Help a Pom

[scrubs]

Hiya This is my first post here.
I'm intending to come over to NZ in December for a 4/5 month
tour of the country by bike. I was just wondering if anyone
had any any information that I may find usefull like places worth
seeing and places to avoid, good places to pick up a cheap bike etc..
Any GPS saved track logs would be fantastic too!.
At the moment I am pretty clueless regarding your country, so any
help would be greatly apperciated. :niceone:

Cheers

[canarlee]

try posting during the week as more people will see the thread mate.



i too am a pom and i live in napier (hawkes bay), when you get here and you are over this way gimme a shout and i will buy you a beer. hell i even got a spare bedroom if you need somewhere to stop for a day or 3.

[NighthawkNZ]

Hiya This is my first post here.
I'm intending to come over to NZ in December for a 4/5 month
tour of the country by bike. I was just wondering if anyone
had any any information that I may find usefull like places worth
seeing and places to avoid, good places to pick up a cheap bike etc..
Any GPS saved track logs would be fantastic too!.
At the moment I am pretty clueless regarding your country, so any
help would be greatly apperciated. :niceone:

4 or 5 months... With that much time... you have the time to do the whole country... though near the end of your tour you will be entering our autum/winter. Also do you want on or off road as there are heaps of gravel roads in the out back that need exploring ;)

[scrubs]

i too am a pom and i live in napier (hawkes bay), when you get here and you are over this way gimme a shout and i will buy you a beer. hell i even got a spare bedroom if you need somewhere to stop for a day or 3.

Nice one mate, Thats very kind of you Thank you. I never refuse a beer :D




4 o0r 5 months... With that much time... you have the time to do the whole country... though near the end of your tour you will be entering our autum/winter. Also do you want on or off road as there are heaps of gravel roads in the out back that need exploring ;)

I'm thinking a majority of off road with some camping thrown in, providing
I'm not so remote that I am well and truly up shit creek if I break my legs etc heheh. I'm thinking of using something like a DR650 - I'd be happy to use
a 250 but I may be packing pretty heavy.

[buggsubique]

I'm thinking of using something like a DR650 - I'd be happy to use a 250 but I may be packing pretty heavy.

Mate, drop the idea of a 250, it'll do yer head in on the roads, esp with any gear you're carrying. Just my humble opinion of course! There are plenty of dudes on here that will back the DR 650 with a couple of mods.

[Zukin]

Hi there

So are you bringing a bike with you or buying one when you get here?

You can pretty much do the whole country and everything in between :)

There are plenty off adventure riding to be had, I would suggest you keep an eye on the adventure section of KB (Kiwibiker), the local guys are usually pretty good at helping out with route plans etc etc

In my opinion I would probably fly into Auckland (North Island) and make you plans from there.
NZ is very narrow and small, so you could almost decide to ride with the weather because you are here for so long :D
Even though I live in the North Island, I would suggest that you should probably spend 70% of your time in the South Island and 30% in the North

The South Island (also know as the Mainland) is much better for adventure riding, less traffic, much better scenery etc, so by starting in the North Island you will think that is pretty cool, but then when you hit the South Island you will get the WOW factor :2thumbsup

Also there is a trip planned if you want to ride with a few of the locals, see this post (http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?t=55004) if you are in the South Island by then.
It would be highly recommended to have a look at this trip :)

Let me know if you need any help with a bike.
Here is a link to NZ's Ebay's equivalent
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/index.htm

I am currently making .gpx files for some of the major tracks in NZ for those adventure riders that have a GPS, it will be used only as reference and it will be for public access roads only, it is taking a while but should be finished before you arrive.
If you send me a PM here (http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/member.php?u=6946) I can send them to you :)


Cheers and welcome to KB :) :2thumbsup

[Transalper]

Heaps of Adventure Riding to be had here (I know more South Island myself). The Rainbow station is worth a look, It is open to the Public from 1 Dec to something like end of March. Only Mentioned that ones times because most the rest of my favourites are open much more of the year. Molesworth is another with a limited season and is still a good run but a little more barren and much more tame as in any car or bike could do it.

Lot's of us like the DR650 for Adventuring now especially as it's pretty easy to pick up by your self when dropped.

Have a look at cooneyr s reply in this thread... http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?t=57575
And that's just some adventure roads in the Nelson reign, Top of South Island.

Us Christchurch lot would love top show you some places in person when you're down this way.

[Crisis management]

Welcome to KB! Sounds like you've got plenty of time for a decent explore of the country, as others have said start, in Auckland (biggest market for bikes) and have a ball.
I have to be honest and say I'm not sure a DR650 is the best choice for seriously long trip. I'd look at something with better comfort and fuel range.

Now, let all hell break loose! :shit:

As a thought, it may be possible to rent a bike for that length of time but I suspect you may be better off buying. Be worth checking the prices.

Have a good poke through these threads and get some decent maps so you can start to put pictures with places and we will attempt to help / confuse you as much as possible.

[young1]

Dont forget to include the "Naki" in your travels (Taranaki - I am in New Plymouth) I am more than happy to show you around here!

[Blackbird]

Buy yourself a copy of the New Zealand Motorcycle Atlas by Peter Mitchell ISBN 10:1-877302-32-5. It has routes, photos and "grin rating" for various rides. it's the best book on the market. I think that Amazon UK has it.

[Macktheknife]

Also, NZ is a place of great beauty, even the onroad stuff is amazing. Plenty of us on here would love to meet you for an Ale and a yarn, and suggest some good routes to take.
Do you have anything in particular that you want to do/see/experience?
I am assuming you chose NZ as a destination for some specific reasons.... I have a friend from Cornwall who is currently doing his US leg of the world tour and will be back this way in January, he will have some very specific tips for you. Stay in touch.
Mack

[cooneyr]

Heaps of Adventure Riding to be had here (I know more South Island myself). The Rainbow station is worth a look, It is open to the Public from 1 Dec to something like end of March. Only Mentioned that ones times because most the rest of my favourites are open much more of the year. Molesworth is another with a limited season and is still a good run but a little more barren and much more tame as in any car or bike could do it.

Lot's of us like the DR650 for Adventuring now especially as it's pretty easy to pick up by your self when dropped.

Have a look at cooneyr s reply in this thread... http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?t=57575
And that's just some adventure roads in the Nelson reign, Top of South Island.

Us Christchurch lot would love top show you some places in person when you're down this way.

Whot he said. The DR is a good mount if you dont mind a 200km fuel range and the seat. 200km is fine in the mainland if riding during the day but after hours can be limiting. Wont be quite as much of a problem in the north island. The seat isnt "that bad" but most seem to want to change it.

If you give me two points in the Sth island I'll hopefully have a reasonable Adv route between them that stays off the seal as much as possible (I'm a bit of a map freak). Your most welcome to join us on a ride from Chch when you are in the area. :cool:

Cheers R

[Freebird]

Careful, my wife and I did the same thing for 3 months a year and a half ago moved out 1 year ago and loving it. If I get the time I'll post a list of must do's where in Yorkshire are you, we moved out from Preston Lancs. my Blackbird and I spent many a happy Sunday round Yorkshire. When you come out give me a shout when your in the Wellington area and I'll show you around.

[ceebie13]

...i too am a pom and i live in napier (hawkes bay), when you get here and you are over this way gimme a shout and i will buy you a beer.


Hey, Scrubs... take my advice mate... Accept nothing more than a beer from this man...if he offers directions, just politely refuse...he'll have you going round in circles and there and back again to see how far it is!!!

He means well though...don't you Lee? :)

[canarlee]

Hey, Scrubs... take my advice mate... Accept nothing more than a beer from this man...if he offers directions, just politely refuse...he'll have you going round in circles and there and back again to see how far it is!!!

He means well though...don't you Lee? :)

i have allways admitted i am directionally challenged!


i mean how i ended up here when i was meant to go to india i dont know...........

[scrubs]

Wow.. Thanks for the overwhelming response of invites and advice lads.
I really apperciate it, Cheers!

I realsise the range will be limitied with a DR650 so I am hoping
to pick one up with an after market tank and I'll probably just bung
a sheep skin on it to save my arse a bit of ache.

The reason why I was inclined to go for this bike is I have an inside leg length
of an umpa lumpa, so my bike choice is somewhat limitied. I also like
the fact that this is probably one of the lightest dual sports in the
650 class (one of the reasons I am getting shut of my F650GS)
which is enough to bring on a bout of severe piles trying to lift it out
of the mud. I'm thinking of a bike budget of around $4000 NZ
do you think it's feesible or am I a bit shy in my budget?
I'm not too bothered how old the bike is as long as its mechanically
solid, it can look like shit for all I care. I intend to buy and then resell
before I leave... Which might present another problem :D

The passes ride in February looks fantastic by the way! :D

[cooneyr]

.......I realsise the range will be limitied with a DR650 so I am hoping
to pick one up with an after market tank and I'll probably just bung
a sheep skin on it to save my arse a bit of ache.......
......... I'm thinking of a bike budget of around $4000 NZ
do you think it's feesible or am I a bit shy in my budget?
I'm not too bothered how old the bike is as long as its mechanically
solid, it can look like shit for all I care. I intend to buy and then resell
before I leave... Which might present another problem :D.......

Good luck finding a DR650 with an after market tank. I think I've seen one with an IMS for sale in the last couple of years - not that I'm constantly watching the for sale adds though. Also $4k is probably just a little light unless your are lucky. Would be far easier to get one for $5k to $5.5k.

Cheers R

[FROSTY]

Bike wise check out www.trademe.co.nz (http://www.trademe.co.nz) its our equivilant of ebay
If you're clever youll buy a new unused tank in the uk and bring it with ya. You probably wont be able to take it home once its used

[Crisis management]

Good luck finding a DR650 with an after market tank. I think I've seen one with an IMS for sale in the last couple of years - not that I'm constantly watching the for sale adds though. Also $4k is probably just a little light unless your are lucky. Would be far easier to get one for $5k to $5.5k.

Cheers R

My principle reason for suggesting some other bike than the DR.....you will struggle to buy anything other than a standard DR (remember that in Auckland there are probably a total of 4 DR's for sale at any one time, not a huge choice).
You won't have time to modify a DR other than fit a pack rack and tyres so if stock is not workable then look for something else.
Pricewise, 6k would be a safer bet, you will actually be able to buy something useful then. You may get a cheaper bike but if you want 20k kms of trouble free riding you will have to be very lucky with your purchase.
You mention you are a short arse (thank you, yes I am this polite in real life too), so have you tried riding a DR? I understand your concern about the weight but the additional height of the DR over the F650 is significant.
How about a KLR, it may be a better alternative all round?

When are you arriving? We have a ride in the Waikato the first weekend in December that would be a great introduction.........:whistle:

Keep us posted here, should be a neat trip!

[cooneyr]

......You mention you are a short arse (thank you, yes I am this polite in real life too), so have you tried riding a DR? I understand your concern about the weight but the additional height of the DR over the F650 is significant.
How about a KLR, it may be a better alternative all round?.....

Steady - a KLR is even taller than a DR with no "easy" option to lower it. In saying that though RedKLR650 is a "short arse" and defiantly doesn't seem to have any problems. Generally more expensive than a DR as well.

If fuel range is a problem get yourself a 5l fuel bottle as you wont need it that much and the cost of the IMS $370 ish vs $10. I've been doing this for the past year and it works fine with it strapped to the back of the seat. I'm going to get a IMS 18l but only cause cause most others I ride with have about a 300km range.

Cheers R

[Crisis management]

Steady - a KLR is even taller than a DR with no "easy" option to lower it. Cheers R

I realise this, but was thinking of a better "package", range, comfort etc. If he's going to have all his possesions on the bike for 5 months there are probably a few other considerations than the ability to leap tall buildings.......

[scrubs]

Yeah I reckon a KLR could work also. I've not ridden a DR but I understand the seat height is same as my CRM but most probably a little wider in the seat
but I reckon I would manage. I'll make up and bring some adjustable dogbones out with me anyway so I won't be so limitied in my bike choice. I'm hoping to be there late December/early Jan.

[clint640]

G'day Mate, You'll be able to have a good look around withe that much time. Good call above on the NZ motorcycle atlas. CooneyR is right about just getting a 5L fuel can rather than worrying about a big tank, it's not often you NEED 300+km range in NZ, but it is handy at times.

I'm near Rotorua so get in touch when you're in the area - I need very little prompting to saddle up the KTM & showing a visitor some of the local backroads is more than enough excuse.

For some inspiration, check out my trip reports over on advrider.com, search the ride reports forum for threads started by clintnz.

Cheers
Clint

[scrubs]

Cheers Clint :niceone:

I actually found this site through a post on ADVrider somewhere
I initially posted a question in the regional forums there but got no replies.
I'll check it out!

[scrubs]

Ahhhhh! The Gerbil Gang:D

I had already read some of your reports a few days ago on my searches
infact I think I may have even got the link to this site in one of your posts :D
Some great rides there mate, they look fantastic!

Whats the deal with camping. Would I likely get into any bother by
pitching a tent on what seemed like a quiet field? or is it likely I'd get
awoken by a copper, farmer or drunk at 2am?

[clint640]

Usually best to ask if you want to camp on someone's farm. National parks & reserves, riverbanks etc are fair game unless signposted otherwise & constitute a fair bit of the countryside over here. There are lots of basic $5/night DOC campgrounds on public land too. Check out doc.govt.nz for lists of all the public campsites & huts.

Cheers
Clint

[mstriumph]

..................like places worth
seeing .............

it's ALL worth seeing ------- even the bits that aren't :msn-wink:

[fergie]

Thanks for choosing NZ, im sure you will have a great time over here, well done forun members for the great advice.:niceone:

[_Shrek_]

Yeah I reckon a KLR could work also. I've not ridden a DR but I understand the seat height is same as my CRM but most probably a little wider in the seat
but I reckon I would manage. I'll make up and bring some adjustable dogbones out with me anyway so I won't be so limitied in my bike choice. I'm hoping to be there late December/early Jan.

hiya srubs welcome have you thought of a trasnalpine 650 bit dearer than the Dr but comfy & reliable?
anyway when you get down to the mainland some of us can take you out back Nth Canterbury place to stay as well & you can camp just about any where

cya when ya get here
keith

[RedKLR650]

Steady - a KLR is even taller than a DR with no "easy" option to lower it. In saying that though RedKLR650 is a "short arse" and defiantly doesn't seem to have any problems.Cheers R

Jeeze Ryan, I take offence to that :bash:, it's not my arse that's short, it's my legs..... :woohoo:

Anyway you're right though, I'm only 5'8"on a good day and have no problems with the KLR. :yes::apumpin: and the 23litre tank does have it's advantages.:yes:

I've just completed a 1400km trip to the west coast and back over the weekend, and the seats not too bad either.....:wacko:

All the best in your travels, Stu :scooter:

[cooneyr]

Jeeze Ryan, I take offence to that :bash:, it's not my arse that's short, it's my legs..... :woohoo:

Meaning you have a long arse??? :lol: Was waiting for the flame. :whistle:

Cheers R

[426crasher]

Howdy there scrubs, wot part of yorkshire you from i'm from Hull or should i say scum from Ull. When your down in chistchurch feel free to look us up, only too glad to go for a ride out n a beer. Should be able to put you up for a few nights rest too. I got a road legal WR426 so we could get a few guys together for a dirt ride no problem. I recon you should spend 2 months max north island 3 months south island
Cheers from the crasher

[426crasher]

On the bike issue i recon the dr650 should be on your short list. Are you one up or with a pillion. Honda africa twin would be a good choice if you can find one. The dr seat and tank issue might not be a real problem for you cos you got so much time you dont need to bust your gut to ride big long days. Maybe check out trademe.co.nz for bike prices etc

[Transalper]

This write up from a guy (http://www.wideboyracer.co.uk/)who took an Africa Twin around the country. We had him out on some adventures. He said it got to be a big heavy handful very quickly and a bit of a task trying to pick it up when out alone.

[scrubs]

Cheers Lads!

I'm In Leeds Crasher, Not far from 'ull mate ;D
How comes you're over there now? yer lucky git :D

[mickeyboy]

Scrubs, Call me when you are in Christchurch , i'll show you round the local area and take you down south with a few of the boys. txt me or call me on 027-2080361 or email mickruane@mac.com

[Moki]

If your GS is setup for adventure riding it might be cheapest to simply ship it over. Excess Baggage Co out of Wembley did mine for about 500 quid and a little less going back to the UK. At least then you can have confidence in what you're riding. Plenty of cheepish rides here - have a look at www.bikepoint.co.nz will give you an idea of price to expect. Hey, you may even find that someone in the KB community that may have a spare bike to loan you. Cheers

[426crasher]

Howdy Scrubs Moved out here 4 years ago cos Ull was just too good for a mere peasant like me. It's a bikers dream down here especially if your into the dirt.... like your actually ALLOWED to ride off road round this divine land. Keep us in mind when you hit the gates of CHCH
Chow from the crasher:niceone: