All round recommendations wanted!

[nicola_a]

Hi guys :)

I'm 27 and planning a 2 month motorcycle tour of NZ this coming summer (December/January). I'm wicked excited! It's the early planning stages but I have some questions. I've done some of my own research as well but I wanted some others opinions also. So I've tried to order the questions in order of relevance to the forum.. the later questions are more like, if you have an opinion, please share!

Just a bit about me: I'll be going solo and wanting to spend a small portion of the time (maybe 2 weeks) in the north island and then most of the rest in the South Island near Queenstown. I'm particularly keen on outdoorsy type stuff so I want to do some hikes, some kayaking, some mountaineering, and all of the standard bungee-skydive-hangglide type stuff that you do when you visit NZ as well. So it's not JUST all on the bike - I'll be staying in the same place for decent chunks of time (probably Queenstown for about 3 weeks over Xmas/NY and into January).

OK! Questions.

1. Is TradeMe the best way to get my hands on a bike? I figure it would be best to buy one over there and sell at the end. Might this take too much time up at either end? Should I go dealer or private sale?

2. Any suggestions on a model of bike? Thinking maybe a KLR? I have a small bike here in Australia and don't want anything TOO bulky because I won't be used to handling it. I'm used to having my feet on the ground. Budget is about $5000 and I'd like something about 600cc. I don't care much what it is as long as it's reliable, moderately comfortable and can easily fit luggage racks.

3. Should I purchase a bike whilst still in Australia so I know what kind of luggage racks and bags I need to get in advance? Should I try to get a bike already set up with luggage?

4. Ideally I'd like to do a mix of wild camping and hosteling. Is wild camping possible/legal in NZ? Is it easy to find spots each evening?

5. Anyone have any MUST-DO road suggestions?

6. Anyone have any MUST-DO non-motorcycle related activities? Like hikes, climbs etc.

Thanks so much everyone!!!

Nicola :)

[Joemac]

'Wild camping' is generally known as freedom camping here, and, whilst mostly legal, can be a bit of a minefield. Find out about each place before you set up your tent. Also, we get a bit of rain in NZ.

Come on down to the South Island, skip the North altogether.

[Akzle]

6. Anyone have any MUST-DO non-motorcycle related activities?

the sex is excellent 'round my place.

[unstuck]

Buy a bike on trade me, sell it when you leave. Heaps of good deals around.
Must do road is the west coast of the south island.
Not a lot of freedom camping around Queenstown area. Better book any accommodation in advance for that time of year.
There are plenty of walks/ hikes, but most are busy. I can point you in the direction of some lesser known ones if that is your thing.
Skydiving I would recommend you do in Franz Josef on the way down the west coast.
Have a heap of fun while you are here. :niceone:

[neels]

Should be no problem finding a bike to buy fairly quickly, selling at the other end could be more of an issue, unless you have a dealer or friendly someone to look after it for you.

Plenty of places to stay if your carrying a tent with you, although it gets pretty busy around the southern lakes over December/January holidays. If you're not looking for too much in the way of facilities then there are DOC campsites along the way http://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-stay/conservation-campsites-by-region/

For most of the adventurey activities the best thing would be to drop into the local information centre wherever you end up, they'll point you in the right direction.

Whatever hiking you want to do the local DOC office can point you in the right direction, or have a dig around on their website, plenty to do that's easily accessible in the south island.

As above, the west coast of the south island is worth the trip (as long as you don't mind a bit of rain), north to south then queenstown via haast pass, wanaka and crown range is great fun.

[Crasherfromwayback]

1. Is TradeMe the best way to get my hands on a bike? I figure it would be best to buy one over there and sell at the end. Might this take too much time up at either end? Should I go dealer or private sale?


Nicola :)

Hey there Nicola,

We can always do a buy back deal should we have a bike in stock you'd like. Had (until yesterday) a good wee SV650 for 4k. I'll keep an eye out for a similar bike.

Pete

[nicola_a]

Thanks all for your feedback :)


Buy a bike on trade me, sell it when you leave. Heaps of good deals around.
Not a lot of freedom camping around Queenstown area. Better book any accommodation in advance for that time of year.
Thanks for the heads up - will book for the busy time now and play the rest by ear.


There are plenty of walks/ hikes, but most are busy. I can point you in the direction of some lesser known ones if that is your thing.
Yes please!


Skydiving I would recommend you do in Franz Josef on the way down the west coast.
Thanks! Great recommendation.

[nicola_a]

Hey there Nicola,

We can always do a buy back deal should we have a bike in stock you'd like. Had (until yesterday) a good wee SV650 for 4k. I'll keep an eye out for a similar bike.

Pete

Hi Pete, sorry - I take it you are a dealer in Wellington?? It's unlikely a buyback option would work for me because I almost certainly will end up in a different place to where I started, but maybe I can work it if a good deal comes up?

[nicola_a]

Should be no problem finding a bike to buy fairly quickly, selling at the other end could be more of an issue, unless you have a dealer or friendly someone to look after it for you.[QUOTE]

Hmm would it be best them to perhaps make an arrangement with a dealer ?

[QUOTE]Plenty of places to stay if your carrying a tent with you, although it gets pretty busy around the southern lakes over December/January holidays. If you're not looking for too much in the way of facilities then there are DOC campsites along the way http://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-stay/conservation-campsites-by-region/
I'm definitely going to stay in accommodation in Queenstown but was more thinking of the camping for when on the road before and after. Thanks, I'll look into DOC!



As above, the west coast of the south island is worth the trip (as long as you don't mind a bit of rain), north to south then queenstown via haast pass, wanaka and crown range is great fun.
Great, thanks for this. Is there much rain in the south island in December/January? I suppose I could look at some weather stats haha.

[awayatc]

the sex is excellent 'round my place.



She is coming for 2 months

Not just for 2 minutes........

[TheDemonLord]

She is coming for 2 months

Not just for 2 minutes........

I dunno - 2 minutes with Azkle would probably feel like 2 months :eek::eek::eek::lol::killingme

[Crasherfromwayback]

Hi Pete, sorry - I take it you are a dealer in Wellington?? It's unlikely a buyback option would work for me because I almost certainly will end up in a different place to where I started, but maybe I can work it if a good deal comes up?

Yeah sorry Nicola...should've said. I'm at Wellington Motorcycles. The buy back bit is easy enough though if it works for you, as we could always just get you to drop it off at a bike shop where ever you are before you split.

pmcdonald@wmcc.co.nz

[Paul in NZ]

Or there are quite a few good people on here who would let you stick it in their shed if you bought it early OR put you up for a night or two if you asked but be warned - there are a few dodgy buggers as well.

OK - thats not much help is it?

The North Island is great - yes the south has the better mountains for the mountaineering but swiming in an ocean thats above -20 is nice too... Once you have found your bike people here can recommend nice roads for the riding off.

Other things to know...

Queenstown is expensive....

Avoid the school holidays (last week of dec to end of jan) as accomodation is difficult and the place is infested with (shudder) children...

You don't need a huge bike - we have few motorways...

Cheers

[MIXONE]

Contrary to popular belief there are actually lots of good coonts here in NZ.Some of them are even kb members,:lol:, who will put you up,feed you and show you the local sights whilst expecting nothing in return.
Then there's the "Ass,gas or cash,nobody rides for free" types of which we have plenty.
Listen to guys like Crash,Paul etc. who will make sure you meet up with the former.
The West Coast of the South Island from Karamea right down through the Hass Pass to Central Otago is just one of the many must ride in your lifetime roads.



PS.If you buy a bike at Wellington Motorcycles stay away from the coffee!

[BuzzardNZ]

Hi Pete, sorry - I take it you are a dealer in Wellington??

Dealer/Barista

He'll see you right for a good deal :yes:

[neels]

Great, thanks for this. Is there much rain in the south island in December/January? I suppose I could look at some weather stats haha.The west coast of the south island is well known for rain, east coast is generally likely to be better, but also fairly changeable even in the middle of summer. Would either pay to have flexible plans, or bring wet weather gear.

[Tazz]

http://www.campermate.co.nz/locations/campsites/free-campsites

www.nztramper.co.nz

www.adventureguide.co.nz

:niceone:

Give us a yell if you're through Picton/Marlborough with time to spare. There are a few dudes here who ride often and out of the lot there should be someone free to at the time show you some local spots.

Will second the lower west coast as a must do, and insect repellent as a must bring (although your coming at the right time of year to miss most bugs) :laugh:

The run down through Kaikoura on the east isn't to bad either on a good day.

Golden Bay is a pretty magical area as well.

Enjoy your planning (half the fun) and the trip!

And and regarding the bike I met a dude who was doing the same as you through KB a few months ago and he did a buy back scheme, but with the owner. You never know your luck and NZ is a pretty small place to get around.

[Tazz]

The west coast of the south island is well known for rain, east coast is generally likely to be better, but also fairly changeable even in the middle of summer. Would either pay to have flexible plans, or bring wet weather gear.

It also has some of NZ's warmest days on records, so it's not as miserable as the rep it gets.

[FJRider]

Hi guys :)

I'm 27 and planning a 2 month motorcycle tour of NZ this coming summer (December/January).

That period is the height of our summer. Rain IS possible ... but more likely wind will be more of an issue riding.


Just a bit about me: I'll be going solo and wanting to spend a small portion of the time (maybe 2 weeks) in the north island and then most of the rest in the South Island near Queenstown. I'm particularly keen on outdoorsy type stuff so I want to do some hikes, some kayaking, some mountaineering, and all of the standard bungee-skydive-hangglide type stuff that you do when you visit NZ as well. So it's not JUST all on the bike - I'll be staying in the same place for decent chunks of time (probably Queenstown for about 3 weeks over Xmas/NY and into January).

That period is also the height of the busy season in Queenstown. You WILL need to book ahead to ensure you do have accommodation. (not necessarily or specifically in Queenstown)

The activities you mention are available in the Queenstown region ... but being the busy season ... you wont be lonely on the trails or rivers. Booking ahead for some activities may also be needed.

There are a few GOOD short rides from there ... (Glenorchy, Crown Range to Wanaka, Alexandra)

And GOOD full day rides too .. (Milford Sound, Catlins/Invercargill)

[jellywrestler]

Hi Pete, sorry - I take it you are a dealer in Wellington?? It's unlikely a buyback option would work for me because I almost certainly will end up in a different place to where I started, but maybe I can work it if a good deal comes up?

nz is such a small country at the most iti'll take a day and a half to travel from one end to the other in terms of major entry exit terminals, it may make the option easier?

[unstuck]

And GOOD full day rides too .. (Milford Sound, Catlins/Invercargill)

Gore, you forgot Gorrrrrre.:niceone:

[Kickaha]

Gore, you forgot Gorrrrrre.:niceone:
More like a deliberate omission as we're all trying to ignore that place

[FJRider]

Gore, you forgot Gorrrrrre.:niceone:

I didn't forget .. I just her gave the best way to avoid the place ... :devil2:

[unstuck]

More like a deliberate omission as we're all trying to ignore that place

Well your not doing a very good job now are you. And that big fat hooker with the red hair up at the lodge says hi.:lol::lol:

[FJRider]

More like a deliberate omission as we're all trying to ignore that place

They're difficult to ignore ... so avoid is a sensible option ... :cool:

[unstuck]

They're difficult to ignore ... so avoid is a sensible option ... :cool:

We have some really cool roads around here, and you know it.:stupid:

[FJRider]

We have some really cool roads around here, and you know it.:stupid:

Of course I know that ... Ettrick / Heriot / Waikaia ... :Punk:

Clinton / Fortrose ... Mataura / Winton ... McNab / Raes Junction ...

I even have a photo of me next to the big trout .. :facepalm:

[BadSarah]

Since buying my first bike in nearly two decades I have taken two extended trips. One to Cape Reinga and one to Bluff. I missed a fair bit in between, but I figure that can be dealt on future journeys. I should caution you, if you see some amazing view, stop and look- I found myself on the wrong side of the road in the far north. Lucky there wasn't anything coming the other way...

My north trip did cover the Coromandel as well as the far north. A must is the twin bridges! I camped at either DOC sites or free spots along the way both trips, but also stayed at backpackers for the hot water, an essential, especially after spending two days marinating in riding gear. Oddly enough a bed in a bunk room is often cheaper than a tent site at a commercial campground, and no messing with a tent!!! I found meeting people from all over the world an added plus with the backpackers.

I particularly liked the east coast in the South Island- you have to do the southern scenic route. I went out to Milford Sound, a brilliant ride- also the Crown Ranges between Queenstown and Wanaka. Amazing 360 degree views from Mount John. I found the west coast cold and wet so I didn't stop much there, but Punakaiki- specifically the pancake rocks- was amazing.

The thing I found the best was i-sites (http://www.newzealand.com/int/visitor-information-centre/) easily found with signage everywhere showing the stylised i. Not only can they tell you heaps about the place you're in, but they can make bookings for activities and accommodation. I quickly made them my first stop anywhere I went.

I know you'll have a blast, post on here regularly, the locals will tip you off to must dos- maybe even accompany you on part of your journey, or as previously mentioned, put you up for the night.:2thumbsup

[FJRider]

I found the west coast cold and wet so I didn't stop much there, but Punakaiki- specifically the pancake rocks- was amazing.



Of the dozens of times I've ridden up or down the West coast ... (either in it's entirety or selected portions) ... only three or four times was it "damp". (some days "damper" than others) It IS through a RAIN forest after all ... ;)

[Daffyd]

The Catlins route from Balclutha to Invercargill is a magic ride. Plenty of homestays in the area.

[husaberg]

The west coast of the south island is well known for rain, east coast is generally likely to be better, but also fairly changeable even in the middle of summer. Would either pay to have flexible plans, or bring wet weather gear.

Yes the West coast is well know for its rain, as well as the some of the most beautiful scenery in the world.
You can't have subtropical rain forests without some rain.
Make sure you do the ride to Haast the ride to Karamea and both ends of the Buller gorge as well as the costal highway between Westport and Greymouth.

[neels]

Make sure you do the ride to Haast the ride to Karamea and both ends of the Buller gorge as well as the costal highway between Westport and Greymouth.
Was speaking to a local when on the coast the other day, mentioned taking the bike up to Karamea and he said don't bother, the road is turning into a goat track from lack of maintenance. Down to haast is all good though, and if you get a good day there aren't too many better places on the planet.


Sent from my electric telephone

[husaberg]

Was speaking to a local when on the coast the other day, mentioned taking the bike up to Karamea and he said don't bother, the road is turning into a goat track from lack of maintenance. Down to haast is all good though, and if you get a good day there aren't too many better places on the planet.


Sent from my electric telephone

Last time I looked I was still a local, the road is fine... not as fine as it could be but fine nevertheless.

sent from the middle of a rainforest with a frog powered crystal set............

[clint640]

OK! Questions.

1. Is TradeMe the best way to get my hands on a bike? I figure it would be best to buy one over there and sell at the end. Might this take too much time up at either end? Should I go dealer or private sale?

2. Any suggestions on a model of bike? Thinking maybe a KLR? I have a small bike here in Australia and don't want anything TOO bulky because I won't be used to handling it. I'm used to having my feet on the ground. Budget is about $5000 and I'd like something about 600cc. I don't care much what it is as long as it's reliable, moderately comfortable and can easily fit luggage racks.

3. Should I purchase a bike whilst still in Australia so I know what kind of luggage racks and bags I need to get in advance? Should I try to get a bike already set up with luggage?

4. Ideally I'd like to do a mix of wild camping and hosteling. Is wild camping possible/legal in NZ? Is it easy to find spots each evening?

5. Anyone have any MUST-DO road suggestions?

6. Anyone have any MUST-DO non-motorcycle related activities? Like hikes, climbs etc.

Thanks so much everyone!!!

Nicola :)

1. Yep, trademe is good. Post up on here offering a few beers & you may find someone nearby to check it out if a good bike appears before you arrive.

2. The DR650 Suzuki would be a good option, plenty around, often set up with big tank, luggage etc. If not set up it would pay to arrange racks to fit before arriving as they would probably have to be ordered. Bags you can get in many shops.

4. We wild camp quite often in our travels, usually it's public land in more remote areas on 4x4 tracks. Leave no trace, take a trowel so you can bury your shit. I wouldn't rely on camping for free every night. There's plenty of DOC camps around for low $ in most of the popular areas though. For the busy 2 weeks after Xmas it would pay to call a day or 2 ahead to sort out accommodation.

5. Lots of good road tips above. Keep an eye on the Adv-dual purpose section of this forum if you get a dirt capable machine - there's often plenty of locals touring around at that time of year that you could tag along with some of the way.

6. If you enjoy mountain biking & are in Rotorua be sure to check out the Redwoods trails.

Cheers
Clint