Another South Island tour [Archive]

BladeBrit

24th January 2011, 04:58

Hi All,
I am another Brit biker that has been planning a South Island tour for some time and it will finally be going ahead from Christchurch on the 19th Feb for 3 weeks.
I would appreciate any comments on the planned route and any suggestions of roads and places I have missed or ones that are not worth the effort.

So the plan so far is:-

1- Tekapo via 73, 77, 72, 79, 8
2- Cromwell via Mount Cook

At this point I was planning on checking the weather around Milford sound and if it is good for the next 2 days then I would go to Te Anau to ride to Milford sound. On the other hand if it is bad I can reverse the route and swing down to Dunedin then go via Invercargill before getting to Te Anau in the hope of better weather.

3- Te Anau via 6, 94
4- Milford sound Rideout
5- Invercargill / Bluff via Clifden / Riverton 99
6- Dunedin via coast road Owaka etc
7- Dunedin Day off Speights Brewery :drinkup:
8- Dunedin Rideout to Oamaru return via 85 and 87
9- Queenstown 8
10- Queenstown Day off or day off later at Wanaka
11- Wanaka via Arrowtown
12- Fox Glacier via 6
13- Fox Glacier Day off

Here again the plan is to check the weather and use Lewis and Arthur pass to get to the sunny side if there is one. The route below simply goes over and comes back to the west coast but I could go over and loop around the top of the Island before using the other pass to return to Christchurch.

14- Hanmer springs via 7 Lewis Pass
15- Greymouth Via 73 Arthurs pass
16- Wesport - Karamea -Westport
17- Nelson area via 6 Buller gorge
18- Collingwood Rideout
19- Nelson - Kaikoura
20- Christchurch via 70
21- Akaroa rideout

A couple of questions I have are is the Catlins the coast road via Owaka and not SH1 via Gore?
Any suggestions of good accommodation on route are also welcome. At present I have been surfing for B&B places and Motels so I have a collection of telephone numbers I can ring. I like to phone ahead and know that I have something rather than turning up and finding there is nothing available at a sensible price.
One or two people have mentioned the Top 10 parks as a reasonable place to stay. If you have used these do you need to phone ahead or do you normally just turn up.
Sorry about the size of my first post.
To answer a couple of questions you may have I will be on a VFR800 and here in the UK I ride a CBR954RR03.

Cheers Phill

Blackbird

24th January 2011, 06:25

cromagnon

24th January 2011, 06:58

Here is another recent thread about the tour of the south island that has good info in it: http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php/133366-Looking-for-comments-on-this-route

BladeBrit

24th January 2011, 08:41

Greetings Phill from another ex-UK bod (1975 :bleh:). As soon as you can, get yourself a copy of this book: http://www.aucklandmapcentre.co.nz/default,324,new-zealand-motorcycle-atlas.sm. Amazon or major bookstores usually have it. It gives details of all the great rides in NZ and is really worthwhile.

I use the Top 10 chain when touring and they're great. The schools will have gone back by the time you get here so occupancy will drop a bit. Normally, you won't have to book but in some areas like Franz Josef, it might be a bit busy. However, one Top 10 location will book you on to another if you want to do it that way. You'll always be able to find inexpensive accomodation somewhere.

Just for info, here's some stuff related to touring the South Island by bike:

http://geoffjames.blogspot.com/2009/12/touring-nzs-south-island.html

http://kiwibound.livejournal.com/2009/03/17/

The VFR is perfect for those south island passes - I last did it on a Blackbird and that was pretty good too:niceone:

Have a great time,

Geoff

Thanks Geoff, Unfortunately it looks like Amazon are quoting 4 weeks delivery on that book so i will look for one when I get to NZ. I will actually be arriving on the 1st feb and taking 2 weeks to see the sights of the north island but sadly by car, so I should have some time to read the book while there if I am not distracted to much by the wine.
Top 10 sounds like a good backup to have thanks.
I read your earlier Birds galore write up which was excellent but had not seen the kiwibound blog so I will check that out.
Thanks for the help

Here is another recent thread about the tour of the south island that has good info in it: http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php/133366-Looking-for-comments-on-this-route

Thanks for the link cromagnon I had missed that one.
I will now be adding the Glenlorchy side trip to the day 11 itinerary.
11- Glenorchy then Wanaka via Arrowtown

Cheers
Phill

Southern man

24th January 2011, 08:53

Just a tought. The March Hare Rally is on in Waimate on the 4/5/6 march about the same time that you are in the area. Largest rally in New Zealand. Well worth a look. www.marchhare.co.nz

Blackbird

24th January 2011, 09:14

Thanks Geoff, Unfortunately it looks like Amazon are quoting 4 weeks delivery on that book so i will look for one when I get to NZ. I will actually be arriving on the 1st feb and taking 2 weeks to see the sights of the north island but sadly by car, so I should have some time to read the book while there if I am not distracted to much by the wine.
Top 10 sounds like a good backup to have thanks.
I read your earlier Birds galore write up which was excellent but had not seen the kiwibound blog so I will check that out.
Thanks for the help
Cheers
Phill

No worries Phill. Auckland Map Shop, Whitcoulls or Borders bookshop in Auckland will almost certainly have them. You can probably pre-order from their websites and they'd hold for you. Failing that, I'll take you on trust and lend you mine. If you're touring the north island, you might think about coming to the Coromandel Peninsula which is a couple of hours from Auckland. Arguably one of the best motorcycle roads in the country, particularly if you avoid some of the bikers who treat it as a racetrack at the weekends. Pity you'll be in a car though at that stage :msn-wink: If you do, there's always a warm bed and cold beer at home - we've watered and fed quite a few overseas riders. You can always get in touch through geoff.james74@gmail.com. Where are you from in the UK?

BladeBrit

24th January 2011, 10:28

Thanks for the very kind offer Geoff,
My accommodation in North Island has been booked already as I have certain things I want to see or do and with the shape of the island it seemed easier to pre book to make sure I had somewhere to put my head.
I will however be staying in Thames on Saturday the 12th as I was planning on driving back to Wellington via the Coromandel Peninsula and the East coast route through Gisbourne and Napier. (I will try and imagine i am on the bike)
So perhaps we could meet up for a beer or something on route.
I have just realised that I will be that car getting in everyones way on the 13th so I will apologise for that in advance.
As I have a few days on foot when I arrive to acclimatise with the time zone I will search out that book then.

Arrive Christchurch
Christchurch
Christchurch
Picton
Marton
Rotorua
Rotorua
Whangarei
Whangarei
Whangarei
Whangarei
Thames
Whakatane ?
Wairoa ?
Wellington
Wellington
Christchurch

Home here is north Bucks so just 10 minutes ride to the Cotswolds :-)

Southern Man,
Thanks for the heads up on the March Hare Rally it would be nice to go along to something like that and meet up with some other bikers.
If I am in that area around the time I will definitely get along there.

Blackbird

24th January 2011, 10:39

No worries - will see if we can make that work as it's only 40 minutes from home. The East Cape run is great, either all the way round from Whakatane to Gisborne or via the Waiokeka Gorge depending on what time you have available. It's an easy day run right round from Whakatane to Gisborne even stopping to take lots of photos and you'll certainly want to do that.

We weren't all that far apart in the UK then. I lived in Northants and was on the staff at Cranfield University before emigrating. Great riding in the Cotswolds.

Jantar

24th January 2011, 10:53

I see your itinary has you in Dunedin on the 26th - 27th Feb. That co-incides with the tt2000 ride www.tt2000.org . Maybe you'd like to get together with a few of the Dunedin riders on the friday evening.

BladeBrit

24th January 2011, 11:55

It looks like the full east coast route for me then.
You would probably be familiar with a lot of our local rideout then Geoff.

Jantar, That is excellent news as you have noticed I was planning a drinking day on the Friday so meeting up with some like minded people to assist would be great.

I am planning to pick up a prepayed SIM when I get to Christchurch so as soon as I get access to a computer I will post up the number and make some plans.

This is just getting better and better. :woohoo:

kit

26th January 2011, 11:38

Yes the Catlins is the southern scenic route, and not the gore rd. It is a great peice of rd, watch out for loose gravel etc on the road as it pretty much never gets swept.

BladeBrit

26th January 2011, 21:37

Yes the Catlins is the southern scenic route, and not the gore rd. It is a great peice of rd, watch out for loose gravel etc on the road as it pretty much never gets swept.

Thanks Kit that is another piece of the puzzle in place.

blueblade

6th February 2011, 17:39

Good to see you included Glenorchy. That is a truly awesome piece of road !!!!!
Did it on an Aprilia Tuono a few years ago and still consider it one of the best rides I have ever had.

BladeBrit

12th February 2011, 09:32

If anyone want's to get in touch whilst I am on tour my number here in NZ is
021 0286 2723. Best time is in the evening as I should be riding during the day.
Just leving the North to head for Thames and the Coro Penninsular, but still on 4 wheels at the moment.
Found some great roads while in the car and had to just imagine I was on the bike.

Phill

Blackbird

13th February 2011, 12:27

Great to meet you today Phill and hope you weren't too frustrated in the cage round the Coro Loop. Look forward to hearing about your trip, especially on the VFR down south!

Geoff

hondav2

13th February 2011, 20:32

BladeBrit

16th February 2011, 18:04

Great to meet you today Phill and hope you weren't too frustrated in the cage round the Coro Loop. Look forward to hearing about your trip, especially on the VFR down south!

Thanks for the coffee Geoff and the great chat. Yes I was straining at the leash on the Coro loop and the next day around the East cape but will be on the VFR on Saturday so looking forward to that.
Catching the Ferry at the crack of dawn tomorrow so not too many beers tonight :nono:

BladeBrit

16th February 2011, 18:12

I live near Te Anau on main road if u want a bed for night , also we have Dust 2 Mavora , a crowd of us stay at a Lodge near Mavora Lakes on last weekend of Feb , starts friday 25th afternoon , leave sunday morning 27th , cost of accomodation and meals is $40 a night , there is 30km gravel road in there , great location , would be great to have u there. Cheers Toddy

Hi Toddy, Thanks for the offer I am hoping to hit Te anau and Milford sound in the dry (yes I know unlikley) so my arrival date is unsure at present but may be Monday if all goes to plan as i can then swing by Dunedin to meet up with the TT2000 guys for the Friday.
I do not have a map in front of me at the moment so will look up the location of Mavora Lakes.

Cheers
Phill

Jantar

24th February 2011, 14:58

Southern Tavern. Princes St, Dunedin

BladeBrit

24th February 2011, 17:39

Southern Tavern. Princes St, Dunedin

Milford sound in the dry, Result. :woohoo:
Really enjoyed the road on the way back to Te Anau as well, The temp was 20 degrees I could not believe it.
Rode through the Catlins today which was probably the best ride so far even if it was a bit damp.
Southern Tavern sounds good to me I have booked a Speights brewery tour at 4 with dinner to follow so I will stagger along there after that. I may however not be making much sense after the tour so I will apologies up front. :shutup:

Blackbird

24th February 2011, 18:30

Great stuff Phill, glad you're having a great time. No mention of the highway patrol, so all must be good there too :innocent:

BladeBrit

24th February 2011, 20:19

Great stuff Phill, glad you're having a great time. No mention of the highway patrol, so all must be good there too :innocent:

Hey Geoff I see plod everyday and they keep flashing their lights at me and waving are they just really friendly ??? or am I missing something. :blink:

Blackbird

25th February 2011, 07:00

Hey Geoff I see plod everyday and they keep flashing their lights at me and waving are they just really friendly ??? or am I missing something. :blink:

No they're really friendly. Raise two fingers and they'll follow you and buy you a cup of coffee and a bit of cake when they catch up. Try it through Balclutha and you'll get to meet KB member Scumdog in his day job :innocent:

BladeBrit

25th February 2011, 10:04

Try it through Balclutha and you'll get to meet KB member Scumdog in his day job :innocent:

It was probably Scumdog then that was going the other way when I whistled past at 120 yesterday he did not give chase so if it was then thanks mate. :yes:

BladeBrit

26th February 2011, 17:04

Southern Tavern. Princes St, Dunedin

Well Johnny no mates at the Southern Tavern last night :crybaby:

However the Rugby was interesting particularly when the Highlanders pulled their finger out in the second half, it was a shame that the Blackcaps did not do as well on the other TV. :facepalm:

Took a ride today to Moeraki boulders via North road to Waitati and then went back to Palmerston and took the 85 and 87 route back to Dunedin.
The 87 was excellent, more so I think because I decided to not look at the speedo and just ride the road like I would back home. Fortunately the only police I saw was on route 1 near Moeraki where I was being captain sensible.
I also took a spin out to the Otago peninsular which had a very nice road towards the end down by the sea.

Off to Arrowtown tomorrow but I hope to take the run up to Glenorchy on route.
Then I am traveling to Wanaka via the crown range and stopping a few days so I can do a jet boat trip recommended by Geoff.

Blackbird

26th February 2011, 18:25

Fortunately the only police I saw was on route 1 near Moeraki where I was being captain sensible.

Off to Arrowtown tomorrow but I hope to take the run up to Glenorchy on route.
Then I am traveling to Wanaka via the crown range and stopping a few days so I can do a jet boat trip recommended by Geoff.

I had a finger wagged at me for going a bit quick by the police at Moeraki riding down to start the Southern Cross endurance ride. Jantar (Malcolm) reckoned I was lucky as they're a bit sensitive there.:shit:

Crown Range is great. Make sure you stop at the Cardrona pub for the obligatory photo. You'll love the Matukituki River, just breathtaking. As I mentioned, Brent Pihama is ex-NZSAS and I worked with his dad. It was 3 years ago that we did the trip and it was one of our highlights.

Travel safely....

BladeBrit

28th February 2011, 18:19

Glenorchy road a big thumbs up
Crown range was great as well but they should really ban campers on that road. oh yes with the obligatory photo at Cardona.

Did the river trip but with Brents brother Kelvin a top day out so thanks for the heads up Geoff.

:yes:

Blackbird

28th February 2011, 20:16

Great going Phill! hope that you've got a route to dodge the uncertain weather a bit later in the week!

Safe riding mate!

BladeBrit

1st March 2011, 14:52

Next part of the trip will be to Fox's Glacier for 2 nights for a tramp on the Glacier. I will be riding there tomorrow via the Haast pass but I am planning to leave as late as possible as it looks like the rain is forecast to be biblical in the morning.
Then it is over Arthurs pass to Springfield and then probably back over Lewis the next day to Greymouth depending on the weather.
Everywhere is looking wet at the moment, tomorrow so I think it will be a case of putting up with it rather than avoiding it.

I have also posted this thread:-
http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php/135266-Advice-needed-from-Christchurch-area-Bikers?p=1129999620#post1129999620

As it looks like I am going to be on a luggage search at the end of the trip.

Phill

BladeBrit

6th March 2011, 18:11

Well leaving late did not avoid the rain but the Haast Pass was interesting and would be nice with a dry road.
However I managed to get a dry day to walk the glacier and for a wander around the lake so that compensated for the rain over the Haast.
The ride from Fox was nice, the roads were damp but still good however the rain kicked in as I went over Arthurs and cleared on the other side to provide a hot end to the day at Springfield hotel with some beers.
The next day dawned bright and hot and it was a nice ride over the Lewis pass but the rain made an appearance as I descended past Springs junction until Greymouth. The trip though was still enjoyable.
Today it was a great ride from Greymouth to Westport with a stop off to see pancake rocks and the blow holes and side trip to Karamea.
I thought that people were winding me up when I headed out of Westport and the road was straight as an arrow for 40 km but then the road went crazy and it turned into a top ride. A spot of hail at Karamea cut my break there short and I headed back to Westport smiling all the way.
Tomorrow it is the Buller gorge and 2 nights in Nelson, The weather looks good for the next 2 days so I will be heading out with crossed fingers for some more fun. :cool:

Blackbird

6th March 2011, 22:27

Good stuff Phill - sounds like you're still enjoying yourself. You'll love the Buller Gorge too.

Springfield Pub...... like minds etc! I took the attached photo on our "Birds Galore@233789 tour in 2007

BladeBrit

7th March 2011, 21:28

Springfield Pub...... like minds etc!

I think it was your blog about your trip that gave me the idea of stopping there.
Woke up this morning to sunshine again and set off up the buller Gorge.
A top bit of road that I really enjoyed :yes: I got to Nelson in the early afternoon and as it was still nice I decided to ride over to Picton and take in the Qn Charlotte Dr road.
Well the road from Nelson to Havelock was excellent and they have even used some nice smooth tarmac on some of the corners and sections, a right result.
Then on to the Qn Ch Dr and while it was a work out with the panniers on it was well worth doing. Cars were throwing themselves into the curb to let me pass which helped to keep the flow going.
Finally I arrived at Picton filled up with fuel and realised I had to do it all again in reverse !! What a shame :niceone:
The problem I now have is what route to take from Nelson to Kaikoura?
I had thought of going back towards Westport on 6 and then taking the 65 to 7 and finally the inland road to Kaikoura. But I could go via Picton again. Decisions decisions.
Tomorrow I am going over to Collingwood so I am looking forward to Takaka hill on route.

Blackbird

7th March 2011, 21:50

Geez, you have some bloody tough decisions to make Phill, especially with the great forecast. :yes: Glad Queen Charlotte was ok. They had just gravelled it when we were rushing to catch the ferry - a bad decision on our part:facepalm:

Hey, we're flying to Vietnam this week so I won't have the chance to chat again before you head home. Just wanted to wish you well, hope you've enjoyed your time in NZ and have a safe trip home. A real pleasure meeting you and hope that I'm going to be able to see a write-up of your trip sometime!

All the best,

Geoff

BladeBrit

8th March 2011, 15:36

Hey Geoff I hope you will be hiring a Scooter in Vietnam and exploring a bit like the Top Gear Crowd did. :shutup:
I have been making some notes about the trip so I will post up a longer report when I get back to blighty. Thanks for the hospitality and enjoy Vietnam.
Today I went over to Farewell Spit. Takaka hill was excellent with a nice surface and a convenient road works section that stopped all the traffic and allowed me to get a clear run at it.
On the way back I went down Route 61 via Motupiko to Nelson, which was a great choice as it was a lovely road along a river valley with no traffic. Well that is aside from all the bikes coming the other way. You know when you are on a good road when you start spotting lots of bikes.
All in all another good day out in the sunshine, I still have not decided about the route for tomorrow but will dwell on it over a beer or six. :yes:

BladeBrit

18th March 2011, 10:01

Well the final route back to Christchurch was back towards Westport on 6 and then the 65 to 7 and finally the inland road to Kaikoura. But when I got near to Christchurch it was early so I took a run up to Arthur’s pass as it was still sunny.
Another great ride with the customary great scenery. I did not see any Kea's at Arthur’s so they must be bothering people elsewhere.
On Friday I went out to Akeroa which was a great road and fortunately very quiet with it being a week day. I imagine it must be a race track at the weekend.
I came back via the summit road but it started to rain and the road got slippier than a greased eel so after a couple of butt clenching moments I backed right off until I got back on 75.
On Saturday Graham (BEAMER89) came round to my digs and dropped in a spare suitcase which was very generous and then he picked me up after the bike drop off and we went for a look around Riccarton mall for a second case.
Talk about going the extra mile to help out a fellow biker. A big thank you Graham for your generosity and help, it got me out of a difficult situation.
I am now back in the UK with my life turned upside down by the time difference and dreaming of bikes, mountains and warm tarmac.
If anyone is coming to the UK or Europe for a biking trip drop me a note as I generally go to the continent twice a year so have done a lot of miles in the Alps and Pyrenees.
:drinknsin

Phill