South Island - any suggestions?

[PrincessBandit]

Balu and I are intending to ride the South Island over the Christmas holidays. We've really only made relatively short trips around the top half of the SI before but this time we want to take at least a couple of weeks to cover as much of the island as we can, as far down as we can.

I would have asked for suggestions for interesting routes in my thread title, but knew that could be asking for trouble... :crazy:;)

However, I will word it this way: We'd like to travel more off the beaten track, visiting places of local interest, staying at low cost accommodation spots, and generally seeing the country off SH1. We're both on road bikes so "adventure" tracks are not going to be suitable, having said that, neither of us are particularly worried by gravel.

Maybe we might get to catch up with some southern kb dwellers if we're sufficiently organised!

PB

[nzspokes]

Oh, I will watch replys with interest as im thinking of the same trip.

[unstuck]

Gotta do the catlins.:2thumbsup

[tigertim20]

Gotta do the catlins.:2thumbsup

for sure, great place to go riding!
wonder how long before Nighthawk finds this thread and gets started . . .

[FJRider]

There have been plenty of threads asking the same thing. Search South Island tour.

Top 10 camping grounds have budget cabins ... but most motels/camps have a booklet called Budget Accommodation they provide for free. You should be able to source a copy in your locality.

But the roads in the south island are really ... really ... really bad. More Traffic Patrol cars per Km than anywhere else in NZ. Boring roads with lots, and lots, and lots ... of traffic. Dont ask about all the rain we get down here ... and we wont need to tell you ... :crazy:

Perhaps a tour of Auckland City roading network instead. As most of the Goverments road funding in the last 20 years has been spent there ... so it must be good ... :yes: :innocent:

[Gone Burger]

Takaka Hill is one hell of a grear ride, but my favourite was the Haast Pass. Not only incredible road surface with plenty of grip and no debret, but simply stunning scenery. I loved it so much I rode back the same way. Many wicked roads down there but the passes are all good suggestions. If you do a search you will find some great suggestions. Some really cool backpackers down there too with very hospitable owners - Matakana is one. You'll have a ball Princess! An exciting trip to look forward. I'm planning my next one for the same week as the Burt Munro. Can't wait.

[caseye]

Ah i can tell you now Pb that this FJ guy , he's just trying to put you off going anywhere near the place. probably seen three bikes at once and thought there was an invasion happening.
You're on the right track mate, won't be long a fore scummy and co find this one and tell you where to go. No , Not like that.

[Ocean1]

TeAnau-Milford.

No stopping at Milford though, teh sandflies will have you away.

Oh, and Milford-TeAnau for desert.

Choose between watching the road or the scenery...

[unstuck]

my favourite was the Haast Pass.

Mine too, all the way from Hawea to whataroa.:love::love::love:

[Kornholio]

-Headin-south-for-the-winter! (http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php/149837-Headin-south-for-the-winter!)

I'll be down there in 2 weeks for a bit of a look around... Want to take bikes down there but not at this time of the year so the car it is...
Bikes fer sure next time :)

[unstuck]

-Headin-south-for-the-winter! (http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php/149837-Headin-south-for-the-winter!)

I'll be down there in 2 weeks for a bit of a look around... Want to take bikes down there but not at this time of the year so the car it is...
Bikes fer sure next time :)

Make sure you pack your thermals, -3.4 here at the moment.;) Went up to Franz Josef a week or so ago and there was heaps of ice between Haast pass and franz,so care needed.:2thumbsup

[Coldrider]

Mine too, all the way from Hawea to whataroa.:love::love::love:Hawea to picton, all in one day, extra:love:, and then back, more :love::yes:

[Gremlin]

Yep, do a search, many recommendations have been made in threads asking this.

In short:
- Catlins
- Milford Sound
- Queenstown - Crown Range - Wanaka - Haast Past is a long gorgeous stretch
- Buller Gorge (Lower and Upper)
- Takaka Hill to Collingwood

These are probably the top 5 non-adventure routes, but the whole South Island is brilliant and very different to the North Island.

[Spuds1234]

South Island KB Rally if your here for it?

[Madness]

You've simply got to go through Picton.

[PrincessBandit]

You've simply got to go through Picton.

Uh yeah, every time...

Enjoyed looking through FJRider's albums; the camera will get a good work out! Want to make the most of leisurely riding and stopping often to take in the scenery.

[FJRider]

You've simply got to go through Picton.

A nice (overpriced) place to visit ... with the Picton - Havelock road through the sounds a lovely low speed senic run well worth doing.

But there is a roll-on/off ferry that goes Wellington/ Lyttleton.

[FJRider]

... Enjoyed looking through FJRider's albums; the camera will get a good work out! Want to make the most of leisurely riding and stopping often to take in the scenery.

Nice of you to say that ... :yes: Thank you.

The worst thing about touring the SI for the first time ... is your days just don't seem long enough. Seeing everything on the first trip will (seem to) take forever. Be prepared to miss out places ... if weather, time, or inclination dictates. It WILL be there on your NEXT trip.

Regular meals, regular stops, and plenty of sleep will see you refreshed for the next days ride.

And be sure to tell EVERYBODY how bad the roads/traffic/Cops/weather is ... I always do ... :innocent:

[ellipsis]

You've simply got to go through Picton.

...yeah...turn right Queen Charlotte Rd to Havelock, have breakfast, lunch at the Mussel Inn...then after that its all South...doesn't matter which way you go...

[Gremlin]

It WILL be there on your NEXT trip.
Visit Christchurch if you want to tho... it might not be there on the next trip :innocent:

I know, I know, I'll get my coat... :chase:

[MD]

With two weeks you can do it all. You have answered your question just by saying 'stay off HW1' Apart from the Chch to Blenheim stretch anyway.

Do anything that ends in 'Pass' as in; Lewis; Haast; Burkes; Lindis; Porters; Arthurs. Then the dead ends like; Hamner Springs; Karamea; Jackson Bay; Akaroa; Mount Cook, Milford Sound & Collingwood and of course Bluff (yeah right)

[Gremlin]

Then the dead ends like; Hamner Springs;
Since when was Hanmer Springs a dead end? :shifty:

[MD]

Since when was Hanmer Springs a dead end? :shifty:

Well it is to most of us with road tyres, unless you are keen enough to get your jollies off.

It's far from a dead end town though. Had many fun weekends in Hanmer.

[unstuck]

and of course Bluff (yeah right)


Whats wrong with Bluff, apart from the weather,and houses,food, people. It has a nice fake sign that lies to you about being the southern most point on the mainland.:Punk::Punk:

[pete-blen]

You've simply got to go through Picton.

then turn right... Queen Charlotte drive & half way though turn right again
and head out to the portage.."No exit" 15kms of hairpins with no straights between...
"Motion sickness pills required"
then come back turn right head for nelson.. takaka Hill , buller gorge , west coast..

[CRM]

Arthurs Pass is one people often miss going down one side and up the other but it has to be my favourite Sth Island ride - amazingly spectacular :gob:.

[pete376403]

With two weeks you can do it all. You have answered your question just by saying 'stay off HW1' Apart from the Chch to Blenheim stretch anyway.


Inland kaikoura route avoids much of the boring stuff.

Beware of camper vans, no matter which route you take

[pritch]

Arthurs Pass is one people often miss going down one side and up the other but it has to be my favourite Sth Island ride - amazingly spectacular :gob:.

Basically, I found that to do all the passes you need to do a figure 8.

I was very dissappointed with Arthurs Pass now that they've built a huge bridge. There's a big sign saying no trailers... and an endless stream of truck and trailer units?

[FJRider]

Basically, I found that to do all the passes you need to do a figure 8.

I was very dissappointed with Arthurs Pass now that they've built a huge bridge. There's a big sign saying no trailers... and an endless stream of truck and trailer units?

I think it's safe to say the Princess wont have a trailer. With that "Huge bridge" ... trailers are now permitted. It was only the "Zig-zag" portion of the road that made it dangerous for trailers.

Arthurs pass is a good side trip from the Greymouth side as you go south. The pass/lookout is about 3/4 of an hour from Kumara. The township itself is another 10 minutes

[FJRider]

Inland kaikoura route avoids much of the boring stuff.

Beware of camper vans, no matter which route you take

If she hasn't been south before ... the coastal route is still a great ride.

[Coldrider]

If she hasn't been south before ... the coastal route is still a great ride.Too many speed restriction zones now around Kaikoura.

[FJRider]

Too many speed restriction zones now around Kaikoura.

The speed restriction signs dont block the view though ... and the Kaikoura coast is only part of a great ride. The road between Waiau and Christchurch isn't that spectacular either.

[ellipsis]

....dont stop if you hear banjo's in the woods...

[duckonin]

Portage..

:facepalm: why bother ?:laugh:

[FJRider]

....dont stop if you hear banjo's in the woods...

Usually ... too late by then ... :shit:

[PrincessBandit]

Some great suggestions made. Thanks. We've been across Arthurs Pass on the bikes before and loved it, certainly spectacular.
Any bike friendly accommodation spots would be welcome too. We thought about whether to pack a tent but if anyone wants to share their thoughts/experiences with various motels I'll be taking all that on board too. All we're after is somewhere clean and basic to lay our heads at night where the bikes will be ok - flash and expensive is not what we're after.

Cheers people.

[ellipsis]

...the last time my wife and I took the Goldwing on a SI circle we had no route in mind and followed the sun or flipped a coin at major junctions and the only rule on accomodation was that we stayed at country pubs with a certain SI beer (thats now made in Orcland) sign painted on the roof. It ended up cheap and we ran across the required amount of pub roofs with the required signage.They were generally as cheap or cheaper than some of the other, 'budget', options, and usually did a good feed...

[PrincessBandit]

...the last time my wife and I took the Goldwing on a SI circle we had no route in mind and followed the sun or flipped a coin at major junctions and the only rule on accomodation was that we stayed at country pubs with a certain SI beer (thats now made in Orcland) sign painted on the roof. It ended up cheap and we ran across the required amount of pub roofs with the required signage.They were generally as cheap or cheaper than some of the other, 'budget', options, and usually did a good feed...

While we like the "coin flip" idea, our concern is that over December/January school holidays accommodation will not be easy to find on the hoof. We're erring more to the set-the-route-and-book-the-accommodation-ahead-of-trip rather than risk everything being full and there being no room at the inn when we get into town.

The camping option would only really work if the weather is great (I'm not a huge fan of camping inthe rain... :baby: )

While there must surely be out-of-the-way places which will not be fully booked over that period we really don't want to be hunting for a bed at the end of the day and I can't find them online!

[darkwolf]

A friend and I did exactly this in Feb this year. We stayed at DOC campsites due to the fact that they were mostly down sweet roads and cost $6 a night to stay in most places. St Arnaud was brilliant, but the sandfly clouds were horrendous. If you stop in Queenstown, check out the Yamaha dealer there, they have a cafe in the shop as well and the people were a highlight of the trip. Then head out to Kingston from there, maybe even jump on the Kingston Flyer (steam train), though the ride out there alongside the Remarkables is enough.

If you like indian food, there is a great indian restaurant behind the BNZ in Wanaka - I can't recommend this enough, also try one of the Wanaka Brewery beers.

We missed out on Milford Sound/Te Anau, and the road from Hokitika to Westport. Really wish we didn't, everyone I talk to about the trip asks me how I liked it and I can't answer.

[hayd3n]

dont forget to wave to dunedinites they may want to tag along

[FJRider]

dont forget to wave to dunedinites they may want to tag along

But will the buggers wave back ... :oi-grr:

[PrincessBandit]

Well here is our itinerary. We've decided to go the "book our accommodation" way which sets our route pretty much as:
Greymouth --> Haast --> Glenorchy --> Te Anau --> Riverton --> Balclutha --> Cromwell --> Mt Cook --> Rangiora (with the outlaws) --> Hanmer --> North Island.

We cross to Picton on Thurs 3rd Jan and each destination will be an overnighter, except for Te Anau which will be 2 nights and Rangi which is 4 nights.
Woohooo :woohoo: can't wait!

[awayatc]

be Very carefull around Rangiora/hanmer.......
Redicilously Anal speed policing happening there.

Takes the fun out of going south.

Enjoy yourselves

[norwester]

the place I never seem to leave time for is Mackenzie Country , Lake Tekapo district . Watch out for tourist ..in campervans.

[FJRider]

the place I never seem to leave time for is Mackenzie Country , Lake Tekapo district . Watch out for tourist ..in campervans.

And cops ...

[MaxB]

When you are in Te Anau, a great way down to Riverton is down through Manapouri and the Clifden-Blackmount Road to Tuatapere and Riverton.

Forests, lakes and coastline in 1 hit.

I'm amazed how many tourist guides miss this little bit of NZ out.

[FJRider]

When you are in Te Anau, a great way down to Riverton is down through Manapouri and the Clifden-Blackmount Road to Tuatapere and Riverton.

Forests, lakes and coastline in 1 hit.

I'm amazed how many tourist guides miss this little bit of NZ out.

It's called the Southern Scenic Route (Google it). It features quite well actually. You can follow it from Te Anau all the way round to Dunedin.

[Hinny]

Mix some Dettol in Baby Oil. Best sandfly repellant ever.
Thomas's Lodge & Holiday Park, Owaka in the Catlins, is highly recomended stay.
Gremlin quoted my favourite Sth Island roads.
Pubs are good places to stay. Fantastic free campsites on the Milford Road. Flowering Lupins, Fogloves etc on the Eglington River - so pretty. Mount Cook campsite was fabulous. Views down the valley and back over the bush to the mountains. So picturesque.
Interesting comment I heard recently. "People in the South Island are wierd. They are so friendly." from a Jaffa - obviously.

[vae]

When you are in Te Anau, a great way down to Riverton is down through Manapouri and the Clifden-Blackmount Road to Tuatapere and Riverton.

Forests, lakes and coastline in 1 hit.

I'm amazed how many tourist guides miss this little bit of NZ out.

I did this road last year. 2 kms of the worse road works I've ever been on.
Lucky I was on a small block Guzzi with narrow wheels.
Thick mud tracks that seemed to go forever. It was recommended to us by a Te Anau camping ground owner.
Yes, apart from this, I loved the road. Stopped for a coffee at the Tuatapere cafe (it was full of antiques and such).
We did the Catlins as well, staying at Mcleans Falls motel. There's a cafe there if you're desperate (and have plenty of money).
Best trip I've done on a bike.

[MaxB]

It's called the Southern Scenic Route (Google it). It features quite well actually. You can follow it from Te Anau all the way round to Dunedin.

Yup I have heard of the Southern Scenic Route. Done it a few times. BTW officially it starts in Queenstown. But parts of it are not that well signposted. I have a friend who has lived there all her life and is in the tourist industry and never gets asked about it. When Southland is mentioned it is in the context of booking a luxury coach trip from Queenstown to Milford Sound.

I found it well signposted from Dunedin down and Balclutha down to the Catlins but in Te Anau it is easy to miss the Manapouri turn off if you are a visitor.

[manxkiwi]

There have been plenty of threads asking the same thing. Search South Island tour.

Top 10 camping grounds have budget cabins ... but most motels/camps have a booklet called Budget Accommodation they provide for free. You should be able to source a copy in your locality.

But the roads in the south island are really ... really ... really bad. More Traffic Patrol cars per Km than anywhere else in NZ. Boring roads with lots, and lots, and lots ... of traffic. Dont ask about all the rain we get down here ... and we wont need to tell you ... :crazy:

Perhaps a tour of Auckland City roading network instead. As most of the Goverments road funding in the last 20 years has been spent there ... so it must be good ... :yes: :innocent:



He he, nice try. You'll have to do better than that to keep the North Islanders away.

We're planning a month trip round the SI when I've sold my SV and got the Sprint GT that I'm eyeing up. Been 19 years since my last tour down there. Far too long!

[Hinny]

from an earlier post.

North of Motueka go to Marahau. Great wood carvings on left near end of Harvey road. Start of Able Tasman track. Take Riwaka / Sandy Bay Rd. for trip back.
North of Westport. Great run up the hill to see the Denniston Incline.
To the end of the road past Karamea is worth the trip. Start of Heaphy track.
The road over the Crown Range South from Wanaka has the best seal in NZ on one section. Great views.
Seems a bit messy around Southland. H'way 94 is flat. 10km /100km it's all the same.
Catlins:Slope Point, Curio Bay, Thomas Catlins Hostel in Owaka and Nugget Point are recommended.
You could take H'way 6 from North of Kohatu on your way South.Then take Tophouse road from 63 going North. Through Golden Downs to meet H'way 6 to Wakefield - Nelson.
This thread (http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/sh...ad.php?t=86074 (http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?t=86074)) and Pete's Blog are worthy reads. He packed an amazing amount of travel into a short time, saw some great sights and had some wonderful experiences.

[doc]

Balu and I are intending to ride the South Island over the Christmas holidays.
Maybe we might get to catch up with some southern kb dwellers if we're sufficiently organised!

PB

Try contacting the organisers of the KB Sth Island do and see if they could change the date and have it when you are down. They don't get royality down there, very often. :mellow:

[PrincessBandit]

Hahaha, we're soooo looking forward to this trip. Will most definitely check out all the great advice given here - thanks guys!

[FJRider]

Try contacting the organisers of the KB Sth Island do and see if they could change the date and have it when you are down. They don't get royality down there, very often. :mellow:

There's already one or two from the north island that show up ... that are a bit dodgy ... <_<

[PrincessBandit]

Only one big sleep to go.... starting to get butterflies with anticipation!

[Jantar]

Is that the 10th that you are riding Balclutha to Cromwell? If so I can't think of a better excuse to head out and meet up with you? :ride:

[PrincessBandit]

Yep, those dates are correct - we arrive in Balclutha on the 10th, then on the 11th head to Cromwell. Would be great to meet up! I'll pm you my mobile so we can arrange it.

[scumdog]

Yep, those dates are correct - we arrive in Balclutha on the 10th, then on the 11th head to Cromwell. Would be great to meet up! I'll pm you my mobile so we can arrange it.


The 10th?
I'm working that day - but feel free to drop in at work, ask for scumdog and they'll know who to get.

[Jantar]

I'm off from the 8th - 10th but back at work on the 11th. So maybe I'll catch up with you either in Te Anau or down in the Catlins. I'll text you closer to the time.

[PrincessBandit]

The 10th?
I'm working that day - but feel free to drop in at work, ask for scumdog and they'll know who to get.


I'm off from the 8th - 10th but back at work on the 11th. So maybe I'll catch up with you either in Te Anau or down in the Catlins. I'll text you closer to the time.

Roger that.

[caseye]

Enjoy the time away aye Dawn, make sure ol, Balu gets his new? Bergman going as good as the last one aye. Give that scummy old dog a big hand shake/hug Ha! thought I was going to say sloppy kiss aye, from me too please.
See you two for a shake down cruise when you get back, K.

[MD]

Well there's the best road trip in NZ out of action for awhile.

I thought the Coast could handle a drop of rain.

http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/8135012/Floods-rain-cut-off-South-Island-roads

[FJRider]

Well there's the best road trip in NZ out of action for awhile.

I thought the Coast could handle a drop of rain.

http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/8135012/Floods-rain-cut-off-South-Island-roads

Yep ..

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php/155494-South-Island-West-Coast-Warning?p=1130458165#post1130458165

[unstuck]

A drop of rain on the coast would have most of us crying into our weetbix.:lol:

Check out geoff mackleys videos of the hundred year floods on you tube.:eek:

[Jantar]

Has anyone heard from PB and Balu about their plans now that the west coast is isolated until at least tuesday next week?

[FJRider]

Has anyone heard from PB and Balu about their plans now that the west coast is isolated until at least tuesday next week?

I got a PM from them ... they are aware of the "situation" on the coast and are heading to Relatives in Rangiora first.

[FJRider]

A drop of rain on the coast would have most of us crying into our weetbix.:lol:



The West coast on a wet day will test your wet gear to the full. Until it is experienced at it's worst (best ??) few fully understand how heavy it can get here ...

[PrincessBandit]

Trip going fantastically so far. Apart from giving the West Coast a wide berth the rest of the trip has been on track. "Stunning" is so inadequate a word for the scenery. Riding has been great by-and-large, although the wind from leaving Queenstown pretty much all the way to Te Anau was a shocker. At least the rain wasn't too bad at the same time...
Staying at Top 10 in Te Anau tonight and tomorrow night (7th & 8th) with ride to Milford still likely to be on tomorrow (Balu has never been there and really wants to get there). The 9th will see us arrive in Riverton. On the 10th we're staying at Kaka Point with plan to call in to see scumdog at his place of occupation :) On the 11th we head to Cromwell with plans to catch up with FJRider along the way.
[Once you see this post, Jantar, text me again to see what we can arrange to get together :) ]

Pics will come later as I'm, frustratingly, having to post using my iphone

[PrincessBandit]

P.s. hoping to get to Haast and Hokitika after Cromwell. (News tonight says bridge reopened).

[FJRider]

P.s. hoping to get to Haast and Hokitika after Cromwell. (News tonight says bridge reopened).

Yep .. bridge looking good. You wont miss the coast now.

[caseye]

Good news all round, pleased you guys are enjoying the South and to see that all rendezvous being kept.
Ride safe guys.

[unstuck]

Sorry you had to experience the shit weather we are having at the moment, even though it was in the 30,s the other day, it has been pretty crappy. Good luck with the rest of your trip, and heres hoping the good weather comes back for the catlins run.:yes::2thumbsup

[PrincessBandit]

So glad we did Milford today. Left Te Anau 8am (brrrrr brass monkey weather, thermal socks winter gloves and heated grips FTW!) Magic! Did a cruise - thoroughly enjoyable and not too crowded - then a very pleasant run back to Te Anau (the weather was considerably warmer for the return trip). The Homer Tunnel was an experience and a half with being pitch black and having water dripping down :eek:
Off to pretty Riverton tomorrow. Don't want to put the hoodoo on things but the weather has been just wonderful for this part of the trip.

[Maha]

Seen a few high temps in the Alexandra area...Friday and Saturday are looking real for Central Otago South Dawn, not so further down with temps from 10-23degs with the odd shower.

http://www.metservice.com/towns-cities/alexandra
http://www.metservice.com/towns-cities/invercargill

[Jantar]

Southern Lakes

From Met Service


Heavy Rain Warning, Areas Affected:

The headwaters of the Otago and Canterbury lakes and rivers Rain is expected to become heavy overnight Tuesday. In the 24 hours from 3am Wednesday to 3am Thursday, 300mm of rain is expected to on the Divide, while 150mm could accumulate within 15km east of the Divide and 50 to 75mm could accumulate 15km to 25km further east. Rainfall intensities of 20-25mm/hr are likely. Strong Wind Warning, Areas Affected: OtagoNorthwest winds are expected to rise to gale early Wednesday morning. From 8am to midnight Wednesday, gusts of 120 km/hr are expected in localised places.
Issued: 9:38 am 8 Jan 2013 NZDT

Southland

Heavy Rain Warning, Areas Affected: Southland A period of heavy rain is expected Wednesday evening. Between 3pm and midnight Wednesday, 50 to 75mm could accumulate with rainfall rates of 10-20mm/hr.
Issued: 9:38 am 8 Jan 2013 NZDT

The model data suggest that rain will start falling in Te Anau before 7:00 am and continue all day. However it remains dry from Blackmont down to Riverton until mid afternoon. Thursday it will clear up around breakfast time in Riverton and the rainband will move slowly north. You should have a dry ride all the way to Kaka Point if you take a liesurely trip. I'll pass through the rain heading south, but then have dry trip up through the Catlins.

[FJRider]

You should have a dry ride all the way to Kaka Point if you take a liesurely trip. I'll pass through the rain heading south, but then have dry trip up through the Catlins.

Note he didn't mention the wind. It usually gets stronger near the coast (Take a look at the trees near the coast). But by Tokanui you should be out of the worst of it ...

Are you going down to Bluff .. ???

[unstuck]

Very gusty out on the roads around here at the moment.:yes:

[NighthawkNZ]

for sure, great place to go riding!
wonder how long before Nighthawk finds this thread and gets started . . .

Started on what...


Well here is our itinerary. We've decided to go the "book our accommodation" way which sets our route pretty much as:
Greymouth --> Haast --> Glenorchy --> Te Anau --> Riverton --> Balclutha --> Cromwell --> Mt Cook --> Rangiora (with the outlaws) --> Hanmer --> North Island.

We cross to Picton on Thurs 3rd Jan and each destination will be an overnighter, except for Te Anau which will be 2 nights and Rangi which is 4 nights.
Woohooo :woohoo: can't wait!

But but you are missing all the bestest roads... those roads are ok but... lol

[PrincessBandit]

Note he didn't mention the wind. It usually gets stronger near the coast (Take a look at the trees near the coast). But by Tokanui you should be out of the worst of it ...

Are you going down to Bluff .. ???

No, we aren't going down to Bluff. We want to allow plenty of time for the Catlins run.

[FJRider]

No, we aren't going down to Bluff. We want to allow plenty of time for the Catlins run.

Did you hear the Milford road will be closed tomorrow due to the weather ... ??? you made it in (and out) just in time.

[unstuck]

No, we aren't going down to Bluff. We want to allow plenty of time for the Catlins run.

Good choice. Bluff is way over rated anyway. And you will be a lot closer to the real southern most point of the mainland.:2thumbsup

[FJRider]

Good choice. Bluff is way over rated anyway. And you will be a lot closer to the real southern most point of the mainland.:2thumbsup

And their chosen route avoids Gore.

Win win ... :yes:

[unstuck]

And their chosen route avoids Gore.

Win win ... :yes:

Damn, could of waited by the road and thrown swedes at them too.:2thumbsup

[FJRider]

Damn, could of waited by the road and thrown swedes at them too.:2thumbsup

Bugger them ... let them buy their own vegetables ....

[unstuck]

Bugger them ... let them buy their own vegetables ....

But, Im all about sharing my greens.:Punk:

[FJRider]

But, Im all about sharing my greens.:Punk:

Leave your rash out of it. That's your problem.

[PrincessBandit]

Damn, could of waited by the road and thrown swedes at them too.:2thumbsup

Hahaha. I remember the last time I visited friends in Invercargill I bought a huge 5kg swede for something crazy like 10 cents. I wouldn't want something like that hurled at me ( 'cos then I'd have to speed :shit: to get past you and your veg!

[PrincessBandit]

Update - staying in Invercargill tonight. Turned up at the BnB in Riverton at 12.30 to be greeted by a sign in the door saying "Back at 3.30". Given that we'd ridden in pouring rain from Te Anau to Blackmount and had only just started drying out we didn't want to just hang about in Riverton for 3 hours so we split and carried on to Invers. Storm due tonight but bikes securely under cover and our accommodation here is very nice.
Wind wasn't too bad along the coast - ridden in far worse (unpredictable gusts are my least favourite, but this was fairly steady). Sky looked ominous but made here with no further weather dramas.

[Jantar]

Weather model for tomorrow shows that the rain should be clear from Invercargill by 9:00 am (maybe a very light mist hanging around as the model shows persistant low cload), then rain clears the Catlins by midday.

What stops have you planned for tomorrow?

[scumdog]

Hasn't rained here yet since about 4am.

But some nasty looking clouds down south.

[unstuck]

Pissing down here.:Punk:

[scumdog]

Rained TONS last night until 4-ish, now drying up and looking good for a fine day!:woohoo:

[unstuck]

Perfect morning for riding up this end of southland, hope it is the same for you guys going up through the catlins today. :yes::2thumbsup

[unstuck]

Rained TONS last night until 4-ish, now drying up and looking good for a fine day!:woohoo:

The closest I have seen to west coast rain since I was last on the coast.:yes:

[PrincessBandit]

Looking good out the window; should be great riding weather.

[FJRider]

Enjoy the Catlins ... the road will be washed clean for the royal visit ...

Make sure you stop at the Florence hill lookout. (well signposted) The Nugget point lighthouse in Kaka point is well worth a visit.

[unstuck]

Enjoy the Catlins ... The Nugget point lighthouse in Kaka point is well worth a visit.

Unless there are heaps of buses in the carpark.:yes:
The feeds at the Kaka point hotel are top notch too.:2thumbsup

[Jantar]

Enjoy the Catlins ... the road will be washed clean for the royal visit ...

Make sure you stop at the Florence hill lookout. (well signposted) The Nugget point lighthouse in Kaka point is well worth a visit.

I had a very enjoyable ride down through the Catlins to meet PB and Balu, then another very enjoyable ride up through the Catlins. Yes we did stop at Florence Hill and took the required post card photos.

[PrincessBandit]

It was great to meet you today Jantar and I appreciated your "regal" speed through the Catlins (as opposed to GIJoe1313 and Gremlin pace :wink: )!
Thanks too to scumdog for a timely cuppa - really enjoyed meeting you too. It is nice to be able to put faces to usernames.
Hopefully will catch up with FJRider later tomorrow.

[Gremlin]

It was great to meet you today Jantar and I appreciated your "regal" speed through the Catlins (as opposed to GIJoe1313 and Gremlin pace :wink: )!
Wot you mean woman! :pinch:

Glad to hear you're having a great time, and yes, always fun putting names to faces.

[PrincessBandit]

Caught up with FJRider today - twice in fact. He saw us on the road at Millers Flat and suggested heading across the bridge and heading up to Roxburgh and the dam that way. So very glad we did; the ride was magical - real country lane riding. We also had the pleasure of a much better catch up here in Cromwell this evening. Poring over maps he suggested a number of interesting attractions and routes of interest to consider on our way to Haast and beyond. Thanks for sharing some of your accumulated knowledge of all the off-the-main-highway pathways with us! (But of course we won't tell anyone...) :yes:

[FJRider]

Caught up with FJRider today - twice in fact. He saw us on the road at Millers Flat and suggested heading across the bridge and heading up to Roxburgh and the dam that way. So very glad we did; the ride was magical - real country lane riding. We also had the pleasure of a much better catch up here in Cromwell this evening. Poring over maps he suggested a number of interesting attractions and routes of interest to consider on our way to Haast and beyond. Thanks for sharing some of your accumulated knowledge of all the off-the-main-highway pathways with us! (But of course we won't tell anyone...) :yes:

I met Royalty today. I recall a discussion on the subject of a Royal personages bottom. If it warranted a one or two hand massage. Although I managed to score TWO hugs ... I rested the urge of doing a "Hand-check" ... as Balu was watching. I DID take a visual check (when Balu wasn't looking) but will make no comment on my conclusions. If you want to know ... look for yourself.

It was a pleasure to meet you both. Timing is everything ... eh ..!!!

Feel free to tell all (who want to listen) about the pot-holed ... traffic infested ... well policed ...poorly sealed .. straight roads we have down here. Tell them all about the cold winds (at least twice). But don't mention the rain. We don't want to put them off coming down here eh .. :2thumbsup

As the saying goes ... nothing to see here ... that is all.

And post all the pics you can of your tour, see if you found anything I haven't ..

[MadDuck]

Thanks too to scumdog for a timely cuppa - really enjoyed meeting you too. It is nice to be able to put faces to usernames.


Caught up with FJRider today

It is the meeting up with guys like this totally make a trip. Put a smile on my face and reminded me what a bloody great bunch of people are out there to meet.

Happy travels PB and Balu. I am am making a return trip next month :cool:

[Jantar]

I tried to put on a bit of a display at Clyde for you, but I think it may have been a bit wet. :rolleyes:

[scumdog]

And I provided coffee - cheap coffee provided by the Government!:lol:

[FJRider]

And I provided coffee - cheap coffee provided by the Government!:lol:

The Princess provided coffee ... provided by the Motel. (less expense on the tax payer I guess) :innocent:

[FJRider]

It is the meeting up with guys like this totally make a trip. Put a smile on my face and reminded me what a bloody great bunch of people are out there to meet.

Happy travels PB and Balu. I am am making a return trip next month :cool:

Listen up Ms Duck ... we go to great lengths to get a reputation ... then you go and spoil it. :rolleyes:

Take my green bling and ... well ... ummm ... just take it .. OK ...??? ;)

[PrincessBandit]

I tried to put on a bit of a display at Clyde for you, but I think it may have been a bit wet. :rolleyes:

And what a great display it was too - it was nice that others got to enjoy the show you put on for us lol. Funnily enough I took a photo of a beautiful rainbow in the spray and an almost identical photo appeared on One News at 6. I wasn't the only person photographing that particular view this afternoon!

The Princess provided coffee ... provided by the Motel. (less expense on the tax payer I guess) :innocent:

Motel coffee. What can I say except that it's the company that counts! :laugh:

And I provided coffee - cheap coffee provided by the Government!:lol:
And it was much appreciated :yes:

[FJRider]

++`++++++++
Motel coffee. What can I say except that it's the company that counts! :laugh:



INDEED ... :yes:

It didn't taste too bad either ...

[NighthawkNZ]

And I provided coffee - cheap coffee provided by the Government!:lol:

I have had one r two of those... lol :crazy:

[FJRider]

I have had one r two of those... lol :crazy:

The jail ones don't count ... ;)

[Maha]

Dawn? did you give FJ a reach around like I requested or did you leave that up to Balu?

[PrincessBandit]

Dawn? did you give FJ a reach around like I requested or did you leave that up to Balu?

Oooh, don't recall reading that request...
We rode through atrocious weather all the way from Haast to Hokitika. It was like riding into a row of fire trucks all with their hoses wide open! My fingers look like white prunes and my right foot spent 3 hours marinating in wet sock :eek5: At least two layers of wet weather gear did a reasonable job.
Ah well, after a meal of macaroni cheese and a coffee at Franz Joseph ( plus a weewee stop which was fun trying to peel off wet layers of gear...) the second half of the ride on to Hokitika wasn't too bad. Our accommodation here at Shining Star in Hoki has given us neighbours of large horned bulls and alpacas. (It must have its own little farm animals attraction I think).

[PrincessBandit]

P.s. I pitied the poor treadlies , of whom we saw many, doing the same route in the opposite direction. Only saw a few other nutty motorcyclists braving the weather too...

[FJRider]

Oooh, don't recall reading that request...

Maybe a good thing. I'm easily excitable ... :msn-wink:


We rode through atrocious weather all the way from Haast to Hokitika. It was like riding into a row of fire trucks all with their hoses wide open!

So only light West coast rain then .. <_<


My fingers look like white prunes and my right foot spent 3 hours marinating in wet sock :eek5: At least two layers of wet weather gear did a reasonable job.

It does get in ... it is special west coast rain. If it doesn't get in ... it wasn't real west coast rain ... :devil2:


Ah well, after a meal of macaroni cheese and a coffee at Franz Joseph ( plus a weewee stop which was fun trying to peel off wet layers of gear...) the second half of the ride on to Hokitika wasn't too bad. Our accommodation here at Shining Star in Hoki has given us neighbours of large horned bulls and alpacas. (It must have its own little farm animals attraction I think).

The words "attraction" and "Hokitika" should not be used in the same sentence. If the only bother was weather issues ... it was a good ride then. Glad you're both safe.
Over the "hill" tomorrow .. ???

[Jantar]

...
We rode through atrocious weather all the way from Haast to Hokitika. It was like riding into a row of fire trucks all with their hoses wide open! .....

Ah, You have now experienced moderate west coast rain. I'm glad you didn't strike the heavy rain like wednesday's, now that stuff is wet.

[FJRider]

Ah, You have now experienced moderate west coast rain. I'm glad you didn't strike the heavy rain like wednesday's, now that stuff is wet.

Compared to Waikato rain ... it probably IS atrocious ...

[redleader]

Get a copy of Mike Hydes (AKA Mr twisting Throttles) NZ rides book thats just come on sale, lots of good roads listed in it for South Isl and North isl