2 weeks in NZ

[J13USH]

Hey, I'm sure this has been covered a hundred times but I'm planning a trip around NZ. I'll be flying over from England in late Jan with my lass, hiring a V-Strom 1000 for 2 weeks and flying back. I was just hoping for some pointers on places you think I should go/see. I know you will say 2 weeks isn't enough and I really wish I could have longer but it isn't an option if she wants to keep her job.

this is roughly what I have planned for the trip so far. You might have to copy and paste links rather than click on them. I only have accommodation sorted for the first Sunday and Wednesday so routes will change slightly, I will mostly be staying in B@Bs.

sunday, land, pick up bike.


Monday, ride to Whitianga.

http://maps.aa.co.nz/#directions/Auckland%2C+Auckland+Central%2C+Auckland;174.76604 05;-36.8445169/Whitianga%2C+Whitianga%2C+Whitianga;175.7045657;-36.834674


Tuesday, ride to Rotorua via Coromandel and The Shire.

http://maps.aa.co.nz/#directions/Whitianga%2C+Whitianga%2C+Whitianga;175.7045657;-36.834674/Coromandel%2C+Coromandel%2C+Coromandel;175.4983416 ;-36.7571767/The+Hobbit+-+The+Shires+Rest%2C+501+Buckland+Road%2C+Piarere%2 C+Waikato;175.6828166;-37.8719897/Rotorua%2C+Rotorua+Central%2C+Rotorua;176.2539723;-38.1348668


Wednesday, ride to Palmerston North via Taupo

http://maps.aa.co.nz/#directions/Rotorua%2C+Rotorua+Central%2C+Rotorua;176.2539723;-38.1348668/Orakei+Korako%2C+Orakeikorako%2C+Waikato;176.14417 81;-38.47377/Vinegar+Hill%2C+Hunterville%2C+Manawatu-Wanganui;175.6298108;-39.9242241/262+Awahou+South+Road%2C+Pohangina%2C+Manawatu-Wanganui;175.790843613183;-40.222070283773


Thursday, ride to Wellington, cross on ferry and stay at Picton

http://maps.aa.co.nz/#directions/262+Awahou+South+Road%2C+Pohangina%2C+Manawatu-Wanganui;175.790843613183;-40.222070283773/Masterton%2C+Masterton%2C+Masterton;175.6640211;-40.9499047/Picton%2C+Picton%2C+Picton;174.0056794;-41.290659


Friday, ride to Karamea

http://maps.aa.co.nz/#directions/Picton%2C+Picton%2C+Picton;174.0056794;-41.290659/Nelson%2C+Nelson+Central%2C+Nelson;173.2838271;-41.2752212/Karamea%2C+Karamea%2C+West+Coast;172.1098471;-41.2427063


Saturday, ride down west coast to Lake Paringa

http://maps.aa.co.nz/#directions/Karamea%2C+Karamea%2C+West+Coast;172.1098471;-41.2427063/Lake+Paringa%2C+Lake+Paringa%2C+West+Coast;169.410 1251;-43.7165242


Sunday, ride to Queenstown

http://maps.aa.co.nz/#directions/Lake+Paringa%2C+Lake+Paringa%2C+West+Coast;169.410 1251;-43.7165242/Jackson+Bay%2C+Jackson+Bay%2C+West+Coast;168.68321 7914875;-43.975896384943/Lake+Dunstan%2C+Clyde%2C+Otago;169.3153384;-45.1451442/Queenstown%2C+Queenstown+Central%2C+Queenstown;168 .6589118;-45.0326704


Monday, stay in Queenstown and do shit


Tuesday, ride to Milford Sound and back to Te Anau

http://maps.aa.co.nz/#directions/Queenstown%2C+Queenstown+Central%2C+Queenstown;168 .6589118;-45.0326704/Milford+Sound%2C+Milford+Sound%2C+Southland;167.80 64318;-44.5801516/Te+Anau%2C+Te+Anau%2C+Te+Anau;167.7163797;-45.4149407


Wednesday, ride to Dunedin via invercargil (maybe stay north of Dunedin to shorten tomorrows route)

http://maps.aa.co.nz/#directions/Te+Anau%2C+Te+Anau%2C+Te+Anau;167.7163797;-45.4149407/Invercargill%2C+Invercargill+Central%2C+Invercargi ll;168.3454364;-46.4120242/Curio+Bay%2C+Waikawa+Curio+Bay+Road%2C+Slope+Point %2C+Southland;169.1057111;-46.6614236/Tautuku%2C+Tautuku%2C+Otago;169.4159251;-46.5830291/Dunedin%2C+Dunedin+Central%2C+Dunedin;170.5038125;-45.8737233


Thursday, ride to Blackball

http://maps.aa.co.nz/#directions/Dunedin%2C+Dunedin+Central%2C+Dunedin;170.5038125;-45.8737233/Arthur's+Pass%2C+Arthurs+Pass%2C+Arthurs+Pass;171. 563548;-42.9447837/Blackball%2C+Blackball%2C+West+Coast;171.4110586;-42.3646906


Friday, ride to Christchurch

http://maps.aa.co.nz/#directions/Blackball%2C+Blackball%2C+West+Coast;171.4110586;-42.3646906/Lewis+Pass%2C+Springs+Junction%2C+West+Coast;172.4 065534;-42.3791064/Christchurch%2C+Christchurch+Central%2C+Christchur ch;172.6380947;-43.5309735


Saturday, drop bike off and fly home.

[Banditbandit]

Sounds like a great two weeks

Watch out for tourists - on our roads they can be dangerous ..

[unstuck]

From duners to blackball then back to the east coast, different, but doable. Good luck and have fun.:Punk::Punk:

[FJRider]

Sounds like a great two weeks

Too good to be true .. .........?????????????????? :yawn:


Watch out for tourists - on our roads they can be dangerous ..

Only 5% of accidents are overseas tourists at fault ... those fucking kiwi's are the ones to watch out for ... :pinch:

[kiwi-on-wheels]

our roads are pretty shyte compared to the uk roads.... our state highway in a lot of places could be confused for a village back road, not an a road....

[nodrog]

Te Aroha, you're game.

[swarfie]

Te Aroha, you're game.

According to his map they aren't going there....For someone that lives in the lower scummy part of Towel Ronger, that's a bit Kettle/Pot ain't it? :laugh::facepalm:

[nodrog]

According to his map they aren't going there....For someone that lives in the lower scummy part of Towel Ronger, that's a bit Kettle/Pot ain't it? :laugh::facepalm:

we only have 5 fingers on each hand here, and I cant squeal like a pig.

[swarfie]

we only have 5 fingers on each hand here, and I cant squeal like a pig.

:eek5:It's your twelve toes and the banjos I'm a bit worried about :shutup:

[nodrog]

:eek5:It's your twelve toes and the banjos I'm a bit worried about :shutup:

I knew the gay animal sex wouldn't.

[swarfie]

I knew the gay animal sex wouldn't.

"I have NOT had sexual relations with that animal":lol:

[J13USH]

From duners to blackball then back to the east coast, different, but doable. Good luck and have fun.:Punk::Punk:

Is that route worth doing?


Te Aroha, you're game.

I've changed my route to go by there, I've been told that is more scenic that the one I had planned.


i think I'm going to miss out Karamea and either head for Blackball or head to westpoint and down the coast instead. My routes will still change slightly yet once I look at accommodation.

[Winston001]

Just wondering if you are trying to cover too much. Less is more. You will both have a great time .

[J13USH]

Just wondering if you are trying to cover too much. Less is more. You will both have a great time .

I know what you're saying, I guess I just don't want to miss anything good.

[unstuck]

Is that route worth doing?





Yes, worth doing, but just seems like you would be pushing it and miss the opportunity to take in much of the environment. Why the need to zig zag between east and west? From Dunedin to Christchurch up the east coast is a pretty boring ride, but if you go inland after dunners and up through the Mckenzie country you get to see the lakes and mountains.

[unstuck]

I know what you're saying, I guess I just don't want to miss anything good.

With only 2 weeks I am afraid you will miss heaps of good stuff. But you may cover most of the Main tourist routes. :2thumbsup

[J13USH]

Yes, worth doing, but just seems like you would be pushing it and miss the opportunity to take in much of the environment. Why the need to zig zag between east and west? From Dunedin to Christchurch up the east coast is a pretty boring ride, but if you go inland after dunners and up through the Mckenzie country you get to see the lakes and mountains.

So would you recommend something like this (I'll adjust the other days so this one isn't as long)

http://maps.aa.co.nz/#directions/Dunedin%2C+Dunedin+Central%2C+Dunedin;170.5038125;-45.8737233/Twizel%2C+Twizel%2C+Twizel;170.0989311;-44.2564791/Blackball%2C+Blackball%2C+West+Coast;171.4110586;-42.3646906

[J13USH]

With only 2 weeks I am afraid you will miss heaps of good stuff. But you may cover most of the Main tourist routes. :2thumbsup

Yeh I'm sure there will be plenty I will miss, hopefully I'll come back in the future with a better idea of what to do. we'll love the trip either way.

[unstuck]

So would you recommend something like this (I'll adjust the other days so this one isn't as long)



That would be a much better route, but I feel you are still trying to cram to much in. But if you are just coming to get a feel for the place and don't mind big days riding then by all means enjoy. NZ roads are probably not what you are used to though and fatigue can cause all sorts of dramas.
Hope you do well though and enjoy your trip. Nothing like an adventure to keep the spirits up.
Shame you are missing Gore though, tis the best part of the country.:devil2::msn-wink:

[J13USH]

That would be a much better route, but I feel you are still trying to cram to much in. But if you are just coming to get a feel for the place and don't mind big days riding then by all means enjoy. NZ roads are probably not what you are used to though and fatigue can cause all sorts of dramas.
Hope you do well though and enjoy your trip. Nothing like an adventure to keep the spirits up.
Shame you are missing Gore though, tis the best part of the country.:devil2::msn-wink:

I've toured the Pyrenees and Alpine mountains in Europe a couple of times and I'm heading through the Alps again in September. I normally try to stick to 6 hours on the bike a day and it's about right. Would you recommend going by Gore instead of Invercargill?

[Banditbandit]

Shame you are missing Gore though, tis the best part of the country.:devil2::msn-wink:


Yeah ???


http://www.myteespot.com/images/Images_d/img_NnOLpM.jpg

[Bikemad]

So would you recommend something like this (I'll adjust the other days so this one isn't as long)

http://maps.aa.co.nz/#directions/Dunedin%2C+Dunedin+Central%2C+Dunedin;170.5038125;-45.8737233/Twizel%2C+Twizel%2C+Twizel;170.0989311;-44.2564791/Blackball%2C+Blackball%2C+West+Coast;171.4110586;-42.3646906

yep.....thats a way better ride than ya first option.Also a heads up......some mates of mine went to stay at the Blackball hilton..........they left........apparantly the new landlords are arseholes.Made them feel like they were intruding and not welcome at all

[J13USH]

Alright guys, I've changed the routes a little bit. Sorry for the long post again.

sunday, land, pick up bike.

Monday, ride to Whitianga.

http://maps.aa.co.nz/#directions/Auckland%2C+Auckland+Central%2C+Auckland;174.76604 05;-36.8445169/Whitianga%2C+Whitianga%2C+Whitianga;175.7045657;-36.834674


Tuesday, ride to Rotorua via Coromandel and The Shire.

http://maps.aa.co.nz/#directions/Whitianga%2C+Whitianga%2C+Whitianga;175.7045657;-36.834674/Coromandel%2C+Coromandel%2C+Coromandel;175.4983416 ;-36.7571767/Omahu%2C+Hikutaia%2C+Waikato;175.6573316;-37.2574078/Te+Aroha%2C+Te+Aroha%2C+Te+Aroha;175.7125913;-37.5451083/Puketutu+Road%2C+Hinuera%2C+Waikato;175.7246157;-37.8559888/The+Hobbit+-+The+Shires+Rest%2C+501+Buckland+Road%2C+Piarere%2 C+Waikato;175.6828166;-37.8719897/Rotorua%2C+Rotorua+Central%2C+Rotorua;176.2539723;-38.1348668


Wednesday, ride to Palmerston North via Taupo

http://maps.aa.co.nz/#directions/Rotorua%2C+Rotorua+Central%2C+Rotorua;176.2539723;-38.1348668/Orakei+Korako%2C+Orakeikorako%2C+Waikato;176.14417 81;-38.47377/Vinegar+Hill%2C+Hunterville%2C+Manawatu-Wanganui;175.6298108;-39.9242241/262+Awahou+South+Road%2C+Pohangina%2C+Manawatu-Wanganui;175.790843613183;-40.222070283773


Thursday, ride to Wellington, cross on ferry and stay at Picton

http://maps.aa.co.nz/#directions/262+Awahou+South+Road%2C+Pohangina%2C+Manawatu-Wanganui;175.790843613183;-40.222070283773/Masterton%2C+Masterton%2C+Masterton;175.6640211;-40.9499047/Picton%2C+Picton%2C+Picton;174.0056794;-41.290659


Friday, ride to Blackball

http://maps.aa.co.nz/#directions/Picton%2C+Picton%2C+Picton;174.0056794;-41.290659/Linkwater%2C+Linkwater%2C+Marlborough;173.8680175;-41.2895073/Nelson%2C+Nelson+Central%2C+Nelson;173.2838271;-41.2752212/Blackball%2C+Blackball%2C+West+Coast;171.4110586;-42.3646906


Saturday, ride down west coast to Haast

http://maps.aa.co.nz/#directions/Blackball%2C+Blackball%2C+West+Coast;171.4110586;-42.3646906/Haast%2C+Haast%2C+Haast;169.0437453;-43.8791667


Sunday, ride to Queenstown

http://maps.aa.co.nz/#directions/Haast%2C+Haast%2C+Haast;169.0437453;-43.8791667/Jackson+Bay%2C+Jackson+Bay%2C+West+Coast;168.68321 7914875;-43.975896384943/Glenorchy%2C+Glenorchy%2C+Glenorchy;168.3875901;-44.8491636/Queenstown%2C+Queenstown+Central%2C+Queenstown;168 .6589118;-45.0326704


Monday, stay in Queenstown


Tuesday, ride to Milford Sound and back to Te Anau

http://maps.aa.co.nz/#directions/Queenstown%2C+Queenstown+Central%2C+Queenstown;168 .6589118;-45.0326704/Milford+Sound%2C+Milford+Sound%2C+Southland;167.80 64318;-44.5801516/Te+Anau%2C+Te+Anau%2C+Te+Anau;167.7163797;-45.4149407


Wednesday, ride to Dunedin via south coast.

http://maps.aa.co.nz/#directions/Te+Anau%2C+Te+Anau%2C+Te+Anau;167.7163797;-45.4149407/Gore%2C+Gore%2C+Gore;168.9460956;-46.098908/Curio+Bay%2C+Waikawa+Curio+Bay+Road%2C+Slope+Point %2C+Southland;169.1057111;-46.6614236/Tautuku%2C+Tautuku%2C+Otago;169.4159251;-46.5830291/Dunedin%2C+Dunedin+Central%2C+Dunedin;170.5038125;-45.8737233


Thursday, ride to Ashburton

http://maps.aa.co.nz/#directions/Dunedin%2C+Dunedin+Central%2C+Dunedin;170.5038125;-45.8737233/Twizel%2C+Twizel%2C+Twizel;170.0989311;-44.2564791/Ashburton%2C+Ashburton+Central%2C+Ashburton;171.74 86436;-43.9027266


Friday, ride to Hanmer Springs

http://maps.aa.co.nz/#directions/Ashburton%2C+Ashburton+Central%2C+Ashburton;171.74 86436;-43.9027266/Arthur's+Pass%2C+Arthurs+Pass%2C+Arthurs+Pass;171. 563548;-42.9447837/Blackball%2C+Blackball%2C+West+Coast;171.4110586;-42.3646906/Hanmer+Springs%2C+Hanmer+Springs%2C+Hanmer+Springs ;172.8293119;-42.5225429


Saturday, ride to Christchurch, drop bike off and fly home.

[unstuck]

Would you recommend going by Gore instead of Invercargill?

lol, no way. We have some awesome roads around here, but I would stick with your original route to Invergiggle then up through the Catlins.

[kiwi-on-wheels]

Your road to palmerston north from taupo, just south of taihape theres a backroad through to fielding then on to palmy, winding, but some fantastic scenery, takes a little longer (half hour or so) but definately worth looking in to.

[haydes55]

I'd recommend a trip to a beach or 2 for a swim/spa. Hot water beach at low tide is a unique experience you won't want to miss. You would need to see when low tide is to plan when to visit. But maybe instead as of staying in whitianga, you ride further to the hot water beach, sort out your accommodation and have a soak at night.

Cathedral cove and a few other great beaches require a decent walk to get to, which might waste a couple hours of your time, but you might enjoy the exercise/bush walk? You should have a swim at one of the main coromandel beaches anyway.

[swarfie]

Your road to palmerston north from taupo, just south of taihape theres a backroad through to fielding then on to palmy, winding, but some fantastic scenery, takes a little longer (half hour or so) but definately worth looking in to.

Yep...turn off just north of Mangaweka. Ruahine Rd. Goes through Rangawhahia, Peep-O-Day, and Kimbolton and comes out by the Cheltenham pub. Awesome bit of road:cool:

[sil3nt]

Any reason your taking the motorway instead of going to Kawakawa and following the coast?
http://maps.aa.co.nz/#directions/Auckland%2C+Auckland+Central%2C+Auckland;174.76604 05;-36.8445169/via;174.95049;-37.06055/via;175.13565;-36.94747/Whitianga%2C+Whitianga%2C+Whitianga;175.7045657;-36.834674

Slower/longer but more scenic/fun I reckon.

[Banditbandit]

Yep...turn off just north of Mangaweka. Ruahine Rd. Goes through Rangawhahia, Peep-O-Day, and Kimbolton and comes out by the Cheltenham pub. Awesome bit of road:cool:

The parts that are on papa clay are slippery and there can be big lumps of the stuff all over the road - and the route is very slow.

I usually turn left at Vinegar Hill ...

[Jantar]

Might I suggest that from Dunedin you take http://maps.aa.co.nz/#directions/Blackhead+Rd%2C+Blackhead%2C+Otago;170.452880859;-45.9358706212/via;170.04834;-45.65804/via;170.2219;-45.16612/Twizel%2C+Twizel%2C+Twizel;170.0989311;-44.2564791/Ashburton%2C+Ashburton+Central%2C+Ashburton;171.74 86436;-43.9027266
That way you get the best riding roads of Central Otago, the Lindis Pass and the Lakes.

[FJRider]

And I would suggest doing the full length of the Buller river gorge and then down the coast to Blackball. An awesome piece of road ...

[unstuck]

Might I suggest that from Dunedin you take http://maps.aa.co.nz/#directions/Blackhead+Rd%2C+Blackhead%2C+Otago;170.452880859;-45.9358706212/via;170.04834;-45.65804/via;170.2219;-45.16612/Twizel%2C+Twizel%2C+Twizel;170.0989311;-44.2564791/Ashburton%2C+Ashburton+Central%2C+Ashburton;171.74 86436;-43.9027266
That way you get the best riding roads of Central Otago, the Lindis Pass and the Lakes.

Yep, thats the one I would choose also.:niceone:

[J13USH]

Any reason your taking the motorway instead of going to Kawakawa and following the coast?
http://maps.aa.co.nz/#directions/Auckland%2C+Auckland+Central%2C+Auckland;174.76604 05;-36.8445169/via;174.95049;-37.06055/via;175.13565;-36.94747/Whitianga%2C+Whitianga%2C+Whitianga;175.7045657;-36.834674[/url

Slower/longer but more scenic/fun I reckon.

Just wanting a shorter/easier day in case of jet lag.


I'd recommend a trip to a beach or 2 for a swim/spa. Hot water beach at low tide is a unique experience you won't want to miss. You would need to see when low tide is to plan when to visit. But maybe instead as of staying in whitianga, you ride further to the hot water beach, sort out your accommodation and have a soak at night.

Cathedral cove and a few other great beaches require a decent walk to get to, which might waste a couple hours of your time, but you might enjoy the exercise/bush walk? You should have a swim at one of the main coromandel beaches anyway.

I'll have a look at accommodation.


lol, no way. We have some awesome roads around here, but I would stick with your original route to Invergiggle then up through the Catlins.

I'll change it back.


Your road to palmerston north from taupo, just south of taihape theres a backroad through to fielding then on to palmy, winding, but some fantastic scenery, takes a little longer (half hour or so) but definately worth looking in to.

I'll have a look at this.


Might I suggest that from Dunedin you take [url]http://maps.aa.co.nz/#directions/Blackhead+Rd%2C+Blackhead%2C+Otago;170.452880859;-45.9358706212/via;170.04834;-45.65804/via;170.2219;-45.16612/Twizel%2C+Twizel%2C+Twizel;170.0989311;-44.2564791/Ashburton%2C+Ashburton+Central%2C+Ashburton;171.74 86436;-43.9027266
That way you get the best riding roads of Central Otago, the Lindis Pass and the Lakes.

I'll try and fit this one in if I can.


And I would suggest doing the full length of the Buller river gorge and then down the coast to Blackball. An awesome piece of road ...

I'll Have a look at this.


Cheers for the tips everyone, I'll have a look at accommodation tonight and alter my routes

[unstuck]

Just wanting a shorter/easier day in case of jet lag.



I'll have a look at accommodation.



I'll change it back.



I'll have a look at this.



I'll try and fit this one in if I can.



I'll Have a look at this.


Cheers for the tips everyone, I'll have a look at accommodation tonight and alter my routes

Try not to be too rigid with your planning, This is NZ and things can change for you quickly here. Try if you can to give yourself a little bit of leeway, especially weatherwise on the west coast as the road conditions can change in a matter of hours.

[FJRider]

The thing about motorcycling in NZ ... you go where the RAIN isn't ...

[Winston001]

I'll change it back. (Invercargill instead of Gore)




No, stay with Unstuck's suggestion. The route down the Waimea Plains then south from Gore is probably shorter.

I also endorse Jantar's suggestion: Dunedin - Ranfurly- Cromwell - Twizel - Ashburton. A glorious big day.

Haven't looked at your updated routes yet but if you think you will come back, then maybe deliberately leave out some places this time.

And just to chime in with Unstuck, our weather even in the height of summer can be variable, especially in the South Island. I assume you've AA time calculations for each route (which tend to be conservative) so that should be ok.

[unstuck]

No, stay with Unstuck's suggestion. The route down the Waimea Plains then south from Gore is probably shorter.



Shorter yes, but also not very scenic. The ride from Te-anau down to Tuatapere and along the coast to invergiggle is a very pleasant one, unless it is like the weather we are having today.:2thumbsup

[98tls]

:facepalm:Mother of god why on earth suggest that Dunedins a suitable place for any living breathing human being or anything else for that matter to make a point of intentionally going to,worse still at this time of year when theres every possibility of being trapped there for longer than...the transition from living there to death goes unnoticed or is that an old wives tale?

[Berries]

...the transition from living there to death goes unnoticed or is that an old wives tale?
Well you're the one who keeps going on about it so maybe it is.

Other than that, I wouldn't do Dunedin on a two week tour, Invercargill yes.

[98tls]

Well you're the one who keeps going on about it so maybe it is.

That or the internets far reaching indeed.

[FJRider]

Other than that, I wouldn't do Dunedin on a two week tour, Invercargill yes.

God you ARE sick ... :pinch:

[husaberg]

If you are on the West Coast and you don't do the Coast road Greymouth to Westport and back through the lower Buller to Inagahua you will regret it.

[FJRider]

Shorter yes, but also not very scenic. The ride from Te-anau down to Tuatapere and along the coast to invergiggle is a very pleasant one, unless it is like the weather we are having today.:2thumbsup

Wet or windy you mean ... cold is normal ...

[Berries]

God you ARE sick ... :pinch:
Oh I don't know. Rather than spend a second night in overrated Queenstown during the school holidays I would ride and stay in the underrated Te Anau instead. Do Milford Sound the next day and then head straight to Invercargill but via Tuatapere, SH6 south of Lumsden is just a slog.

Stay in Invervegas for the night, stick your head in at E Hayes (http://www.ehayes.co.nz/Hayes-Motorworks-Collection/Hayes-motorworks-collection-__I.8574) for half an hour in the morning, have the best breakfast in NZ next door at Global Byte and then give it laldy down to Bluff just to get a photo at the sign post. By the time you get to NZ Bill Richardson's Museum (http://www.hwr.co.nz/truck-museum) might be open to the general public. The place is amazing even if that link does not do it justice.

Then back on to the chosen route through the Catlins. If you like wildlife I can recommend a couple of things to do in Dunedin, otherwise keep riding, and take the inland route when going north from Dunedin.

None of your days look massive but you do look like you are trying to fit in twice as much as you have time for. When do you get to relax, sit back and just enjoy the fresh air we have over here, the bird sounds, the sun on your face etc etc, you know, have a holiday?

[J13USH]

Right, accommodation is booked and routes are done. Cheers for the help everyone, I'll let you know how it goes.

sunday, land, pick up bike.


Monday, ride to hot water beach.

http://maps.aa.co.nz/#directions/Auckland%2C+Auckland+Central%2C+Auckland;174.76604 05;-36.8445169/Hot+Water+Beach+Top+10+Holiday+Park%2C+790+Hot+Wat er+Beach+Road%2C+Hot+Water+Beach%2C+Waikato;175.82 03627;-36.8904053


Tuesday, ride to Rotorua via Coromandel and The Shire.

http://maps.aa.co.nz/#directions/Hot+Water+Beach%2C+Hot+Water+Beach%2C+Waikato;175. 825531;-36.8887636/Coromandel%2C+Coromandel%2C+Coromandel;175.4983416 ;-36.7571767/Omahu%2C+Hikutaia%2C+Waikato;175.6573316;-37.2574078/Te+Aroha%2C+Te+Aroha%2C+Te+Aroha;175.7125913;-37.5451083/Puketutu+Road%2C+Hinuera%2C+Waikato;175.7246157;-37.8559888/The+Hobbit+-+The+Shires+Rest%2C+501+Buckland+Road%2C+Piarere%2 C+Waikato;175.6828166;-37.8719897/Rotorua%2C+Rotorua+Central%2C+Rotorua;176.2539723;-38.1348668


Wednesday, ride to Palmerston North via Taupo

http://maps.aa.co.nz/#directions/Rotorua%2C+Rotorua+Central%2C+Rotorua;176.2539723;-38.1348668/Orakei+Korako%2C+Orakeikorako%2C+Waikato;176.14417 81;-38.47377/Vinegar+Hill%2C+Hunterville%2C+Manawatu-Wanganui;175.6298108;-39.9242241/262+Awahou+South+Road%2C+Pohangina%2C+Manawatu-Wanganui;175.790843613183;-40.222070283773


Thursday, ride to Wellington, cross on ferry and stay near Picton

http://maps.aa.co.nz/#directions/262+Awahou+South+Road%2C+Pohangina%2C+Manawatu-Wanganui;175.790843613183;-40.222070283773/Masterton%2C+Masterton%2C+Masterton;175.6640211;-40.9499047/Anakiwa%2C+Linkwater%2C+Marlborough;173.9102653;-41.2678821


Friday, ride to Blackball

http://maps.aa.co.nz/#directions/Anakiwa%2C+Linkwater%2C+Marlborough;173.9102653;-41.2678821/Nelson%2C+Nelson+Central%2C+Nelson;173.2838271;-41.2752212/Pahatuane%2C+Punakaiki%2C+West+Coast;171.366459;-42.048995/Blackball%2C+Blackball%2C+West+Coast;171.4110586;-42.3646906


Saturday, ride down west coast to Haast

http://maps.aa.co.nz/#directions/Blackball%2C+Blackball%2C+West+Coast;171.4110586;-42.3646906/Haast%2C+Haast%2C+Haast;169.0437453;-43.8791667


Sunday, ride to Queenstown

http://maps.aa.co.nz/#directions/Haast%2C+Haast%2C+Haast;169.0437453;-43.8791667/Jackson+Bay%2C+Jackson+Bay%2C+West+Coast;168.68321 7914875;-43.975896384943/Glenorchy%2C+Glenorchy%2C+Glenorchy;168.3875901;-44.8491636/Queenstown%2C+Queenstown+Central%2C+Queenstown;168 .6589118;-45.0326704


Monday, stay in Queenstown


Tuesday, ride to Milford Sound and back to Te Anau

http://maps.aa.co.nz/#directions/Queenstown%2C+Queenstown+Central%2C+Queenstown;168 .6589118;-45.0326704/Milford+Sound%2C+Milford+Sound%2C+Southland;167.80 64318;-44.5801516/Te+Anau%2C+Te+Anau%2C+Te+Anau;167.7163797;-45.4149407


Wednesday, ride to Dunedin via south coast.

http://maps.aa.co.nz/#directions/Te+Anau%2C+Te+Anau%2C+Te+Anau;167.7163797;-45.4149407/Tuatapere%2C+Tuatapere%2C+Tuatapere;167.6890499;-46.1320028/Otara+Haldane+Road%2C+Slope+Point%2C+Southland;168 .9695522;-46.6349709/Haldane+Curio+Bay+Road%2C+Slope+Point%2C+Southland ;169.0485891;-46.6471489/Dunedin%2C+Dunedin+Central%2C+Dunedin;170.5038125;-45.8737233


Thursday, ride to Geraldine

http://maps.aa.co.nz/#directions/Dunedin%2C+Dunedin+Central%2C+Dunedin;170.5038125;-45.8737233/Shannon%2C+Shannon%2C+Otago;170.0748256;-45.6606067/Cromwell%2C+Cromwell%2C+Cromwell;169.1977308;-45.0378144/Geraldine%2C+Geraldine%2C+Geraldine;171.244778;-44.0926057


Friday, ride to Hanmer Springs

http://maps.aa.co.nz/#directions/Geraldine%2C+Geraldine%2C+Geraldine;171.244778;-44.0926057/Arthur's+Pass%2C+Arthurs+Pass%2C+Arthurs+Pass;171. 563548;-42.9447837/Blackball%2C+Blackball%2C+West+Coast;171.4110586;-42.3646906/Hanmer+Springs%2C+Hanmer+Springs%2C+Hanmer+Springs ;172.8293119;-42.5225429


Saturday, ride to Christchurch, drop bike off and fly home.

[J13USH]

Oh I don't know. Rather than spend a second night in overrated Queenstown during the school holidays I would ride and stay in the underrated Te Anau instead. Do Milford Sound the next day and then head straight to Invercargill but via Tuatapere, SH6 south of Lumsden is just a slog.

Stay in Invervegas for the night, stick your head in at E Hayes (http://www.ehayes.co.nz/Hayes-Motorworks-Collection/Hayes-motorworks-collection-__I.8574) for half an hour in the morning, have the best breakfast in NZ next door at Global Byte and then give it laldy down to Bluff just to get a photo at the sign post. By the time you get to NZ Bill Richardson's Museum (http://www.hwr.co.nz/truck-museum) might be open to the general public. The place is amazing even if that link does not do it justice.

Then back on to the chosen route through the Catlins. If you like wildlife I can recommend a couple of things to do in Dunedin, otherwise keep riding, and take the inland route when going north from Dunedin.

None of your days look massive but you do look like you are trying to fit in twice as much as you have time for. When do you get to relax, sit back and just enjoy the fresh air we have over here, the bird sounds, the sun on your face etc etc, you know, have a holiday?

I haven't booked Queenstown yet so I'll think about that. On our day in Queenstown we are looking at doing the Nevis swing and the Via Ferrata.
What wildlife things do you have in mind for Dunedin?
Yeh I know what you're saying about having a holiday, ideally we could come for 3 weeks but it's not an option unfortunately. We'll be having breaks during the day and having a look about on an evening.