New Zealand South Island bike trip October 2015. What bike and were to buy?

[Yourboiols]

Hi Guys, looking for a bit of advice , I am coming to the south island in October from the uk and looking for a cheep option to ride around the island. I want to do lots of camping so something that can get off onto gravel tracks a plus definitely. I don't want to spend a fortune but obviously need something reliable, I was thinking about a gn 250 just because there cheep and reliable and it would be a bit of novelty , or something more off-road based like a klx 250 or Honda xr, Does anyone no of any good bikes for sale or where to look. I'm flying into Christchurch . any help would be appreciated.
oli

[puddytat]

Try here to get an idea of what bikes cost.....www.trademe.co.nz
The GN certainly will have the novelty factor & also a softer seat....
I personal would go the dual purpose way....
Either way, it'll be fun!!

You could pop 'round to Smash Palace....popular biker spot in Christchurch, & a good lot. Never know what might come of it...

[haydes55]

Nothing would be more fun than taking a hugely inappropriate bike on a massive ride. Gn250 on gravel, loaded up with a tent and luggage.... Sounds fun to me.

[Hitcher]

A GN250 would kill the South Island. They've done that before.

[mossy1200]

A GN250 would kill the South Island. They've done that before.

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/classic-vintage/auction-917094150.htm
That's the bike to use.

[varminter]

I have a chicken going cheep.

[rustic101]

Spent a few weeks fluffing around the South Island on my DL1000 and was able to take it of the seal (a lot) and had a marvellous time. There are some great track to venture down.

Met a couple of Germans who bought a DL650 each was riding 2up, and a Britt in Arrowtown who was on a hired bandit and said he wished he had had something on the adventure side..

irrespective have a blast and ride safe.

[Edbear]

DL or DR650. For something different but very comfortable, a Suzuki Burgman 400 or 650. Lots of luggage space and a lower center of gravity for gravel roads. There's a thread here about the DR650.

[nodrog]

a Suzuki an125 is all you'll need.

[Paul in NZ]

Camping in October could be fun.... It 'could' be nice... But it could be wet and miserable too... Bring a good tent and sleeping bag...

[ellipsis]

...I spoke with a young French adventurer who was touring the Sth Island on a fairly new...well new for me anyway, could have been five or six years old...Honda 125 trail bike...I commented on the smallness of his chosen ride...his reply, 'I came to see your country, not ride past it'...he had a small pack rack and tent and a fucking big grin...