Input on a planned trip

[wanpo]

Hi all,
Been watching Long Way Round/Down and it's got me itching to do a bit of a trip. Planning to go around the North Island with a mate, penciled something out on google maps [updated with hopeful dates]

Overview (http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=Auckland,+New+Zealand&daddr=New+Plymouth+to:Surf+Hwy+to:Hakiaha+St+to:Wa nganui+to:Rangitikei+Line+to:Wellington+to:Route+5 2+to:SH+2+to:Wairoa+to:Te+Araroa+Rd+to:Whakatane+t o:Wharekaho+Rd+to:Auckland&geocode=FefAzf0dp7ZqCilNJ5tD-0cNbTETfjlLtTskhA%3BFXoFrP0dETJgCikfnDB8Rk4UbTHWHE qWo73yng%3BFcqEpP0d9MNgCg%3BFaqzrv0dDHJyCg%3BFSq2n v0d7wNvCindxASvxwNAbTFtbeKa5kalrA%3BFQqSmP0deEx3Cg %3BFbAEiv0dmd9qCilBpQ4-1K84bTEuPB_TPeRCyQ%3BFXh-k_0d2Ix8Cg%3BFf5an_0d3BSHCg%3BFdlNrP0d7kuTCikHdMtW KppobTHgR-pLV_pDhg%3BFeITwf0d_GahCg%3BFd3MvP0dIJeMCinHUs4NMw dvbTEPbLMU8rsm2Q%3BFeqUzv0daFp5Cg%3BFefAzf0dp7ZqCi lNJ5tD-0cNbTETfjlLtTskhA&hl=en&mra=ls&via=2,3,5,7,8,10,12&sll=-37.649034,175.402222&sspn=4.596852,4.092407&ie=UTF8&z=7)
Day 1 (16/05/2010) - Auckland to New Plymouth (http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=Auckland,+New+Zealand&daddr=New+Plymouth&geocode=FefAzf0dp7ZqCilNJ5tD-0cNbTETfjlLtTskhA%3BFXoFrP0dETJgCikfnDB8Rk4UbTHWHE qWo73yng&hl=en&mra=ls&sll=-38.863236,174.751282&sspn=2.260499,2.046204&ie=UTF8&ll=-37.9)
Day 2 (17/05/2010) - New Plymouth to Wanganui (http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=New+Plymouth&daddr=Surf+Hwy+to:Whanganui+River+Rd+to:Wanganui&geocode=FXoFrP0dETJgCikfnDB8Rk4UbTHWHEqWo73yng%3BF d6TpP0d1DlgCg%3BFSqJrv0dOBRyCg%3BFSq2nv0d7wNvCindx ASvxwNAbTFtbeKa5kalrA&hl=en&mra=ls&via=1,2&sl)
Day 3 (18/05/2010) - Wanganui to Wellington (http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=Wanganui&daddr=No+2+Line+to:Mangahoe+Rd+to:Cheltenham+Hunte rville+Rd+to:-41.043627,174.938736+to:Wellington&geocode=FSq2nv0d7wNvCindxASvxwNAbTFtbeKa5kalrA%3BF ZZanv0dOs1wCg%3BFeL8nv0dyiR0Cg%3BFQBBnv0dCBZ4Cg%3B %3BFbAEiv0dmd9qCilBpQ4-1K84bTEuPB_TPeRCyQ&hl=en&mra=dpe&mrcr=0&mrsp=4&sz=11&via=1,2,3,4&sll=-40.915069,175.102158&sspn=0.418742,1.056747&ie=UTF8&ll=-40.586842,175.512085&spn=1.68326,4.22699&z=9)
Day 4 (19/05/2010) - Rest Day
Day 5 (20/05/2010) - Wellington to Wairoa (http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=Wellington&daddr=Route+52+to:SH+2+to:Wairoa&geocode=FbAEiv0dmd9qCilBpQ4-1K84bTEuPB_TPeRCyQ%3BFaBplP0d6Ft_Cg%3BFUpGn_0d5AeH Cg%3BFdlNrP0d7kuTCikHdMtWKppobTHgR-pLV_pDhg&hl=en&mra=ls&via=1,2&sll=-39.461644,177.1)
Day 6 (21/05/2010) - Wairoa to Whakatane (http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=Wairoa&daddr=Te+Araroa+Rd+to:Whakatane&geocode=FdlNrP0d7kuTCikHdMtWKppobTHgR-pLV_pDhg%3BFRJywf0dTm6hCg%3BFd3MvP0dIJeMCinHUs4NMw dvbTEPbLMU8rsm2Q&hl=en&mra=ls&via=1&sll=-38.236023,177.245178&sspn=2.280298,2.04)
Day 7 (22/05/2010) - Whakatane to Auckland (http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=Whakatane&daddr=Kuaotunu+Wharekaho+Rd+to:Auckland&hl=en&geocode=Fd3MvP0dIJeMCinHUs4NMwdvbTEPbLMU8rsm2Q%3BF bRlz_0dtlx5Cg%3BFefAzf0dp7ZqCilNJ5tD-0cNbTETfjlLtTskhA&mra=ls&via=1&sll=-37.418163,175.936089&sspn=0.288217,0.255775&ie=UTF8&z=8)

Would love some input on roads that should/shouldn't be travelled. I tried to stick to a general ~400km each day schedule. Which might be a bit painful on the bikes we're using (Hyobag GT250R and FXR150) But we're both super keen.

Tips and Hints for preperation before hand would also be appreciated.

Dates are probably not concrete due to time off work/weather/getting stuck somewhere etc.

[Jantar]

400 km per day is about right for bikes of that size. That should give you 6 - 7 hours travelling with photo stops. If tyhis is your first longish ride then plan on riding for 2 days, resting for one. That will give you a chance to explore the places you're visiting.

Your route looks good, and if you would like a bit of variation then consider heading inland from Wanganui to Raetihi, then north through National Park. Those twisties are perfect for a small bike.

Good one for giving it a go.

[whowhatwhere]

Looks great wanpo. Are you staying in motels/B&B/camping?

[Hopeful Bastard]

Let me know when you doing the ride.. I'l join ya for a part of the way for wellington area :)

SH1 is EXTREMELY boring from Palmerston nth south..

[insomnia01]

Let me know when your planning this trip, I'm heading to wgtn end of May could take you fellas down the West coast route through some awesome inland roads from Te awamutu ( Forgotten Highway is always a starter ) down to Wgtn if you like :scooter::scooter::scooter: I've done most of your intended route awesome roads, but pay attention to weather reports for this time of year

[Phreak]

Lol I was planning on doing almost exactly the same trip next week, but my boss declined my leave... Let us know how it goes!

IMO make sure you take plenty of breaks, and make sure your bike(s) are up to the task before-hand; ie. good chain, oil, tyres etc...

[wanpo]

Yo, will probably be doing it on the cheap, so staying in either backpackers or cheap motels.

Will post ahead of time when we decide when it is, would be awesome to meet up with fellow kiwibikers on the way :)


Lol I was planning on doing almost exactly the same trip next week, but my boss declined my leave... Let us know how it goes!

IMO make sure you take plenty of breaks, and make sure your bike(s) are up to the task before-hand; ie. good chain, oil, tyres etc...

sucks bro, and yeah I'm definately gonna take my bike into the shop and ask them to give everything a once over.

The route will probably remain the same, but we'll probably shift the points of stay around to even up the travel distances. Thinking of just passing through Wellington and staying at Palmy instead. Or maybe a day at each or something, as a rest at the halfway point.

[nodrog]

there are roads north of Auckalofa you know.

[wanpo]

updated plan:
Overview (http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=Auckland,+New+Zealand&daddr=New+Plymouth+to:Surf+Hwy+to:Hakiaha+St+to:Wa nganui+to:Rangitikei+Line+to:Wellington+to:Route+5 2+to:SH+2+to:Wairoa+to:Te+Araroa+Rd+to:Whakatane+t o:Wharekaho+Rd+to:Auckland&geocode=FefAzf0dp7ZqCilNJ5tD-0cNbTETfjlLtTskhA%3BFXoFrP0dETJgCikfnDB8Rk4UbTHWHE qWo73yng%3BFcqEpP0d9MNgCg%3BFaqzrv0dDHJyCg%3BFSq2n v0d7wNvCindxASvxwNAbTFtbeKa5kalrA%3BFQqSmP0deEx3Cg %3BFbAEiv0dmd9qCilBpQ4-1K84bTEuPB_TPeRCyQ%3BFXh-k_0d2Ix8Cg%3BFf5an_0d3BSHCg%3BFdlNrP0d7kuTCikHdMtW KppobTHgR-pLV_pDhg%3BFeITwf0d_GahCg%3BFd3MvP0dIJeMCinHUs4NMw dvbTEPbLMU8rsm2Q%3BFeqUzv0daFp5Cg%3BFefAzf0dp7ZqCi lNJ5tD-0cNbTETfjlLtTskhA&hl=en&mra=ls&via=2,3,5,7,8,10,12&sll=-37.649034,175.402222&sspn=4.596852,4.092407&ie=UTF8&z=7)
Day 1 - Auckland to New Plymouth (http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=Auckland,+New+Zealand&daddr=New+Plymouth&geocode=FefAzf0dp7ZqCilNJ5tD-0cNbTETfjlLtTskhA%3BFXoFrP0dETJgCikfnDB8Rk4UbTHWHE qWo73yng&hl=en&mra=ls&sll=-38.863236,174.751282&sspn=2.260499,2.046204&ie=UTF8&ll=-37.9)
Day 2 - New Plymouth to Wanganui (http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=New+Plymouth&daddr=Surf+Hwy+to:Whanganui+River+Rd+to:Wanganui&geocode=FXoFrP0dETJgCikfnDB8Rk4UbTHWHEqWo73yng%3BF d6TpP0d1DlgCg%3BFSqJrv0dOBRyCg%3BFSq2nv0d7wNvCindx ASvxwNAbTFtbeKa5kalrA&hl=en&mra=ls&via=1,2&sl)
Day 3 - Wanganui to Wellington (http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=Wanganui&daddr=Walding+St+to:Wellington&hl=en&geocode=FSq2nv0d7wNvCindxASvxwNAbTFtbeKa5kalrA%3BF YA6mP0dIIF3Cg%3BFbAEiv0dmd9qCilBpQ4-1K84bTEuPB_TPeRCyQ&mra=mr&mrcr=0&via=1&sll=-40.32816,175.308675&sspn=4.426137,4.092407&ie=UTF8&z=8)
Day 4 - Rest Day
Day 5 - Wellington to Wairoa (http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=Wellington&daddr=Route+52+to:SH+2+to:Wairoa&geocode=FbAEiv0dmd9qCilBpQ4-1K84bTEuPB_TPeRCyQ%3BFaBplP0d6Ft_Cg%3BFUpGn_0d5AeH Cg%3BFdlNrP0d7kuTCikHdMtWKppobTHgR-pLV_pDhg&hl=en&mra=ls&via=1,2&sll=-39.461644,177.1)
Day 6 - Wairoa to Whakatane (http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=Wairoa&daddr=Te+Araroa+Rd+to:Whakatane&geocode=FdlNrP0d7kuTCikHdMtWKppobTHgR-pLV_pDhg%3BFRJywf0dTm6hCg%3BFd3MvP0dIJeMCinHUs4NMw dvbTEPbLMU8rsm2Q&hl=en&mra=ls&via=1&sll=-38.236023,177.245178&sspn=2.280298,2.04)
Day 7 - Whakatane to Auckland (http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=Whakatane&daddr=Kuaotunu+Wharekaho+Rd+to:Auckland&hl=en&geocode=Fd3MvP0dIJeMCinHUs4NMwdvbTEPbLMU8rsm2Q%3BF bRlz_0dtlx5Cg%3BFefAzf0dp7ZqCilNJ5tD-0cNbTETfjlLtTskhA&mra=ls&via=1&sll=-37.418163,175.936089&sspn=0.288217,0.255775&ie=UTF8&z=8)

[insomnia01]

when you looking at doing Akld to New Plymouth ? I'll be heading down to wgtn Q'birthday weekend if that works in with you OR 23/5 theres a plan forming where a fellow KB'er ( Cowboyz ) is looking at going through Forgotten Highway if you are keen on going that way

[wanpo]

Yeah, Forgotten Highway's definately on route; going the long way from new Plymouth to Wanganui ;)

Havn't got a definitive date, I'll like to do it sooner rather than later so the spirits stay high, might aim for the 15th or 16th of May as the departure day

[Maha]

The road north of Tolaga to Ruatoria (a must stop place that) is full of 'Uneven Surface' signs.

[wanpo]

The road north of Tolaga to Ruatoria (a must stop place that) is full of 'Uneven Surface' signs.

Hmm, thanks for the warning, we won't be trying to set any speed records and will be pacing ourselves, taking apt breaks and what not. I'll make a note to drive safe through that area. Can't really skip it, (feel guilty enough skipping that small Hawera-Wanganui section)

[Maha]

Hmm, thanks for the warning, we won't be trying to set any speed records and will be pacing ourselves, taking apt breaks and what not. I'll make a note to drive safe through that area. Can't really skip it, (feel guilty enough skipping that small Hawera-Wanganui section)

We were touring at time also. I noticed all the signs and slowed for each one. It became clear that the road surface didnt seem that bad so, at one of the signs, I didn't slow, well, not until about 20mts from a 300mm drop!

[wanpo]

We were touring at time also. I noticed all the signs and slowed for each one. It became clear that the road surface didnt seem that bad so, at one of the signs, I didn't slow, well, not until about 20mts from a 300mm drop!

don't like the sound of that; my GT250R doesn't have 300mm of clearance... but We will trek on, brave and true, and keeping an eye out for landmines

[wanpo]

Final Prep:
Well getting pumped for leaving on Sunday.
Picked up a Whisper Kit for my Shoei and my mate's got an intercom set so we'll be able to communicate on the road. Sorted out accomodation for the first 3 days, will use our rest day to fix the rest.

Will be travelling on the light, hopefully 1 backpack containing:
Street Wear, Clear Visor, food, psp, playing cards, chargers

Mate will be packing a Toolkit and a rudimentary First Aid kit

Will probably wing whatever else we need unless I'm overlooking something (suggestions?)

Top post now has dates, let me know if you're keen to join us for any part of the trip :) (ph 021 267 8603)

[HappyGOriding]

Hey Wanpo
Heres a couple of suggestions for the Wanganui to Wellington leg:
Head from Wanganui to Hunterville by taking No 2 Line to Fordelll from there head up to and through Kauangaroa change on to Mangatipona Rd and on to Mangahoe Rd all the way to Ongo Rd and into Hunterville. Only about 60 odd ks then head north for a bit and do Vinegar Hill Rd and into Feilding. Would be a great little detour

Also you have to do the Paekakariki Hill at least once in your life and then just cut back in on either Grays Rd or Paremata Rd and your back on SH1

Other items to take maybe some maps (even print some google maps) and also chewing gum for the dry mouth (or is that just me)
Good luck, take your time and have fun

[tamarillo]

Let me know when you doing the ride.. I'l join ya for a part of the way for wellington area :)

SH1 is EXTREMELY boring from Palmerston nth south..

SH1 North Island is all boring!