Interisland Ferry

[WasPhantom]

So I'm looking at rocking home to Nelson for a week and a half in November, catch up with mates n stuff, but there is that hole ( cook straight I believe ) which I need to get across. Having not done a ferry crossing before, what is involved? Do I need to take my own tie downs? Anyone got any pointers on the best way to tie the bike down so that it doesn't come away? Any tips/pointers people may have would be greatfully received.

[James Deuce]

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?t=24628&highlight=Ferry+Tips

Search is your friend.

[Waylander]

Very much suggest bringing your own staps. The ones they have there are gross. Coverd in all kinds of shit.
Also suggest getting hold of some bar straps. They loop across the hand grips and you hook the straps to them instead of directly to the bike. Keeps the straps off fairings and stuff.

Also strap it down yourself. They can do an ok job for you but for peace of mind I'd do it myself.

[sunhuntin]

im wondering that myself. i can pack a bike rock solid, but not sure about strapping it down! im considering going to invers for the beach races in november.

another thing...can the south island be ridden from the ferry to invers in one day? whats the largest time/distance gap between towns/gas stations?

[davereid]

Depending on the time of day you have to get from blenheim to kaikoura on a tank, and from kaikoura to amberly (near christchurch) on a tank. Well beyond the harleys range !

[Wenier]

I use 4 rachet tie downs of my own, 2 off the rear pillion peg holders which are down up the tightest since its reasonably structual and wont hurt the bike. Before that i have already stalled the bike in first gear against the wheel stop things they have. Then with the other 2 rachets i put the strap around the shocks at the front just to give it more support.

I have done that and been on a rough sailing with up to 8 metre waves in the strait and haven't had any problems.

I also suggest going on the BlueBridge as its much better than the interislander ferries in my opinion.

[Drum]

im wondering that myself. i can pack a bike rock solid, but not sure about strapping it down! im considering going to invers for the beach races in november.

another thing...can the south island be ridden from the ferry to invers in one day? whats the largest time/distance gap between towns/gas stations?

Picton to Invers is a 2 day ride at best on a 2 fiddie. My ass hurts thinking about it. A rough distance comparison...Picton to Invers = Auckland to Wellers (butsouth is colder, straighter and less traffic.........and friendlier).

Dont worry about refills, plenty of servos these days.

[Waylander]

Dont worry about refills, plenty of servos these days.
aslong as it's daytime....

[Drum]

aslong as it's daytime....

True. Theres a few quiet stretches at night. (this is a redeeming factor of my beloved southern island).

[sunhuntin]

True. Theres a few quiet stretches at night. (this is a redeeming factor of my beloved southern island).

thanks for that! i was told a while back there was a section where the bike would need filling from a container, as the distance was longer than a tank could go.

im still thinking about it....invercargill members...how far is salford street from the beach where the runs are being held? mum suggested flying, and i considered pillion, but dont want to be stuck with no transport!