business is appreciated.

What we need most is suggestions on routes and places to visit. I know it is not enough time for a complete tour but it is all we have.

Original idea was to fly to Auckland and head straight for the south Island. This way we get to climate and see a little of the north. Not rigid on this but it is as far as I have gone so far on planning.

My friend is not an off-road guy but he manages. Sealed roads we can handle 500+ miles a day no problem (but you don't get to see anything that way).

Thank you much in advance!

Yannis

[AnTyx]

We will be renting bikes so any suggestions on reputable business is appreciated.

I used motorent.nz (note: not .co.nz!) and they were excellent to me. Less than 700 euros total for 8 days on a CB500X, including gear rental.

Sealed roads we can handle 500+ miles a day no problem

Not in New Zealand you can't. The nature of the country is such that any worthwhile riding/driving at all will be at fairly slow speeds. There are highways on the North Island where you could probably accomplish a 500+ mile day, but you wouldn't want to. Assume maybe a 300km per day limit.

What we need most is suggestions on routes and places to visit. I know it is not enough time for a complete tour but it is all we have.

I'll tell you what I got done in my eight days.

Picked up the bike in Christchurch and headed out over Arthur's Pass, stopping at a number of interesting places on the way. By the end of the day got to Franz Josef, stayed in a hostel there.

Next morning visited the two glaciers, rode down the coast to Haast Pass, took that down as far as Queenstown.

Spent a couple of days in Queenstown, including the amazing riding experience that is the Road to Paradise (really the road to Glenorchy, the actual village of Paradise is down a dirt track past the end of the lakeside stretch).

Then looped via Te Anau up to Milford Sound, and took an overnight cruise there (expensive but worth it for sure).

Then down via Te Anau again to Invercargill (see the truck museum, the hardware store with Burt Munroe's World's Fastest Indian and a bunch of other amazing bikes, go to Bluff and take a photo at the end of the world sign, eat a fresh oyster).

East via the Catlins/coastal roads to Dunedin (see a faithful recreation of Edinburgh on the other side of the world; cool student-town atmosphere).

Up to Oamaru (interesting architecture, disappointing steampunk museum, better-than-expected sunset penguin observation, outstanding distillery).

Then via the Inland Scenic Route back to Christchurch.

And finally as the last evening's cherry on top, a ride out to the Akaroa Tourist Road - goes all the way around a volcano crater, without doubt one of the world's greatest riding roads, the equal of anything in the Alps, Norway, Rockies, you name it.

---
What I did not do on the bike: anything north of Arthur's Pass. Arrived by ferry from Wellington, but this was when the coastal road to Christchurch had been destroyed by an earthquake, so I had the front seat in a coach on a daytrip via the Lewis Pass - definitely not the worst trip I've had. I'm told that the northwest, Abel Tasman National Park and all the way down to Greymouth, is also worthwhile.

Did not take a helicopter ride or spend any extended time at Mount Cook.

Did not ride on the North Island.
---

Pro tips: take more time than you think. If you are limited to 12 days, take 12 days riding around the South Island and come back afterwards to see the rest. Not that the North Island isn't worthwhile - it absolutely is - but the South is the rider's paradise. The country is really magnificent, and you will absolutely be able to fill up every minute you spend there with no regrets (other than maybe Invercargill).

EDIT: Oh yeah: look on bookme.co.nz for discounts on activities, attractions, restaurant vouchers, etc. Legit saved me a ton of money and let me experience things I would not have been able to afford.

[brclarke]

The riding is good everywhere in NZ, just some areas are better than others.

Everyone says that the best riding is the South Island. There is some superb riding there, with little traffic and great scenery.

One area that I really enjoyed and yet I don't hear much about is the East Cape of the North Island. I get the impression that a lot of riders make a beeline for the South Island and never explore this area, but I thought it was amazing in stretches.

[pheonix]

hi YannisHD
You've already had some great advice from AnTyx & I assume you've already browsed this thread (if not, I suggest you do as it will still be relevant - NZ doesn't change that much).

Allow for being jet-lagged & drive left - care is needed as NZ drivers aren't the best.

NZ doesn't have big highways & the national speed limit is 60mph. The police love tourist roads and unmarked vans have plate recognition. As a tourist, you are not exempt from a hefty fine.

Your route will take you through towns with limits of 30-40mph and you'll probably stop a lot for great coffee, good food and to capture that view (so many views).

North Island - warmer/humid the further north you go. Rolling green hills with the occasional volcano. Geothermal activity around Rotorua and Taupo. More people = busy roads.

South Island - drier climate with the exception of the west coast. Home to the Southern Alps where the highest peaks are covered in snow all-year. Amazing roads for bikers. Less people = less traffic. No motorways, twisty country roads where the pace is slow.

Fly to Christchurch, Queenstown or Dunedin then hire a bike. Plan short distances. Bring your wet riding gear & be grateful if you don't need it (this applies to any month of the year).

If you really want to see some of the NI, to reduce costs, you could hire a car. It's much cheaper & costs can be shared. Many hire companies would be happy for you to drive to CHC or ZQN and leave it there. The ferry cost will be similar to 2 bikes.

If flying, book early. There are only 2 airlines so use WebJet to browse for deals.

If you use Facebook, there's plenty of bike sites where advice and friends can be found

[CircleNZ]

Hi Yannis,

You can get International flights direct to Christchurch, if you're flying to Auckland first you'll get a local flightto Chch pretty cheaply if you book early enough. Just watch the luggage allowance on the local flight as it may be less than your International limit.

The South Island is by far the most scenic and least populated. Pretty well all the roads are fantastic for riding, each have something different to offer. There are also lots of non sealed roads some of which are only open during the summer, these can take you into some really remote places. Bear in mind you'd need a suitable bike so a big road tourer wouldn't cut it. Not all rental companies allow bikes to be take off seal so check this out. Accommodation will be getting booked up by that time of year, especially in the tourist areas eg Queenstown, Wanaka, Takepo so better to have you're first night or so sorted. After that go where the sun is shining and book a day or two out, that way you have lots of flexibility rather than being stuck to a set itinerary.

Feel free to pm me if you need more specifics, or contact me through our web site - you'll find quite a lot of useful information there.
Cheers, Clive

[YannisHD]

AnTyx, pheonix, and Clive

Thank you for the valuable information and the detailed list of destinations. I'm building a plan and i'll run it by this group for comments.

Regards

Yannis

[mcguyver]

I had a great experience with Andrea from kiwi motorcycle hire.
https://www.citymotorcyclerentals.com/
Hired an MT09 for 2 weeks last christmas. You will have a ball in NZ sth Island. It is spectacular.

We will be going back in Febuary fo the Burt Munro Challenge

[Nigel Marx]

I'm happy to provide an address in you need one here in NZ. I'm near Christchurch and am happy to pass on any knowledge and assistance you might need. Let's meet for a !

Cheers,

Nigel in NZ

[kananga]

A mate and I spent a month there last Feb. 10 days in the north and 20 in the south.

In the time you have planned I would stick to the South Island. You will have a much more relaxed time and be able to fully explore the many great places at each stopover. Don't be like the rest of the tourists who stick to the main roads and try and see NZ in two weeks! Stop and eat in small towns and ask locals about interesting places to see as you travel past.

I would recommend a dual sport bike. This gives you the option of doing a bit of dirt road riding to spectacular places away from the parade of motorhome/campers. One example of my trip is : Base yourself in Queenstown and do day trips from there!

My top day trip spots were SKIPPERS Canyon, Glenorchy and beyond, Wanaka via Cardrona. You can easily spend 4 or more nights there and not be bored. And when you leave be adventurous and ship your bikes and yourself across the lake on the old Steam boat to Walter Peak station and ride good dirt towards Te Anau on your way to visit Milford Sound. They can fit a few bikes on, and its not top expensive! Got down to the booking office a few days before and talk to staff about it. Not many riders know about it.

Don't listen to the local stories about sharp rocks puncturing you tyres on the dirt from Walter Peak Stn towards Te Anau, we found the going very good.

NZ is a great place to ride so don't rush it and explore the areas you visit.

Cheers,

Paul

Snowy Mtns Aust.

[YannisHD]

All is arranged thanks to CircleNZ. We will be in Christchurch November 14th.

Thank you all for the advice and ride ideas.

Here is the current ride plan Day 1 is November 15th. Let me know if you see an opportunity for a .
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1oZ...BN&usp=sharing

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1Jh...ZB&usp=sharing

Cheers

Y

[clintnz]

Have Fun! You'll have a busy 2 weeks to fit all that in.


Cheers
Clint

[pheonix]

Good to read you're sorted out and have arrived.
When you return to the South Island, may I apologise in advance for the wet weather.
I hope you brought your rainy gear and some thermals. If you're feeling cold now is the best place to buy Merino base layers (make sure they're made in NZ). It'll keep you warm and cool for your travels.

Since my reply, I have moved to Dunedin but sadly won't be available to ride with you during the week. I highly recommend that you ride to the Royal Albatross centre at Taiaroa Head. The best views are along the harbour road but don't be too distracted! At this time of year, the Albatross are nesting so you may see some flying about from the car park (especially on a windy day).