Coming to New Zealand for a 6 week tour (Jan-Feb 2011)

**olegeezer** · 14th January 2011, 11:02

Thanks to all for the advice and hospitality! I had heard some time ago that New Zealanders were a friendly and inviting bunch and I agree. Looking forward to meeting as many of you as I can and exploring your country. I hope to do some kind of ride report for those that might be interested.
Cheers,
Joe

**Edbear** · 14th January 2011, 11:13

Originally Posted by olegeezer

Thanks to all for the advice and hospitality! I had heard some time ago that New Zealanders were a friendly and inviting bunch and I agree. Looking forward to meeting as many of you as I can and exploring your country. I hope to do some kind of ride report for those that might be interested.
Cheers,
Joe

We do enjoy it when a tourist goes back and runs a thread with pics about their trip! We're a diverse bunch here so you'll meet all types!

**Highlander** · 14th January 2011, 11:17

Originally Posted by olegeezer

Thanks to all for the advice and hospitality! I had heard some time ago that New Zealanders were a friendly and inviting bunch and I agree. Looking forward to meeting as many of you as I can and exploring your country. I hope to do some kind of ride report for those that might be interested.
Cheers,
Joe

If you have interweb access and update this thread with your likely travel plan every few days some of us might keep an eye out for you and ride for a bit / point you in the right direction.

**shafty** · 14th January 2011, 21:54

Originally Posted by Highlander

When heading to the Eastern side of the North Island, I would suggest doing the Waioeka Gorge (SH2 between Opotiki and Gisborne) and the alternate route between the two points via the East Cape (Highway 35). Fuel can be a bit scarce depending on time of day and day of week around there but Mr Shafty's ST should do that on a tank without issue.
Gisborne to Napier is well worth doing while you are in the neighbourhood.

In General If it were me I'd be looking to spend as much time as I can off State Highway 1.

Highlander, tut tut.... Joe will be punting my Orient Express packing 29 litres of Go Juice, Mate, it IS a mobile gas station!

Good road recommendations Guys, keep 'em coming, Joe is a good Bloke.

Keep an eye out for a red ST1300 with a KB sticker on the screen.......

**Highlander** · 15th January 2011, 18:10

Originally Posted by shafty

Highlander, tut tut.... Joe will be punting my Orient Express packing 29 litres of Go Juice, Mate, it IS a mobile gas station!

That is the one thing I don't like about my Beemer, listed as a 17 litre tank. Fuel warning lights up at about 230km. Have managed to sneak 300km two up, but it took 17.2 litres to fill it.

The rest of the package still gives me a buzz every time I ride it so having to think a bit more about fuel stops is a small price to pay.

**olegeezer** · 16th January 2011, 10:03

Since I plan on burning quite a few hydro-carbons, what is the current price, NZD/liter?? And what grades (octane) are normally found at the pump. Here in the US I burn premium fuel in the ST13.

**nadroj** · 16th January 2011, 11:53

98 is available at some towns however the norm is 95 @ around $2.04 / litre, or 91 at $1.98ish. The best mix is 50/50.

**olegeezer** · 16th January 2011, 13:19

Nadroj, that is about double what we pay here. But still less than the Europeans are paying. But if you are going to ride, you're gonna have to pay.....eh?
At least we are getting pretty good economy on the scooter.

**Highlander** · 16th January 2011, 18:05

Check this out....
http://www.pricewatch.co.nz/default.aspx enter their code thingy on the front page and then you can mouse over the area of the country you are in and see the range of prices in that region.

Most Petrol Stations will have a selection of fuel grades (91, 95/96 and some have 98), some of the more remote General Store type places will have only 91 and charge a bit more than the average for it - beats the heck out of pushing though!!

**pete376403** · 16th January 2011, 18:15

Originally Posted by shafty

Highlander, tut tut.... Joe will be punting my Orient Express packing 29 litres of Go Juice, Mate, it IS a mobile gas station!

Good road recommendations Guys, keep 'em coming, Joe is a good Bloke.

Keep an eye out for a red ST1300 with a KB sticker on the screen.......

What sort of range does a full tank get you when riding at more or less legal speeds?

**shafty** · 16th January 2011, 18:23

Originally Posted by pete376403

What sort of range does a full tank get you when riding at more or less legal speeds?

The Pan Euro has a computer which calculates your average consumption, plus gives you a countdown to empty etc etc

I have ridden from Tauranga to Kawakawa before topping up, giving a range to empty of 520kms. I know other riders have exceeded that by a bit. Depends on the right wrist etc etc

Very reassuring on long distance Rusty Nuts type rides (www.rustynuts.co.nz )

**Highlander** · 17th January 2011, 01:41

Hey Joe,
I guess you have been looikng through this site for suggestions but have you seen this thread: http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/sh...-on-this-route mapping out a suggested route for 8 days in the South.

**olegeezer** · 17th January 2011, 04:17

Highlander, thanks for that referral. I read the Canadians' thread, good info there.
I am feeling mighty fortunate to have 6 weeks to tour with!! 2 days till departure!!

**Quasi** · 17th January 2011, 05:32

Hey Joe,
Looking forward to meeting soon. Safe travels

**STJim** · 17th January 2011, 17:16

Originally Posted by olegeezer

Highlander, thanks for that referral. I read the Canadians' thread, good info there.
I am feeling mighty fortunate to have 6 weeks to tour with!! 2 days till departure!!

Pete whose bike you will be riding is well known to us in Hamilton. If you are through Hamilton you are welcom to give me a call. Happy to accomodate you for a night or two as well Phone 021 901557 or 07 8473700 business hours or 07 8433119 after hours.
Cheers and enjoy
Jim