JPOnion
28th January 2009, 18:03
Hello everybody!
I've been planning on taking a couple weeks off work in February or March for the last 6 months or so and coming down to (finally) see New Zealand. Unfortunately, work and other stuff getting busy, I suddenly realized last week it's nearing the end of January and I haven't even begun research / planning / anything!
So now the last few days I've been trying to come up with set dates to visit, mainly because I want to get my tickets soon (before prices change) and because, after making an inquiry with a motorcycle rental company in Nelson, I found out March is the busiest bike rental month and rental availability is tight (especially since I'd like to ride a specific bike, an SV650)...so I want to book that soon, too.
I've been browsing the forums here for a little bit today and already found some excellent ideas, though I might as well throw out the main points of interest I want to hit (if I've got enough time in my short 2 week stay) and see if there's any specific comments from locals :niceone: Basically, I'll be flying down from Reno, Nevada to most likely Christchurch, as that's where most the rental companies on the South Island seem to be. I would love to ride the west coast area, especially the road from Haast to Wanaka and Arthurs Pass. I want to spend at least a day in Fjordland, specifically Milford Sound, maybe taking a cruise and acting the tourist part. And, time permitting, spend a couple days in Wellington to see the town and surrounding area.
There are a few things I'm having a bit of trouble getting past that I'm just not used to. Mainly, the switched seasons and different climate system. How is it in early April? That's basically the same as my October, and the town I've lived in for the last 8 years (before moving to Reno earlier last year) that's about when everybody in town, except me, stored the bikes for the winter due to snow. One of the tour companies said March is their busiest month, so I assume, since April is only one month more, the weather is still good...right? I'm pretty much an all-weather rider (oh man, the bad weather from my last tour is a story in itself...) and will bring 4-season gear but would still like the best riding weather I can get. My main concern, though, are the mountain passes, especially getting to the west coast and Milford Sound.
Right now I'm still looking at dates. I only just got confirmation today that I can take a vacation. Depending on when I can find an available bike, the dates I'm looking at are March 7 - March 22, March 21 - April 5, or March 28 - April 12. Subtract a couple days from any of these dates due to flight time and I've got just under 2 weeks in NZ. I can't wait! :ride:
I've been planning on taking a couple weeks off work in February or March for the last 6 months or so and coming down to (finally) see New Zealand. Unfortunately, work and other stuff getting busy, I suddenly realized last week it's nearing the end of January and I haven't even begun research / planning / anything!
So now the last few days I've been trying to come up with set dates to visit, mainly because I want to get my tickets soon (before prices change) and because, after making an inquiry with a motorcycle rental company in Nelson, I found out March is the busiest bike rental month and rental availability is tight (especially since I'd like to ride a specific bike, an SV650)...so I want to book that soon, too.
I've been browsing the forums here for a little bit today and already found some excellent ideas, though I might as well throw out the main points of interest I want to hit (if I've got enough time in my short 2 week stay) and see if there's any specific comments from locals :niceone: Basically, I'll be flying down from Reno, Nevada to most likely Christchurch, as that's where most the rental companies on the South Island seem to be. I would love to ride the west coast area, especially the road from Haast to Wanaka and Arthurs Pass. I want to spend at least a day in Fjordland, specifically Milford Sound, maybe taking a cruise and acting the tourist part. And, time permitting, spend a couple days in Wellington to see the town and surrounding area.
There are a few things I'm having a bit of trouble getting past that I'm just not used to. Mainly, the switched seasons and different climate system. How is it in early April? That's basically the same as my October, and the town I've lived in for the last 8 years (before moving to Reno earlier last year) that's about when everybody in town, except me, stored the bikes for the winter due to snow. One of the tour companies said March is their busiest month, so I assume, since April is only one month more, the weather is still good...right? I'm pretty much an all-weather rider (oh man, the bad weather from my last tour is a story in itself...) and will bring 4-season gear but would still like the best riding weather I can get. My main concern, though, are the mountain passes, especially getting to the west coast and Milford Sound.
Right now I'm still looking at dates. I only just got confirmation today that I can take a vacation. Depending on when I can find an available bike, the dates I'm looking at are March 7 - March 22, March 21 - April 5, or March 28 - April 12. Subtract a couple days from any of these dates due to flight time and I've got just under 2 weeks in NZ. I can't wait! :ride: