South Island accommodation needed. Jan 2008

[Duc]

Me and Missus Duc are thinking of doing a quickish 8/9 day road trip in the first week of January 2008.

Bike is organised but ... Accomodation?

CHCH -Authurs Pass-West Coast Rd down thru Haast Pass - Wanaka - Queenstown - CHCH via Tekapo.

I would prefer not to have to book any accomodation down the West Coast part and take my chances. (ie motel/hotel/backpacker last resort / no tenting)

Anyone know if that area is so busy in this period that we would come unstuck for a place to rest our heads?

[Romeo]

Hey dude, check out TravelBug (http://www.travelbug.co.nz/) - it'll sort out all your accomodation needs easy as! It's a TradeMe venture, and it totally owns.

Alternatively, my old man did a run around those same areas about a year ago. I'll try and dig up all the places he stayed at.

//EDIT: Sorry, the forum he posted all his info on is currently down. But PM ToyCollector10 (http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/member.php?u=8617) and he can send you all the details if you're keen.

[feral1]

don't count on staying in Franz Josef or Fox without a booking in Jan. It can get pretty full. All other places you should be ok (i hope). Enjoy your run
Feral

[Duc]

Thanx for Info.

I had guessed Franz Josef and Fox were key to sorting the trip considering they are in the middle of the long run.

Merry Xmas to all and have a great day.

[feral1]

The "glow worm' backpackers in Franz is mint.
Feral

[98tls]

If you get down as far as Te-Anau then check these guys out at 218 Milford road,awsome little units,cheap at $110 a night and completly self contained.Just got back from spending a few days down there.

[Duc]

Unfortunately my Sth Island Jaunt just fell over.

The bike rental place in CHCH did not want to open up on New Years Day and this was the only day I could pull all the logistics down the line together.

Putting an East Cape / Hawkes Bay (Nth Island) jaunt together now.

I'll save the Sth Island road trip till later. (Just finished flying Qtown / Reefton return in a chopper anyway)

[The Lone Rider]

Who were you renting from?

[Duc]

Sorry I dont want to name them but I do wish they were a little more "tourist business aware" in peak season. Last time I rented from them I had a similar issue (Easter) and had to adapt my travel plans around them.I guess I cant really blame them for wanting to ride on statutory holidays.

Anyway I have rented from another CHCH company with an Auckland office and we are taking a ST1300 Honda away for seven days.

BTW - @ whoever recommended TravelBug earlier on in this thread. !!!!!

TravelBug screwed up bigtime for us and it has taken serious sorting including a route change. We can not do East Cape now.

Dont go near them for booking accomodation or if you do.,..check every booking directly with the operators.

[oldrider]

You should have tried "Rentatriumph" in Christchurch then you would have got a good bike as well! Cheers John.

[trump-lady]

If you need accom in CHCH let me know. My parents have a sleep out with shower etc, lots of room in garage but be warned if its a weekend you will be drinking! They have bikes and always great hosts.......