The far end of the world...

**motophil** · 15th October 2009, 22:00

...that's where we're going. Or, coming from, from your point of view

- Germany.

That's us, last year on the balkan:

We will be arriving in Auckland on Dec. 11. A friend in NZ that I know from times back in when we were working Ireland will deliver a bike that he bought for me (now THAT's a friend!

) to the airport and fly back home south. Here it is:

We've got five weeks to do the big tour of both islands - not plenty, but enough, I hope.

Right now I've started planning the "what not to miss" - haven't got too far yet, but if you have some hints here (besides the tourist spots where everybody goes anyway) they'll be very welcome. Dirt tracks are OK too, but only ones that a standard car would be capable of too, since the bike will be loaded with the two of us plus baggage plus camping gear...

I'll come back for the details as soon as I have a rough plan.

I'm not too satisfied with my map material yet - bought a "world mapping project" 1:1000000 for the overview, got the NZ Open GPS Maps for my eTrex, but I'll need more detailed paper maps I guess. Thought about buying the New Zealand Motorcycle Atlas, but I'd rather like maps than an atlas because it just gives you better overview and works better in a tank bag.

Is there a map set that you can recommend?

Thanks for your help, if you can -

- Philip

**Motoracer** · 15th October 2009, 23:00

Ich Grüße dich,

Ich bin aus Auckland, Neuseeland und habe ich in deinen schönen land seit Januar gewohnt. Dezember und Januar sind super schön in NZ und du kanst dort drüben bestimmt viel spaß haben. Die leute hier in KB sind sehr nett und freundlich. ich glaube werden sie dich die richtige information bald geben.

also, alles gute! Viel spaß nochmal und ich habe auch einen urlaub in Auckland in Januar, daher wenn du da bist und zeit hast, bitte pm mich. Dann können wir zusammen ein paar bierchen trinken.

Mit freundlichen Grüßen
Sudeep

**vindy500** · 15th October 2009, 23:31

ich bin schnappi

**Macktheknife** · 16th October 2009, 02:40

Actually the NZ motorcycle atlas is very worthwhile, fits in a tankbag, shows some truly awesome roads to ride, and a nice memento at the end of it all.
Other than that, have a great time in NZ, you will want to return.
Others will give you lots to work on as destinations and routes, but go South first would be my advice.
Have fun on the tranny.

**motophil** · 20th October 2009, 08:18

Motoracer: Ich bin nur im Dezember auf der Nordinsel, Januar dann auf der Südinsel - schade...

Macktheknife: Thanks. As far as I understand the Atlas is a full mapset of NZ plus the mcycle stuff?

- Philip

**Pixie** · 21st October 2009, 09:46

Map books:
Automobile Association New Zealand Road Atlas

Kiwimaps North Island Complete Drivers Atlas

Kiwimaps South Island Complete Drivers Atlas

http://www.kiwimaps.co.nz/

**clint640** · 21st October 2009, 10:03

The NZ motorcycle atlas is good, it has lots of other general info on touring NZ & many of the great bike routes highlighted. For more detail I often also take the NZ AA (free to members) maps - these have most road names marked on them & are a handy pocket/tankbag size.

Keep us posted as to your travels - you are welcome to camp at my place near Rotorua if you travel this way.

Cheers
Clint

**crazyhorse** · 21st October 2009, 10:07

Have a wonderful 5 weeks travelling around New Zealand.

**Beemer** · 26th October 2009, 18:02

Feel free to contact us - so far we've had five or six German couples to stay and have enjoyed their company. Have a look at the thread called "anyone heading our way?"

We are just north of Levin (about 100kms north of Wellington) and have a big spare room and secure garaging. Let us know when you will be in our area - it's likely we will be home and you could stay a night or two.

**triple-bee** · 26th October 2009, 18:29

Spent a lot of time touring Germany when we lived in the UK got a good mate in the Rhine valley, Can give you a bed and garage when u are in Christchurch let us know

**Pedrostt500** · 26th October 2009, 18:33

There are 2 map books by Kiwi Pathfinder, that cover north island and South island, Called respectivly, North Island Complete Drivers Atlas, and South Island Complete Drivers Atlas, they have all the country roads indexed in both Islands, available at most Service Stations, for about $35.00 each. Good for planing a ride around some of the less traveled roads.

**Guzza** · 26th October 2009, 21:18

If you intend to pass through the McKenzie Country, stop in Omarama and spend an hour at this place.
http://hottubsomarama.co.nz

**motophil** · 30th October 2009, 19:42

Got the motorcycle atlas now and I think it's a good compromise between size and detail, plus it gives what standard country guides lack - what road's worth riding

clint, beemer, triple-bee: Thanks for your kind offers! I will contact you about the details soon. We'll ride from Rotorura to Wellington somwhere between Dec 20 and year's end, so I'm well aware that might interfere with your own holiday plans. Christchurch is the end of the trip around Dec 17.

So see you on the road!

- Philip