Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Planning, Trip > Route Planning
New Zealand during winter? New Zealand during winter?
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
Route Planning Where to go, when, what are the interesting places to see
Photo by Marc Gibaud, Clouds on Tres Cerros and Mount Fitzroy, Argentinian Patagonia

The only impossible journey
is the one
you never begin

25 years of HU Events


Destination ANYWHERE...
Adventure EVERYWHERE!



Photo by Marc Gibaud,
Clouds on Tres Cerros and
Mount Fitzroy, Argentinian Patagonia



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 6 Sep 2009
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Italy
Posts: 55
Thank you very much Nigel and Flying Biker. What you wrote is enough to let me decide to persevere on my idea, also because if I'll don't come in august, I'll never come until I retire.
I'll plan some day to face bad weather and unforseeable events (low clouds on nice landscapes, temporarily closed roads, etc), but I'm not so scared by grit. I normally ride my bike on mountains during winter, here in Italy, so I can imagine what you mean. Anyway, for sure I'll use a supplementary dose of prudence.
Now I'll do the second step: I'm going to buy the Lonely Planet of New Zealand. Can you suggest some nice places normally underestimated or unknown to tourists guides?
Thank you again very much,

Mirco
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 6 Sep 2009
Nigel Marx's Avatar
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: South Island, New Zealand
Posts: 801
Quote:
Originally Posted by CaptainJackSparrow View Post
Thank you very much Nigel and Flying Biker. What you wrote is enough to let me decide to persevere on my idea,

Can you suggest some nice places normally underestimated or unknown to tourists guides?
Thank you again very much,

Mirco
Hi Mirco.

I know some very nice places to go as I live in the South Island too, like Flying Biker. I live near Christchurch, where I imagine you will be flying in to NZ? What's say we talk about it over a ?

Also I highly recommend Great Escapes which you can find here:
Peter Mitchell :: Books

Feel free to PM or email me too.

Kind regards

Nigel in NZ
__________________
The mouth of a perfectly contented man is filled with . -- 2200 BC Egyptian inscription
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 7 Sep 2009
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Italy
Posts: 55
Nigel, you are very kind. I don't want to bore you with private messages until I'll book my flight, that will be in some months, as is only semptember. Waiting that, I bought the Lonely Planet, "New Zealand Motorcycle Atlas", and I put "Great Escape" in the wish list on Amazon.

Ok for a , for sure: I'll be really glad. But I think I'll fly on Auckland: there are more flights from Italy, faster and with less stops. But I'll decide once I have prepared the itinerary. In any case, for sure I'll be also in Christchurch.

Well, now I go to sleep... Ciao and thank you.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 17 Sep 2009
Contributing Member
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Posts: 61
Captain Jack,
I've ridden both islands of NZ and loved it all, but I would say that the South is better for a motorcyclist, it was certainly my favorite. Christchurch is a very beautiful city and easy to navigate. There are some nice places to explore near there from Littleton Harbour around the Banks Peninsula to Akaroa etc... You can also check out the Hanmer and Maruia hotsprings for a nice warm dip on a cool day. As far as I know you can pretty much ride there year round, they have a rally called the Brass Monkey rally in the middle of the winter sometime, (can't remember when exactly). Some of the high roads to the West coast like the Arthurs pass or Lewis pass may possibly be a bit snowy I'd think, but overall I think if you went you would have a fantastic time!
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 21 Sep 2009
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: oxford
Posts: 11
Definately do it!
I spent 6 months riding around both islands and had the most amazing time.
The south is quiet and certainly my favorite. Free camping every night but be prepared to get wet.
If in the north you HAVE to ride around the coromandel.
I borrowed a GSXR1100 from a hostel owner and after riding one part I turned around and did twice again. It really was that good.
One thing to remember is that the police have forward facing radar..
And also the "boy racer rule" where they can impound your vehicle if you're caught getting up to no good.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 11 Oct 2009
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Italy
Posts: 55
I apologize for the long, long delay, but I thank you for your suggestions and information.
I looked for information about the Brass Monkey rally who seems to be interesting, but it seems to be during june.
Hippie, 6 months riding a bike... what a dream! A GSXR1100, great!, but I think my wrists couldn't resist: that's the reason why I sold my beloved ZX10R

Well, thank you again, I'm taking note of all your suggestions.
Bye,
Mirco
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 19 Oct 2009
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Australia
Posts: 6
Go Summer
Seriously, the place rains like gods bathroom all winter (and spring and autumn), or snows, or both.

If you are looking for somewhere nice, try the south coast of Australia, the best wineries, waves and riding in the world, plus, it sounds like you dont mind being bitterly cold....
Reply With Quote
Reply

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Arctic in the Winter? Land Sailor Route Planning 15 27 Jan 2010 18:47
Pamirs in the winter Pumbaa 4 Wheels Travel Reports 0 25 Feb 2009 21:11
Oz in winter Hornet Australia / New Zealand 17 8 May 2008 10:56
about the winter.... Ruioliveira Travellers' Advisories, Safety and Security on the Road 13 28 Sep 2007 07:56
Laying up for winter Matt Cartney Yamaha Tech 3 9 Dec 2006 20:23

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

25 years of HU Events
Be sure to join us for this huge milestone!

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

Virginia: April 24-27
Queensland is back! May 2-5
Germany Summer: May 29-June 1
Ecuador June 13-15
Bulgaria Mini: June 27-29
CanWest: July 10-13
Switzerland: Aug 14-17
Romania: Aug 22-24
Austria: Sept. 11-14
California: September 18-21
France: September 19-21
New York: October 9-12 NEW!
Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2

2026 Confirmed Dates:
(get your holidays booked!)

Virginia: April 23-26
Queensland: May 1-4
CanWest: July 9-12

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes.
(ONLY US RESIDENTS and currently has a limit of 60 days.)

Ripcord Evacuation Insurance is available for ALL nationalities.


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Every book a diary
Every chapter a day
Every day a journey
Refreshingly honest and compelling tales: the hights and lows of a life on the road. Solo, unsupported, budget journeys of discovery.
Authentic, engaging and evocative travel memoirs, overland, around the world and through life.
All 8 books available from the author or as eBooks and audio books



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 14:57.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top