Winter conditions...

[CosmicCastaway]

Hello there!

I'll be arriving in NZ in a couple of weeks time for roughly about 12 months (from the UK). Now even though I know it's getting into winter , I'll be looking at picking up something like a Yamaha XT600 (or similar), second hand when I arrive and using that to get about. A car is obviously the more sensible option, but where's the adventure in that?!

What I'm looking for is some sort of idea of the conditions I can expect on the roads. Probably cold and wet I know, but is it going to be rideable? Any other advice on riding in NZ for a foreign-type like me?

Cheers!

[wari]

Hello there!

I'll be arriving in NZ in a couple of weeks time for roughly about 12 months (from the UK). Now even though I know it's getting into winter , I'll be looking at picking up something like a Yamaha XT600 (or similar), second hand when I arrive and using that to get about. A car is obviously the more sensible option, but where's the adventure in that?!

What I'm looking for is some sort of idea of the conditions I can expect on the roads. Probably cold and wet I know, but is it going to be rideable? Any other advice on riding in NZ for a foreign-type like me?

Cheers!

:spudwave: ... THe XT'll be furr-feck mate ...

YA can ride all year round ... piece a piss ..

WHat parrta the place arre ya goin' to ?

[CosmicCastaway]

WHat parrta the place arre ya goin' to ?

Probably starting up in Auckland, then pretty much playing it by ear from then on in. Got a few people down in Christchurch I need to visit, but really and truly I shall go where the fancy takes me until my money runs out. Not really on a time-limit so the sky is the limit really.

[wari]

Probably starting up in Auckland, then pretty much playing it by ear from then on in. Got a few people down in Christchurch I need to visit, but really and truly I shall go where the fancy takes me until my money runs out. Not really on a time-limit so the sky is the limit really.

NO Plan isda best plan ..

I Recko-mend gittin' outta auckland assoonas to con-serve yurr funds .. fur morre import-ant stuff ... like ...

[Mooch]

Still lots of riding to be done during winter with a few motorcycle rallies during the winter , but some parts of NZ does get ice on the roads . Day light will run out shorlty after 5:00 pm So you'll need to watch the cold (especialy down the South Island).
It's worth getting a motorcycle jounery book call the Great Escapes which wil give you all the info you should need. http://www.mcycle.co.nz/reviews.html

[Holy Roller]

North of Auckland not be all that cold mainly wet different story south.
Cold wet or icy but there are some fantastic winter days for riding. Best ask your friends in Christchurch what to expect in road conditions, just watch for corners that don't get any or little sun ice can be there most of the day even here in the Bay of Plenty. Though frosty mornings usually mean a great day ahead. Enjoy your time over here safe

[CosmicCastaway]

Great! Thanks for all the info. I should imagine I'll probably be staying in the north island for most of the winter months, seems sensible if the conditions are a bit rougher down south. Really looking forward to exploring NZ on two wheels.

Anyone got any suggestions as to good brands for leathers / helmets and such? I'm sure there must be some decent NZ companies churning out the kit.

[Lou Girardin]

Great! Thanks for all the info. I should imagine I'll probably be staying in the north island for most of the winter months, seems sensible if the conditions are a bit rougher down south. Really looking forward to exploring NZ on two wheels.

Anyone got any suggestions as to good brands for leathers / helmets and such? I'm sure there must be some decent NZ companies churning out the kit.

When you get here, call into Auckland M/Cycles and Power Sports, I'll give you some maps and suggest some routes and you can check out some kit, drool over bikes and have a coffee or three.

[Pwalo]

From the horror stories we hear over here about the UK riding over here will be a breeze.

Just watch out for those Aucklanders (affectionately know as JAFAs by other Kiwis).

[250learna]

well if you come down wellington ways make sure you put some stones in the backpack...sinkers also do the tick (pick em up at your local fishing shop).
This way the wind will be less likely to lift you off your bike

[Blakamin]

Bloody winter better be alright for riding.... or I'm going to have to walk 100km's a day!

seriously, it'll be fine!

[XTC]

Mmmmm Xt600...........

[Fart]

Careful riding down in the South Island. Wet and ice on the roads is not a good mix.

[Wolf]

There are few places in NZ where you couldn't ride all year around. Even Waiuru is possible - not comfortable, but possible - and that's probably the worst hole in the country.

If you're from the UK, you've probably experienced far worse than we have here - so far as cold, ice and snow go, anyway. You'll just have to get used to these new-fangled monsoons we've been getting lately

[CosmicCastaway]

When you get here, call into Auckland M/Cycles and Power Sports, I'll give you some maps and suggest some routes and you can check out some kit, drool over bikes and have a coffee or three.

I'll be sure to look you up!

The time for getting on the plane just isn't coming round soon enough darn it.

Cheers for all the advice!