Around the South Island - Route suggestions

[NighthawkNZ:Me]

Unless you're going north from Timaru......

Correct gets a bit boring there... Timaru to ChCh

[PrincessBandit]

Are you and PB still planning to make this trip? If so it looks like there may be a few other Northern KBers down here about the same time. Time for a get-together perhaps?

We are still planning to do the trip; bikes both just had their 24k km service...all itching to go!
At this stage we're not planning to get right down the far end of the SI. although I'm going to pm oldrider to see if he and mrs o'r are interested in meeting somewhere between CHCH and his abode. Balu suggested he and i could get down as far as Tekapo or Mt. Cook on a day trip from Rangiora. Anyone interested in meeting up, we'd be happy to see what we can do!

[Big Dave]

The SH1 Kaikoura Coast is wonderful.

[Jantar]

Lunch at Mt Cook or Tekapo sounds like a great idea.

[Usarka]

I've done down the west coast and up the east and it's not too shabby either. Make sure you take time to enjoy the scenery it's easy to get caught up in the road.

riding places like this is the one time i wish i smoked - compulsory nicotine sit on a rock breaks.

Just don't go to Christchurch it's full of retarded inbred rednecks.

[rocketman1]

Just got back last week, doing 1 month around the SI.
Most of what has been said is correct.
Some places you just have to do in the sunshine, to appreciate the views, and get the best out the roads.
If the weather forecast says rain, piss off the other way, if you can
Note there are big distances between petrol stations especially on the west cost.
Roads on the whole are much better than NI roads, (built on rock), down south invercargill roads more like up here.
Also watch the forecast for highwinds, especially down Catlins, can get cold too.
Good luck getting to Milford Sound dry, it rains 220 days out of 365.
Mckenzie country probably best roads in my opinion
Take care and enjoy.
Dont rush, stop and smell the roses!!!!