Your Favourite Road (South Island)

[Cajun]

WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE STRETCH OF ROAD

What the aim of this thread is for people to let others know there favourite bit of road thru out the country.

So if people are planning a trip, can check out some other bikers favourite routes

There is one thread for North Island Roads, and another for South Island Roads

Rules

Only 1 route per person per thread.
Check that someone else hasn't already used your route, if so choose another your favourite, place another favourite of yours, or do not reply.
Your Route has no more than 100kms long. (can only be 50km etc, but no more than 100kms, aka no saying coro loop, which part is your favourite)
Add a map of some kind. (google, wises or simlar showning where its located for ease of use of others)
Add a brief description, of road type, and if there are and interesting sites along route for people to look at.
This thread is not for listing the merits, or do's and don't's of peoples favourite roads.


Example post layout

Starting Point:
Finshing Point:
Distance:
Type of road:
Hazards:
Time of year to avoid this road:
Points of Interest:

[Cajun]

I came across this road when i was in SI last year, and turned out to my favourite road the tour. and we never planned on using it, just stumbled on it.
Starting Point: Waiau, Canterbury
Finshing Point: Swyncombe, Canterbury
Distance: 70km
Type of road: A mix of left right hands, with mix speed of 25-75. with a couple of straights banged in for good measure
Hazards: Is meant to have alot of tourist but time i went down it saw none of this.
Time of year to avoid this road: This road is more of a summer road, due to being in alpine area gets snow coverage in winter.
Points of Interest: Mount Lyford Lodge NZ largest Log Building


<iframe width="640" height="480" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" src="http://maps.google.co.nz/maps?f=d&amp;source=s_d&amp;saddr=waiau&amp;daddr=Swyncombe&amp;hl =en&amp;mra=ls&amp;sll=-42.465006,173.207703&amp;sspn=0.660516,1.235962&amp;ie=UTF 8&amp;ll=-42.508552,173.303833&amp;spn=0.971862,1.757813&amp;z=9&amp;out put=embed"></iframe><br /><small><a href="http://maps.google.co.nz/maps?f=d&amp;source=embed&amp;saddr=waiau&amp;daddr=Swyncombe&amp; hl=en&amp;mra=ls&amp;sll=-42.465006,173.207703&amp;sspn=0.660516,1.235962&amp;ie=UTF 8&amp;ll=-42.508552,173.303833&amp;spn=0.971862,1.757813&amp;z=9" style="color:#0000FF;text-align:left">View Larger Map</a></small>

[Hitcher]

Motueka to Murchison, or vice versa. A combination of SH 6 and the highway formerly known as Highway 61, now known as the Tapawera-Motueka Road, apparently because an infamous gang kept thieving the signs.

Stop at Tapawera for an ice cream or milkshake.

<iframe width="640" height="480" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" src="http://maps.google.co.nz/maps?f=d&amp;source=s_d&amp;saddr=murchison&amp;daddr=motueka&amp; hl=en&amp;mra=ls&amp;sll=-39.157752,176.292114&amp;sspn=1.537648,3.570557&amp;ie=UTF 8&amp;ll=-41.455145,172.670305&amp;spn=0.69007,0.68163&amp;output=em bed"></iframe><br /><small><a href="http://maps.google.co.nz/maps?f=d&amp;source=embed&amp;saddr=murchison&amp;daddr=motuek a&amp;hl=en&amp;mra=ls&amp;sll=-39.157752,176.292114&amp;sspn=1.537648,3.570557&amp;ie=UTF 8&amp;ll=-41.455145,172.670305&amp;spn=0.69007,0.68163" style="color:#0000FF;text-align:left">View Larger Map</a></small>

[puddytat]

Start Point: Murchison
Finsh point: Westport
Distance:About 90km
Type of road:
State Hgwy 6.
Tarsealed. Awesome road with a variety of corners, though often bumpy,& can be a tad slippery in the wet & winter, & shady. Road works often not well posted. Favourite revenue road for the local police.
Hazards: Mufti Cops,Campervans, cowshit,rocks. A couple of one lane bridges with dodgey approaches.A couple of decreasing radius turns....If its posted 55 or less, then there's a reason for it.
Time of year: Best all year round except winter , though riding to the conditions its fine.
Points of interest: Murchison...best wee town in the middle of nowhere, anywhere!! Got Gas. got pies got public toilets, 2 pubs & 3 Cafes...Rivers Cafe is the best I reckon.
Buller Gorge Swingbridge: N.Z's longest,say youre mates with the fellas that work there with the bikes & you'll get in for free.
Top of the Buller gorge down to Inangahua is the tighter twtisty-er bit,opens out a bit from Inangahua to Westport.Hawks cragg is interesting as the roads carved into the cliff face.
I 'd do the map thing but my dial up is pathetic....maybe someone could do that for me?

[Guzza]

I've always liked the wee bit of road between Waimate and Haka. Its a well kept fast road over rolling limestone scarps. Nothing super twisty but nothing dead straight either, til you get closer to Haka. Turn off SH1 at the "Cup & Saucer"... or what ever it's called now...

<iframe width="640" height="480" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" src="http://maps.google.co.nz/maps?f=d&amp;source=s_d&amp;saddr=Waimate&amp;daddr=Hakatarame a&amp;hl=en&amp;geocode=&amp;mra=ls&amp;sll=-41.244772,172.617188&amp;sspn=44.218019,78.75&amp;ie=UTF8&amp; ll=-44.799378,170.767365&amp;spn=0.46774,0.878906&amp;z=10&amp;out put=embed"></iframe><br /><small><a href="http://maps.google.co.nz/maps?f=d&amp;source=embed&amp;saddr=Waimate&amp;daddr=Hakatara mea&amp;hl=en&amp;geocode=&amp;mra=ls&amp;sll=-41.244772,172.617188&amp;sspn=44.218019,78.75&amp;ie=UTF8&amp; ll=-44.799378,170.767365&amp;spn=0.46774,0.878906&amp;z=10" style="color:#0000FF;text-align:left">View Larger Map</a></small>

[fatzx10r]

the crown range would be my favourite stretch off road. not so good in winter when there is lot's of grit tho

[NZ CBR]

Nice and whindy, great view of the huge boats in the harbour from cliffside road. Grab a drink in Akaroa then do it all again! Better for summer rides as quite a few shaded parts of road.

Stats:
82.6 km – about 1 hour 19 mins

http://maps.google.co.nz/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=Evans+Pass+Rd&daddr=-43.794393,172.969437&hl=en&geocode=FfrxZv0dVAVMCg%3B&mra=dme&mrcr=0&mrsp=1&sz=11&sll=-43.705112,172.804642&sspn=0.257125,0.725098&ie=UTF8&ll=-43.68277,172.817001&spn=0.257221,0.725098&z=11

[HanSoloNZ]

The best roads Ive been on were between HariHari and Haast, incredible scenery and nice windy roads, If I remember correctly this stretch between Whataroa and Fox glacier was awesome.

Distance - around 50kms about 30mins as the bike flys.

http://maps.google.co.nz/maps/mm?hl=en&ie=UTF8&ll=-43.425996,170.113335&spn=0.135642,0.30899&t=h&z=12

[SilverGrin]

Between Cromwell and Clyde/Alex.

Most of those central Otago roads are great.

[scumdog]

The Catlins Coastal route from Balcluthat to Fortrose -Tokanui area....mm - mm!:woohoo:

[FJRider]

From Haast towship to Makarora ... either way. I never get sick of that road.
Unless the cloud level is below power pole height, its fair pissing down, and my wet gear has given up in disgust.

[xknuts]

Long fast straights, feeding into sweepers, big hills, tight turns, following the Taieri River & Rail Trail for a bit, then out onto the Maniototo @ Kyeburn.
Oh & did I forget "Great Espresso @ Hyde Cafe". AWESOME!

[LBD]

Oh what a delima, which favorite? has to be Te Anau to Homer Tunnel, autumn away from the tourist season, late in the afternoon on a warm day, Autum colors, magic light, and all sorts of roads, straight, tight, sweeping....

[Hitcher]

Oh what a delima, which favorite? has to be Te Anau to Homer Tunnel, autum away from the tourist season, late in the afternoon on a warm day, Autum colors, magic light, and all sorts of roads, straight, tight, sweeping....

Fuck yeah!

[35tickets]

Arthurs Pass is simply awesome in the summer, and Crown Range road would be first equal, along with Te Anua to Milford. Only been twice to the South Island and Arthurs was a must do both times for me:clap:

[Mikkel]

Motueka to Murchison

But, but, but - you've marked the route on the map as being from Murchison to Motueka... You're confusing me.


Oh what a delima, which favorite? has to be Te Anau to Homer Tunnel, autum away from the tourist season, late in the afternoon on a warm day, Autum colors, magic light, and all sorts of roads, straight, tight, sweeping....

Beautiful area, I have still to take a bike down that way - been through 3 or 4 times in a car. Seeing how fast you can go coming back through the tunnel is a hoot as well :D

[babysteps]

Hmmmmmm Decisions.......

On my Vespa, Summit rd in Christchurch to Gebbis Pass then into Lyttelton for a coffee and over Evans Pass to Sumner

On my Aprilia, Hakataramea Pass

[MD]

Another part of the Haast pass, not yet mentioned, is the beautiful lakeside run from Makarora to Lake Hawea township..one very fast stretch of sweepers with stunning views of first Lake Wanaka then it's switches to Lake Hawea. After the tiring tight alpine sections from Fox-Haast to Makarora, the open sweepers along the lake edges are a pleasant change in riding style.

I've ridden around the SI so many times, but each trip as you come across a favourite stretch of road, never ceases to fill you with awe! Like it's the first time all over again.

Doh. How do you attach a google map?

http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&q=haast%20pass%20new%20zealand&ie=UTF-8&sa=N&tab=il

<iframe width="425" height="350" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" src="http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&amp;q=haast+pass+new+zealand&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;ll=-43.985898,169.414673&amp;spn=0.458088,0.856934&amp;z=10&amp;ou tput=embed"></iframe><br /><small><a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&amp;q=haast+pass+new+zealand&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;ll=-43.985898,169.414673&amp;spn=0.458088,0.856934&amp;z=10&amp;so urce=embed" style="color:#0000FF;text-align:left">View Larger Map</a></small>

[munterk6]

One of my favourites is Springs Junction to Reefton, over the Rahu saddle is awesum!
Also from the Hanmer Springs turnoff thru the Lewis Pass to Nelson :beer:

[Guzza]

Hmmmmmm Decisions.......

On my Vespa, Summit rd in Christchurch to Gebbis Pass then into Lyttelton for a coffee and over Evans Pass to Sumner

On my Aprilia, Hakataramea Pass

I've never been all the way along the Haka vally, is the road sealed all the way to Tekapo?

[babysteps]

nah, mostly gravel between Fairlie and Kurow :banana:

[Gremlin]

I've ridden most of the best roads, and this has to be it. Very little tourist traffic even (even on a South Island scale) simply because its a dead end. Endless winding road, climbing several mountains, and several viewpoints looking across the mountains.

Starting Point: Nikau, West Coast
Finshing Point: Karamea, West Coast
Distance: 55km
Type of road: Sealed, All types of corners, some bits are quite uneven, resulting in healthy air time
Hazards: Probably moss in the shady areas
Time of year to avoid this road: Who knows, I've only ridden it once! :2thumbsup
Points of Interest: Its a dead end, you have to go back through :lol:

<iframe width="425" height="350" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" src="http://maps.google.co.nz/maps?f=d&amp;source=s_d&amp;saddr=nikau&amp;daddr=karamea&amp;hl=e n&amp;geocode=&amp;mra=ls&amp;sll=-41.503635,171.866975&amp;sspn=0.695251,1.235962&amp;ie=UTF 8&amp;ll=-41.394885,172.029985&amp;spn=0.29443,0.20479&amp;output=em bed"></iframe><br /><small><a href="http://maps.google.co.nz/maps?f=d&amp;source=embed&amp;saddr=nikau&amp;daddr=karamea&amp;hl =en&amp;geocode=&amp;mra=ls&amp;sll=-41.503635,171.866975&amp;sspn=0.695251,1.235962&amp;ie=UTF 8&amp;ll=-41.394885,172.029985&amp;spn=0.29443,0.20479" style="color:#0000FF;text-align:left">View Larger Map</a></small>

[shrub]

The inland road is beautiful windy road with bugger all traffic and if you travel via the Leader you get to play in the Hundalees. Pretty crappy over winter with shade and grit though.

[Oakie]

Fairlie to Mt Cook in the warmer months (although just Fairlie to Tekapo or Fairlie to the Mt Cook turnoff at Lake Pukaki are great in themselves)
Tight bits, long straights, fast sweepers, good roads, stunning views ... it's all there.

[MIXONE]

Greymouth to Westport along the Coast Road.Just Magic!
Stop at the Punikaiki Rocks especially on an incoming tide with a big sea running.

[LaytonNZ]

Motueka to Golden Bay~ Takaka Hill!:woohoo: Tree roots in the road are the main hazards and in winter time it snows/ice's up

[Bardman]

Motueka to Golden Bay~ Takaka Hill!:woohoo: Tree roots in the road are the main hazards and in winter time it snows/ice's up
One of the best roads ive ridden, the takaka hill is tight n twistie, n opens out into a nice flowing undulating road once the hill has been conquered:woohoo:

[JATZ]

Motueka to Golden Bay~ Takaka Hill!:woohoo: Tree roots in the road are the main hazards and in winter time it snows/ice's up

Wondered how long before someone posted Takaka hill.......
~Carry on from Takaka bypass Collingwood, take a right, over the river and carry on past Pakawau and on to Puponga. Have a coffee/beer at the paddle crab cafe, enjoy the view,then retrace journey :scooter:

[FLYMO]

Wondered how long before someone posted Takaka hill.......
~Carry on from Takaka bypass Collingwood, take a right, over the river and carry on past Pakawau and on to Puponga. Have a coffee/beer at the paddle crab cafe, enjoy the view,then retrace journey :scooter:

yeah or take a left and head out to the lighthouse out the coast for a night
tis a good ride if like mountain high sand dunes and the great outdoors

[MIXONE]

Actually my fave Mainland road starts at the bottom of the ramp at Picton and finishes there a week or two later.

[doc]

I came across this road when i was in SI last year, and turned out to my favourite road the tour. and we never planned on using it, just stumbled on it.
Starting Point: Waiau, Canterbury

Yeah the locals are very protective of the "Waiau Loop". What did you think of the odd mid corner handful of pebbles ? I got hebie Gebies :shit:

[Kemet]

I love heading up central from Dunedin via SH 8!!
My favourite bit, getting to go through the Manuka Gorge...

Love those little twisties!!!!!!!!

I hope they never straighten it. I don't care if they build another section of road to go around in the future so long as that section is left open as a scenic route.

[Southern man]

Great little short ride is up over the Pareora gorge. Turn off just south of Timaru south side of the Pareora river and head towards the hills. Twisties for africa and good road. Brings you out at Cave on the main road to Fairlie. Nice loop through there to Geraldine via Totra valley,

[cold comfort]

I love heading up central from Dunedin via SH 8!!
My favourite bit, getting to go through the Manuka Gorge...

Love those little twisties!!!!!!!!

I hope they never straighten it. I don't care if they build another section of road to go around in the future so long as that section is left open as a scenic route.

Really impressed with the " realignment" at the top and now the loss of Raes Junction's excellent 45k corners. Bloody job creation schemes!!:mad:

[doc]

Really impressed with the " realignment" at the top and now the loss of Raes Junction's excellent 45k corners. Bloody job creation schemes!!:mad:

Why do you think all the Norfies go sth. And you wondered where your petrol taxes went ? :sunny:

[scumdog]

Really impressed with the " realignment" at the top and now the loss of Raes Junction's excellent 45k corners. Bloody job creation schemes!!:mad:

Yup, many a peg I scraped on those.

Attended a fatal bike cornering or two there too.....:weep:

[peasea]

ANY road between Picton and Bluff is all good.

[dino3310]

my fav would be from Hamilton to whatawhata, only about 20klms.
why: because every time i ride on it means i'm on my way to a KB adv ride and im excited as f@#k

[dino3310]

my fav would be from Hamilton to whatawhata, only about 20klms.
why: because every time i ride on it means i'm on my way to a KB adv ride and im excited as f@#k

:Oops: im a dumb arse, wrong Island

[Daffyd]

:Oops: im a dumb arse, wrong Island

And I was just going to look for another Hamilton in the South Island!

[EJK]

SH1

From: Christchurch
To: Timaru
Distance: 164kms


You will need:

A Hayabusa
Radar detector

Duration: 39 minutes and 21 seconds (hopefully)

<img width=600 src="http://img299.imageshack.us/img299/7990/sh1.jpg"


Just kidding, it's the noctoriously the most boring route NZ have.

[T.W.R]

SH1

From: Christchurch
To: Timaru
Distance: 164kms


You will need:

A Hayabusa
Radar detector

Duration: 39 minutes and 21 seconds (hopefully)

<img width=600 src="http://img299.imageshack.us/img299/7990/sh1.jpg"


Just kidding, it's the noctoriously the most boring route NZ have.

:bleh: 25mins from Hoyts Moorehouse Ave to Chertsey pub on a XJ750 many moons ago & it can be verified :niceone:

:nono: it ain't no boring road by any means..... take that attitude and it'll bite you :stoogie: nigh on 20yrs of living in the middle of it & travelling it every day taught me that even though it's as straight as hell it's a place to be on the alert 100% of the time so it's far from boring.

[scumdog]

:bleh: 25mins from Hoyts Moorehouse Ave to Chertsey pub on a XJ750 many moons ago & it can be verified :niceone:

:nono: it ain't no boring road by any means..... take that attitude and it'll bite you :stoogie: nigh on 20yrs of living in the middle of it & travelling it every day taught me that even though it's as straight as hell it's a place to be on the alert 100% of the time so it's far from boring.

An hour&twenty-five from Timaru taxi base to Hagley Park in the 'lorry' back in the 70's, apparently,:whistle:

And you're right about SH1 there, maybe no corners but still not boring.

[FJRider]

And you're right about SH1 there, maybe no corners but still not boring.

Those railway crossings, overbridges, river bridges, and the nor' wester which can be a right royal pain in the butt. All need your attention.

I won't mention the campervans ... lol

[EJK]

Those railway crossings, overbridges, river bridges, and the nor' wester which can be a right royal pain in the butt. All need your attention.

I won't mention the campervans ... lol

Sounds like it's just like any else road in NZ without corners :rolleyes:

[Kickaha]

:bleh: 25mins from Hoyts Moorehouse Ave to Chertsey pub on a XJ750 many moons ago & it can be verified :niceone:


100mph average, shouldn't be that hard depending on the time of day and how many chances you're prepared to take

[T.W.R]

100mph average, shouldn't be that hard depending on the time of day and how many chances you're prepared to take

It was reckless enough back then especially as I was 2up and nowdays would just end in a mess :oi-grr:

being 20, racing a couple of Roadknights, & showing off it was act and think of the consequences later......now it's think of the consequences then act

[scumdog]

It was reckless enough back then especially as I was 2up and nowdays would just end in a mess :oi-grr:

being 20, racing a couple of Roadknights, & showing off it was act and think of the consequences later......now it's think of the consequences then act

Them last few words are really it for me these days too!:yes:

[Argyle]

Road 25a that crosses the southern coromandel, nice new asphalt and you can keep up a good speed there!

sorry missed the south island part

[Oakie]

Reading this thread again and I realise I'm a lucky lucky boy. Mrs Oakie and I are doing a 7 day trip in November that takes in many of the roads mentioned ... Temuka - Pukaki, Lindis Pass, Cromwell - Queenstown, Crown Range, Wanaka - Haast ... Haast to Westport over 4 days ... then back home over the Lewis Pass. Mmmmmm.

[Retroqueen]

Having just finished the southern escapade I gotta list a few of my new fave roads.
still love the Waimate gorge!
Going up the crown range from the wanaka side.
and riding up to the lindis was like a symphony on 8 wheels. The three in front of me leaning into the corners all at an even pace........booooootiful

[glanvillejon]

Nice and whindy, great view of the huge boats in the harbour from cliffside road. Grab a drink in Akaroa then do it all again! Better for summer rides as quite a few shaded parts of road.

Stats:
82.6 km – about 1 hour 19 mins

http://maps.google.co.nz/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=Evans+Pass+Rd&daddr=-43.794393,172.969437&hl=en&geocode=FfrxZv0dVAVMCg%3B&mra=dme&mrcr=0&mrsp=1&sz=11&sll=-43.705112,172.804642&sspn=0.257125,0.725098&ie=UTF8&ll=-43.68277,172.817001&spn=0.257221,0.725098&z=11
Going VIA summit road makes this one even better!

[ric007]

the road up the west coast of the south is...grail to us on the east coast the cherry on the top after the stunning ride through arthurs or lewis passes this road makes you droooool more than homer looking at marge(she is kinda hot) amagine sun at your back the tasman blue as blue up round the cliffs by punakiki, the camper van about to wipe you out full of beautiful blonde german or even betterer swedeish tourist girlies.
who could ask for more

[DougieNZ]

Bloody hell!

Hard to make a choice..

Takaka Hill
Hundalees Ferniehurst - Oaro SH1
Lewis Pass
Arthurs Pass
Hasst Pass
Araroa
Mt Cook Road
Fairlie - Omarama
Crown Range
Devils Staircase Frankton - Kingston
Te Anau - Milford
Wport - Karamea
Catlins
Otago Peninsula

If I HAD to make a choice. I would say Te Anau - Milford on a stunning day..

[xknuts]

Another part of the Haast pass, not yet mentioned, is the beautiful lakeside run from Makarora to Lake Hawea township..one very fast stretch of sweepers with stunning views of first Lake Wanaka then it's switches to Lake Hawea.

Oh Yeah, Last weekend on the new bike. :2thumbsup Hawea- Haast - Hawea. Wind / Snow slush / Hail BUT awesome all the same.
And the espresso at the Makorora Cafe ain't too bad either


riding up to the lindis was like a symphony on 8 wheels. The three in front of me leaning into the corners all at an even pace........booooootiful

Isn't the Lindus great, both ways


Bloody hell!
Hard to make a choice..

Otago Peninsula

If I HAD to make a choice

I just made it for you! My daily ride! :woohoo: But careful, it can catch you out. Respect is needed.
As evidenced by many a bike accident

[cold comfort]

[QUOTE=xknuts;1129446731]Oh Yeah, Last weekend on the new bike. :2thumbsup Hawea- Haast - Hawea. Wind / Snow slush / Hail BUT awesome all the same.

Last weekend! When there was 20cm powder at Trebles last day!! :drool:Call yourself a snowboarder- i'm very disappointed.:nono:

[icarve]

sh1

from: christchurch
to: timaru
distance: 164kms


you will need:

a hayabusa
radar detector

duration: 39 minutes and 21 seconds (hopefully)



just kidding, it's the noctoriously the most boring route nz have.

sadly sooo true

[Jerry74]

Lewis Pass and the pig route are my faves

[vstrom]

fast and furious to the top of the crown range from the queenstown end then a cruze down to wanaka, could not stop smiling when i took my lid off, but me mate on his guzzi took his lid off and grumply said < thats a bloody goat track.> guess my favorit wont be everyones, up north i liked 90mile beach longest strieght in the country and know speed cameras ,

[Ronnie]

Queenstown, earnslaw, te anau. Very pretty, take the camera.:2thumbsup

[xknuts]

fast and furious to the top of the crown range from the queenstown end then a cruze down to wanaka,

I much prefer it going the opposite way! :2thumbsup

[jimichelle]

especially the waimangaroas & the hills just past seddon the long straight down onto the coast and all the corners and ups and downs to kaikoura bit of a refuel then thru the hundalees then for some reason the rd was full of traffic so had to slow down a tad

[NordieBoy]

The stretch of road from Pelorus to Nelson.

Magic.

[Ange!]

Definitely Fairlie to Twizel some nice fast corners then up over Burkes Pass to a wide open valley and heaps of foxgloves/lupins - ya just breath in the space, fantastic ride over and even better coming back with sun setting behind you - long shadows and great scenery - timed right ya can damn near have the road to yourself!

[DesmoDAZ]

No 1 =Lap of the south Island.
like Nordieboy said, The stretch of road from Pelorus to Nelson, fantastic.
Well worth the loop is Murchison through the buller to Reefton then out to Springs junction, home through the lewis.

[NordieBoy]

like Nordieboy said, The stretch of road from Pelorus to Nelson, fantastic.

Road?
Well, it's OK I suppose.

The stretch of dirt from Pelorus to Nelson however, fantastic.

:D

[Rogue Rider]

Well, thats a tough one, I would have said the whole west coast from W/P to Haast-Wanaka, however as its already on, my second choice would have to be the trip up the Takaka Hill and back down and across to Murchison through Woodstock. The scenery and views are astonishing and are a real contrast and awakening to middle Earth.
In the summer of 2008, myself and 7 other riders embarked on an epic journey to circumnavigate NZ. We started on the 27th Dec and returned on the 17th Jan 09. We left from Warkworth heading up east coast route all the way to Cable bay and Cape Reinga. We came south on the west route via Waipoa Forrest and Dargaville, then south to New Plymouth, Wellington, across the straight, Picton, Blenhiem, Nelson, Motueka, Takaka, Collingwood, Cape Farewell, Woodstock- because we had to visit a place with such an epic name..... Then onto Murchison, Greymouth- where the storm hit hard so we buckled in for the night. Then onto Hokitika, Haast, Wanaka, Queenstown, down to Invercargil, Bluff, the Catlins, some quaint cool cafe in Owaka, Balclutha, Dunedin, Oamaru, Timaru, Ashburton, CHCH, Kaikoura, Blenheim, Picton, FERRY, Welly, Masterton, Napier, A cool little camp site at Lake Tutira, Gisborne, Te Puia Hot pools, Ruatoria. Stayed by the bridge at Te Araroa, then to East Cape in am, up to Hicks Bay, around to Otuwhare? where the most expensive gas in NZ was lol.... then on to Whakatane, Tauranga and home to Warkworth.
It wasn't a day trip by anymeans lol, but it was the most scenic trip I have ever done lol....... It was 7600 something kms, had to change tyres once and used about $500 of petrol, $200 on ferry, $470 on food, and zero on accommodation..... yes thats correct, didn't once pay for accommodation.

We had tents and camp gear, though we only got to camp 3 nights. The rest people we met put us up. A church hall, a school, a cafe, a flash as apartment righton the water in Queenstown which was gifted to us- the occupant checked into a hotel lol, numerous southerners met us and put us up and put on mean feeds....

Plan your own epic trip today, I know for sure, we will do it again, hopefully this summer.

Anyone else done a trip like this. we have a post of the route on our website www.soamc.co.nz

[Rogue Rider]

I did this run on a GN250 up over the hill when I was at nelson polytech, it was awesome. That is the pelorus to nelson route.

[robin_steal]

Yeah thats a nice ride, if you turn left into fairfax st (murchison) and keep goin youll end up on the Shenandoah highway. Its a gravel road with lots of fords, a hairy patch of road with unreal scenery! Its about 30 kms long, a great back road trip to springs junction and the lewis..

[crash99]

Definitely the Pig Route - Mosgiel to Ranfurly. But then that stetch from Greymouth to Westport is fantastic too. Or the Takaka Hill. No hang on a bit - the Crown Range. Or Chch to Akaroa. Oh bugger it - the whole of the freakin SOuth Island is jsut one big bike ride!!! Love it.

[LBD]

Kingston to Frankton ...okay about 6m14 seconds from Kingston at legal speeds you cross a bridge and start the Staircase..... the next 15 km... starts tight and opens up....and nice views.

[scumdog]

... the next 15 km... starts tight and opens up....and nice views.


Hmmm, challenging road + views, ya often hear that, I guess you can't give 100% attention to both though eh!:blink:

[southern_blade]

I cant believe only one mention of the Devils Staircase.....

My choice would have to be going from Invercargill via winton up to frankton (long straights all the way to kingston then the twisty fun of the staircase) then heading through the gorge to cromwell and down through alexandra to Raes Junction and winding back down through to Gore and back to Invercargill.

Its a hell of a ride, wouldnt put a time on it, that depends on the day and your mood but its a great way to fill in a warm summers sunday afternoon!!

The central otago roads are all generally very good, great views with lakes everywhere and smooth roads with a great mix of twisties and sweeping highway......hmmmm....guess what Im doing tomorrow lol

[SilverGrin]

I cant believe only one mention of the Devils Staircase.....

My choice would have to be going from Invercargill via winton up to frankton (long straights all the way to kingston then the twisty fun of the staircase) then heading through the gorge to cromwell and down through alexandra to Raes Junction and winding back down through to Gore and back to Invercargill.

Its a hell of a ride, wouldnt put a time on it, that depends on the day and your mood but its a great way to fill in a warm summers sunday afternoon!!

The central otago roads are all generally very good, great views with lakes everywhere and smooth roads with a great mix of twisties and sweeping highway......hmmmm....guess what Im doing tomorrow lol

I rode the DS last month and it was rubbish. Pot-holed and rough uneven seal, didn't enjoy it at all.
Coming back towards Frankton was marginally better.

[FJRider]

I rode the DS last month and it was rubbish. Pot-holed and rough uneven seal, didn't enjoy it at all.
Coming back towards Frankton was marginally better.

Plus its only ten minutes of ride on that section ....

[FJRider]

Definitely the Pig Route - Mosgiel to Ranfurly.

It's the Pig Root ... and that is Palmerston to Ranfurly. It gets its name from Pig Root creek, which the highway crosses ... There was once a hotel at Pig Root creek ... but long before my time ...

[crash99]

It's the Pig Root ... and that is Palmerston to Ranfurly. It gets its name from Pig Root creek, which the highway crosses ... There was once a hotel at Pig Root creek ... but long before my time ...
Ah well there ya go - learn something everyday. :facepalm: That one (Middlemarch) is still a great ride though, don't ya reckon? :yes:

[FJRider]

Ah well there ya go - learn something everyday. :facepalm: That one (Middlemarch) is still a great ride though, don't ya reckon? :yes:

Outram to middlemarch gets "a bit windy" some days ... otherwise ... yes a good ride ...

[rocketman1]

I would say after riding a good portion of the best off road and on road sections of the SI I would say a fast run over the Crown range is hard to beat.
Its the only road I got to the end of at Wanaka and thought jeez If I had time I would go back and do that all again. Magic.
Actually coming down was better than going up, which is a bit unusual.
Ive heard its the favourite haunt of many queenstown locals... Don't tell anyone aye.

[pritch]

That one (Middlemarch) is still a great ride though, don't ya reckon? :yes:

I recently went from Ranfurly, Middlemarch, down to Mosgiel. It looked a lovely ride unfortunately it was raining and the hills were covered in freezing fog. My main worry was getting run over by a local in a 4WD. They presumably knew where they were going and were driving at pace, and from memory. I was going slow because I was blind and didn't have the required memory.

I was real pleased when I got to Mosgiel. When I parked I noticed I was outside a menswear store having a 25% off sale so I went in and bought another layer. "Don't wrap it I'll put it on now."

I'd like to try that road again in nice weather one day.

[Ocean1]

No contest, Kawarau Gorge road.

Unless you’re prone to target fixation issues arising from rock walls and 100 metre drops.


If more legal velocities are the go then Tuapeka West road, from Lawrence to Balclutha is worth an honourable mention.

[FJRider]

I recently went from Ranfurly, Middlemarch, down to Mosgiel.

I'd like to try that road again in nice weather one day.

Dont try that road in the wind ... you might find yourself going around a right hand bend, leaning to the left ...

[FJRider]

I would say after riding a good portion of the best off road and on road sections of the SI I would say a fast run over the Crown range is hard to beat.
Its the only road I got to the end of at Wanaka and thought jeez If I had time I would go back and do that all again. Magic.
Actually coming down was better than going up, which is a bit unusual.
Ive heard its the favourite haunt of many queenstown locals... Don't tell anyone aye.

Shhhhhhhh ...

[FJRider]

No contest, Kawarau Gorge road.

Unless you’re prone to target fixation issues arising from rock walls and 100 metre drops.


If more legal velocities are the go then Tuapeka West road, from Lawrence to Balclutha is worth an honourable mention.

Rock walls and 100 metre drops are common-place in Central Otago ...

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=182585&d=1257062967

[sthrn1]

Nelson to Christchurch thru the Lewis Pass is a great ride

[NordieBoy]

Nelson to Christchurch thru the Lewis Pass is a great ride

Through the Rainbow is better...

[TangoCharlie]

Hard to beat on an Suzuki RG500 at full noise through the gears....

[SpunAngel]

Nice and whindy, great view of the huge boats in the harbour from cliffside road. Grab a drink in Akaroa then do it all again! Better for summer rides as quite a few shaded parts of road.

Stats:
82.6 km – about 1 hour 19 mins

http://maps.google.co.nz/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=Evans+Pass+Rd&daddr=-43.794393,172.969437&hl=en&geocode=FfrxZv0dVAVMCg%3B&mra=dme&mrcr=0&mrsp=1&sz=11&sll=-43.705112,172.804642&sspn=0.257125,0.725098&ie=UTF8&ll=-43.68277,172.817001&spn=0.257221,0.725098&z=11

thank u! in ashburton and ready to roll out and explore soon. was thinking of a day ride to akaroa and the area. any other recommendations for around ashburton?

[jolly_26]

Some good reading in here! The road over the crown range when it's quiet is good, and the Lindis Pass too.

[granstar]

Queenstown to Glenorchy there and back twice in same day :yes:


http://www.quikmaps.com/show/243273

[russd7]

Queenstown to Glenorchy there and back twice in same day :yes:


http://www.quikmaps.com/show/243273
im thinkin we need to keep the best ones unmentioned :Punk:
some real good rides not listed in here, but i wouldn't mention the southern scenic route over blackmount to manapouri or even some of the shorter ones we have done :laugh::laugh:

[russd7]

SH1

From: Christchurch
To: Timaru
Distance: 164kms


You will need:

A Hayabusa
Radar detector

Duration: 39 minutes and 21 seconds (hopefully)

<img width=600 src="http://img299.imageshack.us/img299/7990/sh1.jpg"


Just kidding, it's the noctoriously the most boring route NZ have.
Bit of a dredge here but i know a guy that rolled off the ferry in picton bang on midnight and walked in the door at home just south of waimate at 4.30am was an awesome trip, apparently, but that was a few year ago of course and could neither confirm or deny this happened :yawn:

[the oldstuff]

One of my fav local rides is Springfield to Greymouth to Westport to Reefton to Springs Junction to Waipara. And Waiau to Kaikoura. Geraldine to Fairlie is fairly nice. Why has no one mentioned Danseys Pass? All riders should do this - just remove steering stops first as its all gravel and heaps of sideways action with reasonable dropoffs. Or you might just go slow and enjoy the scenery/solitude as you are unlikely to meet another vehicle the whole way. Sorry no maps - dial up, mutter mutter, fuck fuck

[madmartin]

Through the Rainbow is better...


Nelson to Christchurch thru the Lewis Pass is a great ride

The rainbow has less bumps than the Lewis Pass:crazy:

[1billyboy]

The rainbow has less bumps than the Lewis Pass:crazy:

Not when I went through. Then there was the gates to open and shut.:rolleyes:

[insomnia01]

Motueka Valley Highway :yes:

[bertboozy]

Wanaka to Greymouth - nice touring road and fast