Looking for comments on this route

[maddad]

Working on our routes for the trip in April. We have 8 days of biking starting and ending at Christchurch. Just doing the South Island.

Appreciate anyone reviewing the following route and giving some comments.

http://maps.google.ca/maps/ms?hl=en&gl=ca&ie=UTF8&oe=UTF8&msa=0&msid=211595412282041313670.000499e959e00ae7b3ef4&z=6

A couple of specific questions on:
1) Are there any of these stretches where fuel is going to be an issue.
2) Are any of these roads a bad idea on a motorcycle in April.
3) Is the run in and out of Milford Sound as good as it looks on Google Earth.
4) Staying on the coast most of the time are we missing some more inland sites that we should be seeing.
5) Planning on staying in each of the areas mentioned below, but have no idea what's there besides Google Earth so any recommendations would be great.
6) Planning on making reservations for places to stay. In the US, we typically wing it but from what I can see, doing that in NZ may leave us sleeping under our bikes.
7) Shoudl we be looking at coming back across the island on hiway #7 or cover the North part of the island as I currently have planned.

Our typically trips here in Canada are around 800 to 1,000 km per day. But that's usually around 110-130 km speed. So my targets for daily travels are 200-300 km between locations and still having time to take short trips around the various locations. In Canada and the US we pretty much have to go this far in a day to get to the places we want to go.

Day 1: Christchutch to Dunedin - Pretty much on the main road, don't see other real way to make that run.
Day 2: Dunedin to Invercargill - Taking the rural road by Catlin lake. Saw someone mentions the Catlins which I'm assuming is this run.
Day 3: Invercargill along the coast then North to Te Anau and then to Milford Sound and back in the same day.
Day 4: Te Anau to Wanaka - Only about 200 km. Is this too short of run on this road or should I possibly combine what I have in Day 4 and Day 5 and spend a day elsewhere?
Day 5: Wanaka to Franz Joseph Glacier or somewhere along the west coast.
Day 6: Franz Joseph to West Port
Day 7: West Port to Picton
Day 8: Picton to Christchurch

Thanks all. When we get closer to the trip, I'll post up more specifics and hopefully we'll be able to catch up, meet and ride with some of you folks.

[Gremlin]

Working on our routes for the trip in April. We have 8 days of biking starting and ending at Christchurch. Just doing the South Island.

Appreciate anyone reviewing the following route and giving some comments.

http://maps.google.ca/maps/ms?hl=en&gl=ca&ie=UTF8&oe=UTF8&msa=0&msid=211595412282041313670.000499e959e00ae7b3ef4&z=6

A couple of specific questions on:
1) Are there any of these stretches where fuel is going to be an issue.
2) Are any of these roads a bad idea on a motorcycle in April.
3) Is the run in and out of Milford Sound as good as it looks on Google Earth.
4) Staying on the coast most of the time are we missing some more inland sites that we should be seeing.
5) Planning on staying in each of the areas mentioned below, but have no idea what's there besides Google Earth so any recommendations would be great.
6) Planning on making reservations for places to stay. In the US, we typically wing it but from what I can see, doing that in NZ may leave us sleeping under our bikes.
7) Shoudl we be looking at coming back across the island on hiway #7 or cover the North part of the island as I currently have planned.

Our typically trips here in Canada are around 800 to 1,000 km per day. But that's usually around 110-130 km speed. So my targets for daily travels are 200-300 km between locations and still having time to take short trips around the various locations. In Canada and the US we pretty much have to go this far in a day to get to the places we want to go.

Day 1: Christchutch to Dunedin - Pretty much on the main road, don't see other real way to make that run.
Day 2: Dunedin to Invercargill - Taking the rural road by Catlin lake. Saw someone mentions the Catlins which I'm assuming is this run.
Day 3: Invercargill along the coast then North to Te Anau and then to Milford Sound and back in the same day.
Day 4: Te Anau to Wanaka - Only about 200 km. Is this too short of run on this road or should I possibly combine what I have in Day 4 and Day 5 and spend a day elsewhere?
Day 5: Wanaka to Franz Joseph Glacier or somewhere along the west coast.
Day 6: Franz Joseph to West Port
Day 7: West Port to Picton
Day 8: Picton to Christchurch

Thanks all. When we get closer to the trip, I'll post up more specifics and hopefully we'll be able to catch up, meet and ride with some of you folks.

1) Only the area around Haast (not really anything either side for a good distance), depending on your gas range. There is no fuel in Milford Sound, so you have to fill in Te Anau. Total round trip is approx 220km.
2) April, summer is ending, but it isn't winter yet, so ice/snow shouldn't be a problem. SH1 down the east coast, obey the speed limits, its very much a cops playground.
3) Yes. Pray it isn't raining. Still beautiful, but road is more challenging.
4) Lake Tekapo is beautiful, I reckon that every part of the island has choice bits in it... so sorta got to see it all (just come back for more visits aye?)
5) What sort of accommodation do you want. I use backpackers, others prefer more fancy places?
6) Tourist season is ending, so it should be a lot easier to find accommodation. That said, I would still plan as it gives certainty for accommodation each night. Easier when arriving in town etc.
7) The Buller Gorge (SH6) is an absolute must do. You can turn south before Murchison if you wanted, but if you carry on to Nelson, you can head NW to Takaka, which takes you over Takaka Hill. Queen Charlotte Drive between Nelson and Picton is also very beautiful.

Day 1: Pretty boring stretch, there are some alternative, but may be complicated? The whole area is pretty flat and amazingly (read mind numbingly) straight. About 350km ish.
Day 2: Correct, thats the Catlins, and a lovely stretch with great views. About 200km ish.
Day 3: 180km ish to Te Anau, so all in all, about 400km for the day. Very nice riding. For extra, stop in at Manapouri.
Day 4: You could also ride out to Treble Cone, which was where some of the Lord of the Rings was filmed. Otherwise, use the extra day further north (see below, Karamea).
Day 5: Beautiful. 'nuff said.
Day 6: Up the coast. Punakaiki (pancake rocks) is a nice stop. North of Westport (100km up the road ish) is Karamea. Its a dead end, but a fantastic run, with some really nice roads through mountains.
Day 7: Enjoy the Buller Gorge. Consider heading to Nelson to go to Takaka, as mentioned above. Queen Charlotte Drive is also a good look from Havelock to Picton.
Day 8: Pretty damn boring. Spice it up a bit by turning right as you head out of Kaikoura and take Inland Rd through Waiau. A much more fun alternative.

Enjoy. :ride:

[cromagnon]

Inland road from kaikoura to culverden is an alternative if you like having the road to yourselves. A tekapo loop from geraldine through tekapo, twizel, omarama and back to the coast is definately worth it (there isnt much to see in timaru). Otherwise its been answered well above.

[Gibbo89]

I can't add much to what you have posted but going from Christchurch to Dunedin is a pretty boring piece of road, especially from Chch to around Oamaru. There is an inland route but you would be adding quite a few km's to your route.

How about this, just an idea anyhoo:

http://maps.google.ca/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=christchurch&daddr=-43.52091,171.83391+to:-44.06172,170.50343+to:-44.54532,170.08525+to:dunedin&geocode=FerAZ_0dQThKCikB7cVjSC8ybTFFmXmEhu8ABQ%3BF XLsZ_0dNvo9CinlMqjEvN8tbTGRYDtMhu8AEw%3BFeirX_0dBq 0pCimLM5hWDHQrbTGB1IZMhu8AEw%3BFdhKWP0dgksjCiknPlt rCdUqbTHwwotMhu8AEw%3BFRjyQ_0djqopCik9UV8P4OQrqDFB mXmEhu8ABQ&gl=ca&hl=en&mra=dpe&mrcr=0&mrsp=3&sz=7&via=1,2,3&sll=-44.777936,172.265625&sspn=3.891731,9.876709&ie=UTF8&z=7

[yod]

try this between SH6 and picton

http://maps.google.co.nz/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=Kawatiri-Murchison+Hwy&daddr=-41.20024,172.87198+to:-41.2061,173.57089+to:Unknown+road&hl=en&geocode=Fdi6g_0ddsdJCg%3BFZBVi_0dLNFNCikZoX9Pznk7b TEQRTNMhu8AEw%3BFaw-i_0dSntYCik9lc8Cx_07bTEwOzNMhu8AEw%3BFfL0if0dPghfC g&mra=dpe&mrcr=0&mrsp=1&sz=10&via=1,2&sll=-41.312887,173.264008&sspn=0.902568,1.841583&ie=UTF8&ll=-41.403596,174.163513&spn=1.802624,3.683167&z=9

[ellipsis]

...I reckon that missing out on the " pig route " through central Otago on the way south would be a little sad...could take a day but you would be seeing a bit of the SI that is completely different and historically different and meeting some of the coolest people alive on the planet..if you ever actually run across anyone at all...no Im not from down there...just means hanging a right at Palmerston a few ks nth of Dunedin and doing a loop through some fantastic hills and twisty bits up to the Maniototo plateau and onto Alex and back down to Milton...misses Dunedin but hey, Im not from there either...at the end of SH 75 out of Chch is a little town called Akaroa...its fairly meaningless but the road/highway to get there is probably one of the coolest rides anywhere...yes, I am from that area...

[maddad]

Thanks guys, I adjusted my route as follows and I think I've included every recommendation that you guys gave me.

http://maps.google.ca/maps/ms?hl=en&gl=ca&ie=UTF8&oe=UTF8&msa=0&msid=211595412282041313670.000499e959e00ae7b3ef4&ll=-42.386951,174.281616&spn=1.182718,3.106384&z=9

[cromagnon]

Thanks guys, I adjusted my route as follows and I think I've included every recommendation that you guys gave me.

http://maps.google.ca/maps/ms?hl=en&gl=ca&ie=UTF8&oe=UTF8&msa=0&msid=211595412282041313670.000499e959e00ae7b3ef4&ll=-42.386951,174.281616&spn=1.182718,3.106384&z=9

Looks good :niceone: a lot better than following the main highway

[ellipsis]

...thats getting closer to a varied and off SH1 trip...happy trails...keep us in touch with your travels...

[maddad]

Another question for you...

Arriving in Christchurch before noon and going to catch some sleep after about 30 hours in planes and airports. But hopefully will be able to pick up the bikes at 5PM.

The only recommendations we couldn't fit in is the run out to Akaroa. During the 1st week of April is this a run that can be done after 5 PM and not get caught in the dark. And form the sound of this run, probably wouldn't be hard to get some people to show us the way.

Have heard we don't want to be on bikes at night due to animals. But then again, you haven't seen one of our moose.

[FJRider]

Day 4. You can include a run up to Glenorchy ... you WONT regret it ...

[NighthawkNZ]

you need to do Lindis, and crown range and, ... and... and...

[FJRider]

you need to do Lindis, and crown range and, ... and... and...

He'll be back ... :yes:

[Highlander]

He'll be back ... :yes:

I'm sure they wouldn't be the first to just not leave.

It is almost starting to look like a route worth using myself.

[Jantar]

Heaps of great roads that you are still missing out on, but to them all would require a month in the South Island. Even as it is you have some pretty big days in that route..

I would agree with FJRider to include the side trip from Queenstown up to Glenorchy rather than looking at Treble Cone.

[cromagnon]

Day 4. You can include a run up to Glenorchy ... you WONT regret it ...

Is that near paradise?

[FJRider]

is that near paradise?

yes ..........

[MD]

Maddad, I believe you are hiring BMW GS650s. I don't know what their tank range is so I can't comment on the risk of running out of gas. I ride around the Sth Island at least once or twice a year, usually in a large group of 8 to 14. We have some 1098s in our group with 15L tanks and they cope..but only just. Ideally any bike that can manage 250km on a tank and you will be fine.

We don't bother booking motel rooms in advance. That way we can change the route anytime to follow the fine weather. As a rule if the West Coast is wet the east will be dry. We just avoid HW1 at all costs apart from Picton to Christchurch which is OK. Then we often detour inland from Kaikoura to Hanmer Springs. Hanmer Springs is a worthwhile stopover as well.

From Fox Glacier through Haast to Lake Hawea can test some bikes range. There is gas at Haast Junction, get a top up there. While there take the time to ride the 55kms along the coast to Jackson Bay. Absolutely beautiful spot and it is the most southern destination you can reach on the West Coast. Nice to cover the most southern and northern (Karamea) if you have time.

Some of best dead ends to do are; Milford Sounds, Jackson Bay, Karamea, Akaroa, Mt Cook (The Hermitage) and Farewell Spit.

Let us all know how your trip went afterwards.
Mark
Edit_ Did you mean you were using the F650 twin, not GS650 single. The F series twins have a big tank range. I owned a BMW F800S

[maddad]

Its the F650GS Twin that we've rented.

Keep getting those letters backwards. And that's not promising for me trying to remember to drive on the other side of the road.

Thanks for the continued information. I'll keep adjusting my route for some of these side trips.

As for coming back. I passed through NZ on my way back from Australia about 8 years ago. Only had 24 hours in Auckland, but got to Pia Beach, One Tree Hill and thought this is the one place in the world where I had to come back to. I can still picture those site sin my mind.

8 years later, one of the older guys (70 going on 30) that we've done trips with mentioned that it was on his bucket list to bike around NZ. We were surprised as he grew up in AU. But regardless, what's a guy to do but to help a friend ensure his bucket list gets completed.

[ellipsis]

...a lot of visitors coming down here to do what you are doing are under the impression that it will take a long while to see the whole of the Sth Island, and it could if you stopped everywhere...fuel on the east coast will not be a problem...on your way to Haast its fairly important to refuel at Makarora as its a wild bit of country and probably the longest stretch without fuel...the more tourist oriented the place, eg Franz Josef are fairly difficult at times to find a bed but the pubs you pass on the way are cool places to stay and usually very reasonably priced...you get what you pay for tho...Whataroa pub before you get to Franz is a good example...the last time my wife and I did a sth island loop, we decided that we didnt know where we were going and the only stipulation we made was that we had to stay in a pub that had certain brand of beer advertised on its sign...made it real easy on the decisions...

[FJRider]

fuel on the east coast will not be a problem...on your way to Haast its fairly important to refuel at Makarora as its a wild bit of country and probably the longest stretch without fuel...

Daylight fuel is really no longer an issue on the west coast ... Haast is easily reached from Wanaka, (Makarora charge an arm and a leg. a nice place to stop though.) Fox has a gas station ... 110 km's north of Haast. Whataroa has gas, as has Hari hari, Ross, Hokitika ... Punakaiki ... Westport ... Karamea.

Prices do vary ... but if you need it ...

[yod]

Makarora charge an arm and a leg..

so does Inangahua...

[jimichelle]

Another question for you...

Have heard we don't want to be on bikes at night due to animals. But then again, you haven't seen one of our moose.

the only problems from akaroa to chch from dusk is the sun strike and the squadrons of little bugs which fly formation at bike height which will hit you around lake forsth full face down or keep your mouth shut your choice but in saying that dont do the trip just because its dark

[Ocean1]

Have heard we don't want to be on bikes at night due to animals.

Someone's taking the piss mate.

The only native animal here is a wee small bat. Never seen one.

The only imports are farm stock and bloody australians. You're free to hit the possums.

If you find yourself in Wellington with an hour to spare let me know and I'll buy you a bear. Beer, damit, beer.

[Gremlin]

Have heard we don't want to be on bikes at night due to animals. But then again, you haven't seen one of our moose.
This is more pertinent to Australia, and all the locals will tell you. Kangaroos are real good at jumping out and either doing serious damage or killing you.

In NZ, we mainly have rabbits, possums and the odd hedgehogs. The wabbits are really wascully and will either race you, race at you, or race away, sometimes all of the above. Go ahead and run the bastards over. Just try not to kick them, as that hurts at speed.

Possums are the most common form of road kill, and have a penchant for staring at bright lights, absolutely frozen. This works out really bad for them during the night (also really easy for hunters, who carry torches). Go ahead and run the vermin over.

Hedgehogs are slow moving, normally after the nice warm road surface. They usually don't notice vehicles until you've already passed. Try not to run them over, as they are kinda cute, and could shorten the life of your tyre.

If in isolated areas, you could have cows, sheep, dogs, and just about anything else you could imagine, but they are far less common.

[wild rose]

Not sure if it has been mentioned already but when you are anywhere close to Naseby, I would recommend to divert to Naseby and visit the Dansey Pass Coach Inn. Incredible place, fire cracking, good beer and food is served, a piece of heaven. I found it by taking a "shortcut" from SH83 to Ranfurly (through Dansey Pass - not sure if its possible in April, gotta check the conditions) but from Naseby it's not bad road at all.

here's link to the inn: http://www.danseyspass.co.nz/

[junkmanjoe]

Yep Dansey pass is a great trip...this is the dansey pass hotel...Arthur's pass is worth doing...Benmore dam is worth a visit...the Kaikoura coast road is a stunning ride on a sunny day...

i enjoy riding the south island and i have unfinished trip to do there some time soon..
enjoy your time in the south.

JMJ

[lockhead83]

G'day!!!
you have probably got all the information that you need. I did this last dec,10. I rented a bike (yamaha FZR6) from christchurch.Started on 26th even and was back on 30th arvo.

http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF&msa=0&msid=
205549585616509776656.00049b984252fc5d0d42a

Only one suggestion/recommendation. Carry some spare socks and an extra pair of gloves. keep an eye on the weather and have a contingency plan . I literally got screwed riding as I was completely unprepared. All my gear was rented and boy o boy, how it started acting up after the first heavy downpour.

I haven't really gone through what others have recommended you but still thought it's worth letting you know. Also, keep that temptation in control . I have earned myself 40 demerit points :facepalm:

Have fun, ride safe....... N don't think too much... you'll be fine :woohoo:

[MikeNash]

hiya, check out the story Mike Nash wrote on a ride down in the South Island, lots of photos which may make you wanna check this route around lake Tekapo, Mount John Observatory and Mckenzie Basin which is a World Heritage Park http://bottomoftheworld.net/motorcycle-adventure-tourism

[maddad]

Sorry to pull up an old thread, really happy to be finally getting to New Zealand.

Had to cancel our trip to NZ twice now due to one of the wives having surgery, but are on schedule to arrive on Mar 6 and take 12 days to see the South Island. Had to increase our riding time by 3 days in NZ plus 2 days in Sydney on the way back home due to flight availability. Damn shame that is.

Route looks like the following... Hoping to meet up with some of you, meet, greet and get a local tour. Still have to go back through this thread and pick out all those places people mentioned.

Mar 7 - Pick up bikes in Christ Church at noon and day trip out to Akora
Mar 8 - Christchurch to Dunedin
Mar 9 - Dunedin to Invercargill
Mar 10 - Irvercargill to Te Anau (maybe Milford Sound or Milford Sound on 11th)
Mar 11 - Te Anau to Wanaka
Mar 12 - Day trip from Wanaka
Mar 13 - Wanaka to Fox Glacier
Mar 14 - Fox Glacier to Westport
Mar 15 - Wesport to Karamea to Nelson
Mar 16 - Day Trip from Nelson
Mar 17 - Nelson to Christ Church
Mar 18 - Return Bikes by noon and head to Australia

We are pretty used to doing 600 to 1000 kilometer days in Canada/US so we are expecting to be able to pick up a lot of the side trips that have been mentioned.

What I'm not sure about at this point, are those places that may not be bike related that we shoudl see along the way. I want to avoid getting to the hotel that night and being told we should have stopped by to see something that was 100 meters off the side of the road.

Starting to get excited about this. It's been about 10 years since I was in NZ and at that time for just 36 hours. Into our winter here now, so haven't been on a bike in 2 months and my next ride is going to be in your country.

The throttle is still on the right side isn't it? Darn Australian that's coming with us keeps telling us driving on the left isn't bad butthe throttle on the left is a bugger to get used to.

[Gremlin]

Not sure what sort of terrain you've done 600-1000km in, but do be aware most tourists do find our roads slower going than they thought they would be... just saying.

1000km, 2up, even I would think it's pushing it (and your health with your good lady). By myself, 1000km is perfectly fine.

[maddad]

Not even considering 1000 km days in NZ. Everything is planned for a max of 350 km between locations and filling up our time wiht seeing the sites and side roads along the way.

[Gremlin]

Yip, that should be good then.