Ok 6 weeks in and stuck in motel in Nelson cause of rain storm. I have now spent 3 weeks on each island andI would like to dispel the myth that south is better then north. Did north island first and would hear about 10 times a day how the south island is so much better and friendlier. Absolutely not true.
BOLLOX, did you ride the Southern Scenic route? Did you do the Catlins? Central Otago? the ride to Te Anau via riverton, tuatapere? All I can see is you rode the tourist roads. Before you call me a bloody kiwi? I'd accept it as a compliment, I am ENGLISh by birth, KIWI by choice and lived here over 20yrs now. I've ridden both islands east/west coasts and centrally. Down south there is a lot of Scots/Dutch influence, understand that culture and you'll be sweet! I have seen kiwi's welcome complete strangers into their homes to stay, or for a good evenings beer and barbie; just because that's how kiwi's are.
First off both island are just as nice just different and the people aren't any more or less friendly on either island. In fact I have come to find most Kiwis in general very standoffish and almost impossible to get out of their motel rooms to have a drink and a chat, with a few exceptions. The people I have had the most fun with have come from somewhere else i.e Dutch, Brits, Germans, Aussies and even met and had good time with some Finns and Belgians.
I will say that there is obviously less traffic south island and the roads in general are in better condition but by far the more fun motorbike roads are on the north island unless of course you like to sometimes go in a straight line for hours at a time like many areas of the south.
Also many effin bad Kiwi drivers who for some unknown fucking reason like to cut lanes even on blind corners. Lost count how many times this has happened and caused me an off by Raglan as I was going into a 35km blind curve and some punk came the other way doing about 70 halfway in my lane.
No different to France, Italy etc. THe roads here are narrow, treat them as you would an English country lane... just kiwi's are used to them and drive quicker, trust me I would LOVE to re ride some of the old country roads I used to having lived here. But saying that I do agree that not all Kiwi drivers are considerate of other roads users.
Anyways nice country and mostly good rides and heading back north island for duration of trip to ride the more fun biking roads. And my favorite ride so far is hands down the Coromandel Loop.
Let the debate and inevitable bashing begin. <<<
YUP whinging POM, fuck off home 
Later
Originally Posted by jmmk
This quote is hidden because you are ignoring this member. Show QuoteOk 6 weeks in and stuck in motel in Nelson cause of rain storm. I have now spent 3 weeks on each island andI would like to dispel the myth that south is better then north. Did north island first and would hear about 10 times a day how the south island is so much better and friendlier. Absolutely not true.
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