Where would you go for 3 weeks?

[Jjgres]

We'll (my wife and I) be visiting you guys in November. I'm working on getting a touring bagger to ride around New Zealand for 3 weeks. We'll be starting in Auckland.

Where would you go?

[gammaguy]

We'll (my wife and I) be visiting you guys in November. I'm working on getting a touring bagger to ride around New Zealand for 3 weeks. We'll be starting in Auckland.

Where would you go?

There's lots of good riding around the Auckland region itself,that could keep you busy for a week or more alone

Then head south probably for the western parts such as the king country and thru the western side of the lake(Taupo)

Then thru to wanganui via the paraparas and then across to the wairarapa and then over the rimutakas into wellington

Then a ferry ride to the south island and down to the west coast via Nelson

Then explore the west and south before heading north again via the east coast

Just a few random ideas,plenty more I left out.......enjoy!

[Gremlin]

I've moved your thread to Coming or Going visitors.

Take a look around this sub-forum, there has been a lot of information posted here on recommended routes for visitors.

[Berries]

Where would you go?
Fiji.





10mfc

[jellywrestler]

burt munro challenge, that way you'll see the country from one end to the other and get a cool motorcycling event in amongst it all

[Oakie]

Thru the Mackenzie Basin to Queenstown then up the West Coast (taking your time ... it's beautiful).

[madandy]

Auckland > Coromandel > East Coast Highway 35> Gisborne > Wellington > Nelson > West Coast > Central Otago > Then North via Highway 8 & 73 > Kaikoura > Wellington > Wanganui > highway 43, Whangamomona > Auckland.

3 weeks aint long for sightseeing but you'll find some sweet riding along these basic routes.

[Flip]

Auckland > Coromandel > East Coast Highway 35> Gisborne > Wellington > Nelson > West Coast > Central Otago > Then North via Highway 8 & 73 > Kaikoura > Wellington > Wanganui > highway 43, Whangamomona > Auckland.

3 weeks aint long for sightseeing but you'll find some sweet riding along these basic routes.

I agree, but keep off the high south island passes in winter as they can be icy.

[Virago]

I agree, but keep off the high south island passes in winter as they can be icy.

In November?

[idb]

burt munro challenge, that way you'll see the country from one end to the other and get a cool motorcycling event in amongst it all

Great idea!
If I had three weeks from Auckland I'd head down the east coast of the North Island, Picton to Takaka, back to Motueka and down the West Coast to Queenstown, 'round the south coast to Invers for the Challenge...then stop for a Speights.........

[reggie1198]

We'll (my wife and I) be visiting you guys in November. I'm working on getting a touring bagger to ride around New Zealand for 3 weeks. We'll be starting in Auckland.

Where would you go?



Fiji, New Cal, Maldives

[FJRider]

In November?

Fuck yeah ... not unusual for heavy frosts at the end of november in Central Otago. Vineyard crops/orchards have been decimated.

[FJRider]

We'll (my wife and I) be visiting you guys in November. I'm working on getting a touring bagger to ride around New Zealand for 3 weeks. We'll be starting in Auckland.

Where would you go?

Is the wife following you ... ???

But anywhere AWAY from Auckland is good ...

[aklmotohire]

[QUOTE=Jjgres;1130542234]We'll (my wife and I) be visiting you guys in November. I'm working on getting a touring bagger to ride around New Zealand for 3 weeks. We'll be starting in Auckland.

Where would you go?

Anywhere in NZ is fantastic apart from the Horowhenua region (sorry Levinites) but the must do roads (based on customers feedback) are;

Coromandel Peninsula
East Cape
Forgotten World Highway (43)
Arthur's Pass
South Island West Coast
Milford Sound
Takaka Hill (Nelson)
Gentle Annie (Napier to Taihape)
If you're ok with gravel, the Acheron Road through the Molesworth Station (this one's personal as it is the most memorable ride I have done in NZ)

There is much debate about which island is better. Most assume the South Island and yes it is stunningly beautiful and the roads are great but for me the North Island has the best sections of roads in NZ for corners. If you ride the Coromandel and the East Cape alone, you could well be sick of bends by the time you get to Te Araroa on the East Cape. Luckily they keep going as you round the cape, head south to Napier then cross over to the centre and head west along the Forgotten World Highway. It won't be until you reach the Taranaki region that you will find a long straight stretch. You just don't get this type of riding in the South Island.

Having said that, the ride down the West Coast and to Milford Sound are truly spectacular and the Nelson region also has some awesome riding.

I must also agree to what is mentioned in other advice, that if you are here during November you need to include attending the Burt Munro Challenge in Invercargill from the 27th of November to the 1st of December.

Enjoy your ride.

[Jjgres]

Thanks for the responses. I'm going to study the maps and tie in as many of your suggestions as I can. (Except for Fiji) The Wife will be packing pillion, she normally brings 200-300 pairs of shoes on a trip so I can only bring a toothbrush. I'm liking the Burt Munro fest. We Arrive Nov 10th, a few days recovering in Auckland/picking up the bike (looking like it will be a gigantic, 106 cubic-inch, Victory Road Annihilater ) then off we go.

We plan to look up two Kiwis we met on the Trans America Trail trail here in the US.

Also met a New Zealander riding a bicycle across the US a month ago!

[Jjgres]

Starting to get real now. Have my ZRX1100 up for sale, truck next. Getting rid of possessions, clearning the decks. House is on the market. November 10th should be in Auckland, then travel NZ & Oz until the money runs out.

[Jjgres]

http://m.youtube.com/#/watch?v=Ha04SVS3KMg&desktop_uri=%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DHa04SVS3KMg

My new theme song.

[5150]

Sorry off topic. Just been your way and traveleed around lower Florida State. Must say, it is a beautifull place. Key West blew me away, so did St. Pete Beach where we were based. Enjoy New Zealand while you down here and ride safe

[buggerit]

There is plenty of good info on here of great rides, my only advice would be to try and make it at least 4 weeks in NZ, 1/3 North Island
2/3 South Island, heaps to see and you do not cover as much ground as you would at home because of all our lovely twisties.
I look forward to your trip reports.

[Jjgres]

Sorry off topic. Just been your way and traveleed around lower Florida State. Must say, it is a beautifull place. Key West blew me away, so did St. Pete Beach where we were based. Enjoy New Zealand while you down here and ride safe

It's very pretty here but even paradise gets old. That and there's only the one road.

[Ratti]

Feel free to look up Bald Eagle and I in Wellington. you will pass thru as you ride from one island to the next - via a ferry -. Happy to offer you a couch and parking in our shed- o and Ratt Poison , aka home made spirits.

I'd add in the River Road from Whanganui to raetahi ( or the other way round ) It's an ok road most of the way, rough and slow but doable on a crusier. about 5 km of unsealed around Hiruhama/Jerusalem, but it's ok, take your time and watch out for 4x4's and sheep. ..they are seriously stupid.

It's a beautiful piece of country and it's nice to get off the main road for a day. ONly about 90 odd km, but you will need most of the day to do it, plenty of photo stops and some interesting history to see.

[Jjgres]

Ratt poison sounds maybe good for brain cells. I'll be sure to stop over. I have cells I don't even use. Leaving on a cruise ship from Seattle in a month and a half. Nothing sold yet.

Thank god for credit cards.

[Jjgres]

I must find the road with all the bras tied to a fence. The heck with alps and fiords!

[Jjgres]

Met two Kiwi chicks today with boyfriends/hubbys in tow. Route 66 near Oatman Arizona. They were from Invercargill. I asked them where that was, they said "where the motorcycle guy came from".

And I knew who they were talking about.

[Jjgres]

Got a contract on the house. If it closes we'll have $ to travel.

Also selling this - http://keys.craigslist.org/boa/4052549875.html

Come on over and drive it back to NZ!

More or less...

[Jjgres]

I'll be going to this: http://www.burtmunrochallenge.com/

No camping-won't have gear. Looking for a motel in town now. Be there Thursday, Friday, Saturday.

[Paul in NZ]

Also met a New Zealander riding a bicycle across the US a month ago!

Avoid that bugger then - likely to be bonkers...

We are 50km out from the ferry (wellington side) and can likely put you both up for a night as long as it fits with all the other things as you do. Thats assuming you are not insane, armed, overly fussy or related to Miley Cirus or Kardashians. If the timings right you will even get a 2 bob tour of the local environs.... :cool:

[Jjgres]

Avoid that bugger then - likely to be bonkers...

We are 50km out from the ferry (wellington side) and can likely put you both up for a night as long as it fits with all the other things as you do. Thats assuming you are not insane, armed, overly fussy or related to Miley Cirus or Kardashians. If the timings right you will even get a 2 bob tour of the local environs.... :cool:

Not armed, not insane, not related to Cirus or Kardasians. Pretty rare combo over here.

Booked a room for the BM Challenge. They're going fast. The rooms, that is.

[russd7]

[QUOTE=Jjgres;1130542234]We'll (my wife and I) be visiting you guys in November. I'm working on getting a touring bagger to ride around New Zealand for 3 weeks. We'll be starting in Auckland.

Where would you go?

Anywhere in NZ is fantastic apart from the Horowhenua region (sorry Levinites) but the must do roads (based on customers feedback) are;

Coromandel Peninsula
East Cape
Forgotten World Highway (43)
Arthur's Pass
South Island West Coast
Milford Sound
Takaka Hill (Nelson)
Gentle Annie (Napier to Taihape)
If you're ok with gravel, the Acheron Road through the Molesworth Station (this one's personal as it is the most memorable ride I have done in NZ)

There is much debate about which island is better. Most assume the South Island and yes it is stunningly beautiful and the roads are great but for me the North Island has the best sections of roads in NZ for corners. If you ride the Coromandel and the East Cape alone, you could well be sick of bends by the time you get to Te Araroa on the East Cape. Luckily they keep going as you round the cape, head south to Napier then cross over to the centre and head west along the Forgotten World Highway. It won't be until you reach the Taranaki region that you will find a long straight stretch. You just don't get this type of riding in the South Island.

Having said that, the ride down the West Coast and to Milford Sound are truly spectacular and the Nelson region also has some awesome riding.

I must also agree to what is mentioned in other advice, that if you are here during November you need to include attending the Burt Munro Challenge in Invercargill from the 27th of November to the 1st of December.

Enjoy your ride.
sorry dude but you very obviously have not done much riding in the south island, being an ex nrthislander and living in the south now, i much prefer the south island roads, apart from the east coast and maybe the coro loop nothing up there compares, biggest prob with the coro loop is to many loopys on the road, from the top of the south to the bottom there is awesome riding, some people even like the boring straight roads of cantabury, the biggest thing missing down here is the traffic which allows for a much freer ride, i hate riding north island now, to many dickheads on the road, having said that im probably heading up that way over xmas to visit family and friends

[russd7]

I'll be going to this: http://www.burtmunrochallenge.com/

No camping-won't have gear. Looking for a motel in town now. Be there Thursday, Friday, Saturday.
i can lend you gear so you can enjoy the experience, just let me know, will even put tent up for you, we usually set up on monday or tuesday, only catch is you would be camped with a bunch of bikers who like to have a good time :laugh:

[Jjgres]

i can lend you gear so you can enjoy the experience, just let me know, will even put tent up for you, we usually set up on monday or tuesday, only catch is you would be camped with a bunch of bikers who like to have a good time :laugh:

Thanks, Russd7.

Will I wake up duct taped to a chair? I hate that. Fkin' bikies!

[Paul in NZ]

Thanks, Russd7.

Will I wake up duct taped to a chair? I hate that. Fkin' bikies!

No - you are quite unlikely to wake up at all....

[russd7]

Thanks, Russd7.

Will I wake up duct taped to a chair? I hate that. Fkin' bikies!
not that we would admit to, but bring a joke or two along with you, nothing to sexist, raciest or dirty, naaaa f**k it we are bikers we dont care :lol::lol:

[russd7]

No - you are quite unlikely to wake up at all....

we try not to advertise that down here paul:brick:

[Jjgres]

And another thing- what size motor you guys running in the America's Cup boat?

[DMNTD]

And another thing- what size motor you guys running in the America's Cup boat?

Adult... :niceone:

[russd7]

And another thing- what size motor you guys running in the America's Cup boat?

have you not yet realised that kiwis know how to make the most of wind :violin:

[Jjgres]

No - you are quite unlikely to wake up at all....

I would say "Crikey!" But then you'd pull the tape tighter.

[Metastable]

Auckland > Coromandel > East Coast Highway 35> Gisborne > Wellington > Nelson > West Coast > Central Otago > Then North via Highway 8 & 73 > Kaikoura > Wellington > Wanganui > highway 43, Whangamomona > Auckland.

3 weeks aint long for sightseeing but you'll find some sweet riding along these basic routes.

Geez mate, that's scary.... that's almost exactly what we did when we were there. Good suggestion.

[Jjgres]

Made it to Seattle. Getting on the boat to New Zealand Sunday morning. Pier 91 if you want to wave bye-bye. Wear something with green stripes so I can spot you.

[Jjgres]

Got a late start out of Seattle due to bad weather. Bopped on down to San Pedro (3 days at sea). Pulling out of San Pedro this evening after taking on more passengers. Lots of Aussies heading home.

Also- the yoga teacher is a Kiwi. X-cop. You guys know her?

[russd7]

Got a late start out of Seattle due to bad weather. Bopped on down to San Pedro (3 days at sea). Pulling out of San Pedro this evening after taking on more passengers. Lots of Aussies heading home.

Also- the yoga teacher is a Kiwi. X-cop. You guys know her?

is she the one with the slender legs and slim waste, if so she was probably a neighbor:wings:

good to hear you are having a good trip and don't worry about the ausies, they are just sore cause they cant beat us in rugby and we wont let them become another province of NZ

[Jjgres]

Pulled into Lahaina, Hawaii this am. Very smooth crossing. Saw 0 sea life and I was looking.

Adrian from Victory is lining up a big cruiser to use for our New Zealand ride so that part seems to be handled. (Knocks wood)

I've been posting a few trip photos on facebook (joe gresh), much easier than posting on the forum with the iphone.

Once I get wi-fi time I'll post some here.

[Jjgres]

is she the one with the slender legs and slim waste, if so she was probably a neighbor:wings:

good to hear you are having a good trip and don't worry about the ausies, they are just sore cause they cant beat us in rugby and we wont let them become another province of NZ

I'll need to see a rugby game. Is the season now?

Didn't the All Blacks just win something big in South Africa?

[unstuck]

I'll need to see a rugby game. Is the season now?

Didn't the All Blacks just win something big in South Africa?

Yeah, we just beat the springboks, which is always good.:Punk::Punk:

[Jjgres]

Getting real close now. In Melbourne heading for Hobart then we circle New Zealand stopping in about eight ports.

We end in Auckland the tenth. How would Nelson be for a town to hole up for a month?

[russd7]

Getting real close now. In Melbourne heading for Hobart then we circle New Zealand stopping in about eight ports.

We end in Auckland the tenth. How would Nelson be for a town to hole up for a month?
lovely wee spot depending on what ya want to do, some good biking fairly close, good beaches, some of the best people you could ever meet have lived there (only 5 1/2 yrs tho), lotsa sunshine as a rule, some good fishing (sea) and only 1000kms to invercargil:laugh:

[Jjgres]

Made it! In Port Chalmers now, heading north in a few hours. We have 7 ports of call on the way to Auckland.

Should be on two wheels in a week or so.

What a beautiful country. Winning The Cup in addition would have been overkill.

[Jjgres]

In Gisbourne for a few hours today. Nice town. Apparently we're the first cruise ship to stop in. Had to ride the tender Ito get ashore. Few more days we hit Auckland and wheels. I'm ready to get shed of the Oosterdam.

[Jjgres]

Bought a crazy bad-looking helmet from Andy at Coleman's in Auckland. The thing is covered with skulls, dice and X-ray chicks.

[Jjgres]

On the road! We're in Ahipara for a nap, then heading to the cape. After that we'll turn this rig around and head for Wellie and The Burt. Have a ferry booking for the 23rd.

[russd7]

ride safe and enjoy our beautiful country :2thumbsup

[Jjgres]

Made it up to Cape Reinga today. Bumped into large group of Kiwibiker forum members.
No bikes were damaged.

Working our way south for The Burt tomorrow. We have ferry reservations for the 23rd AM.

One ferry is out with a bum shaft so spots are getting hard to find.

[Jjgres]

Going to see some glow worms, Waitomo. Then a run down The Forgotten Highway. Get the bagger dirty.

[russd7]

ya better make sure you have a beer in the republic of whangamomana then, not sure if the goat or the fridge is president at the moment:lol:

[Jjgres]

Beautiful ride along The Forgotten World. The rain held off until after the dirt section. The monster Victory helped compress miles of fresh rock. Kinda like marbles. Then we looped The Surf highway.

On to Wellington.

[Paul in NZ]

Whats your plans around wellington? Are you here for the weekend or anything?

[Jjgres]

We leave Wellington on an early (Blue bridge) ferry the 23rd. Pulling into Wellington's Bolton hotel sometime tomorrow.
Should be around noon-ish.

[Jjgres]

Beautiful ride down 6 on the west coast. At Franz Josef, must go get beer.

[russd7]

good to see ya got out of the pig island before they locked the gates:laugh:
yeah that west coast ride is awesome, especially when its fine, hope you get through to wanaka without to many dramas.
only 4 days till the burt munroe starts:niceone:

[Pixie]

ya better make sure you have a beer in the republic of whangamomana then, not sure if the goat or the fridge is president at the moment:lol:

Wasn't the goat assassinated?Shot at from the schoolbook repository?

btw the propellor fell off the ferry - they found it on the bottom of Cook Straight yesterday.

[russd7]

Wasn't the goat assassinated?Shot at from the schoolbook repository?

btw the propellor fell off the ferry - they found it on the bottom of Cook Straight yesterday.

highly likely, must be due for elections there again, can't remember when the last election was:headbang:

[Jjgres]

You bastards win. Highway 6: a must ride.

[russd7]

You bastards win. Highway 6: a must ride.

of course it is:laugh: but don't forget 8, then 94 cause that takes you to the milford road which is awesome then back out to 95 then on to 99 but 99 is best ridden from invercargil through to manapouri, scenery is spectacular, you have discovered motorcycling mecca :Punk: now only 2 days till the burt, hill climb on thursday then out to the supercross thursday evening then the beach racing on friday evening, i can see a quiet weekend coming up

[Pixie]

highly likely, must be due for elections there again, can't remember when the last election was:headbang:

My last election was on a Fliday last Febulaly

[Jjgres]

Milford sound road: you win again. Took us 8 hours to go 250 kilometers. Nothing but photo ops. My eyes hurt.

[Jjgres]

At The Burt. Saw a bit of the hill climb, nothing like a US hill climb. Registered for the rally and got a nice pin. Hit the beach races for a little sand blasting. Good food at the rally tents, should be more riders showing up today. I'm off to the road course for more racing.

[Jjgres]

Is it possible to watch too much motorcycle racing?

[russd7]

Is it possible to watch too much motorcycle racing?

im thinking not, but that bloody cold wind was gettin to me,

[Jjgres]

Geeking out over in Kaka Point. Sorting photos, adding a remote drive. Walking on beach, two young lovers strolling paradise.

[Jjgres]

Went to the Revolution motorcycle show at Dunedin. Fab. You must go. Then the Gorge train today. Tomorrow the big round rocks and Fecund cafe. Maybe it is Flora? Anyway, supposed to be a good place.

[Ocean1]

Sounds like you're doing a proper job of it mate.

Enjoy yourself.

[Jjgres]

Steam Punk castle in Omuru was dark, lots of skulls and burning metal. Very comforting.

On to Mt. Cook.

Round rocks were Ok. Flures was busy. Reservations required. Got a go-away vibe there so we had a monster burger at the rocks.

[Jjgres]

Going to hang around Nelson for a little while. Still have the bike, nobody asked for it back yet.

Roundy-round car races this Saturday.

[russd7]

Going to hang around Nelson for a little while. Still have the bike, nobody asked for it back yet.

Roundy-round car races this Saturday.

was up there last week, hot as hades, back home for a week of work :weep:, never mind i have a new helmet picked up from filcos' now and i can still hear my music clearly at speeds somewhat above walking speed :drool:
pleased you are still enjoying our beautiful country and yes i will have to go see the bike show at the Dunedin

[Jjgres]

Sad day, gents. I have to return the 106 cubic inch Victory Road Slayer. Riding up to Tauranga for the give.

It was a great bike, a tad on the incredibly heavy side, but comfy and warm through all weather.

I'm not done with New Zealand however, I plan to win the yellow mini that is being raffled off in Nelson. I've bought 2 chances so I feel pretty good about the deal.

[Jjgres]

Starting 2014 on foot. No more motorcycle.

[russd7]

hope the rest of your journey goes well. will be interested to see some of the articles you write about this trip:2thumbsup

[Jjgres]

I did one on The Burt, 1900 words. They'll probably hack it to bits.

Working on the NZ tour now.

My wife has become attached to NZ. Looking at houses for sale, I've lost control of events.

I keep telling her we need to go see Oz.

[russd7]

glad she has enjoyed our country:laugh: i would say you stopped to long in nelson, awesome wee spot and some nice riding handy as well. she couldn't help fall in love with the place

[Jjgres]

Finally leaving NZ. Hate to go but we need to have a look around OZ before we're busted. You guys have a fabulous country: motorcycle heaven. We re- did the west coast, Karamea to Hokitika. (In a rental car). We will be back. Maybe soon if Oz won't extend our visas.

[Jjgres]

I finally loaded the iPhone, go pro and S95 video into the computer. Here's the resulting video from our New Zealand tour.

http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=GkMw0odIn-U