Where to buy camp stove fuel, CO2 cartridges?

[Dutchee]

On our way from the airport to pick up the bike, we'll pick up anything you need. So far - maps and cooker fuel. Think there was something else, but gone blank. Doh, how many co2 cartridges are you after? I take it it's for a tyre repair kit?

What areas of NZ are you looking at riding? I can grab maps from the AA before you land, so that will save one stop, can also grab the fuel - sold in 1L bottles, and that way we can just go straight to the pick-up point, unless you think of something else you're after. South Island is stunning, up north is also lovely (north of Auckland), Wairarapa's pretty. Basically everywhere but Auckland is worth a visit.

I had a quick ride around the lower north island last year (a week) but saw lots and also saw nothing really. South Island we did in just over a week (not all of it) and really didn't see enough. We are a small country but have plenty to see.

Do make sure you've got good rain gear, it's our winter, and it is wet (and pretty miserable). There may be some roads closed due to slips or snow, but usually there's other ways to get everywhere. And yes, your comment about the temperatures would be about right, with the amount of rain we're having, it's not that cold yet (there is a reason NZ comes across as green - ask anyone who came over for the ISDE in 2006, they had 1-2 days of okay weather during the event).

[DrunkenMistake]

Didnt read the other posts, Sorry couldnt be bothered haha,

Most super markets will sell the Stove fuel, and most outdoor stores as well, go to a hunting shop they will sell the fuel as well as C02 shots, as they are used in BB guns etc.

[Stoutheart]

Dutchee:

I sent a PM answering some of your questions, but will answer the other ones here.

As far as CO2 cartridges go, they are for my tyre plugging kit; typically, I carry three of the "large" size ones (16g) or four of the smaller ones (12g) to be able to limp to a proper compressor.

My "rough" itinerary is to spend about 6 days on the North Island, and then 11 days on the South Island. But these allotments can change completely based on weather and what I find interesting. The only areas I'd *really* like to see at this point are: Cape Reinga, Pancake Rocks, Mt. Cook, Abel Tasman Park, Rimutakas, and Invercargill - the northernmost point, the southernmost point, and a few places of interest inbetween.

Ever since I was a kid, I've wanted to visit Antarctica; as the years wear on, I don't know if I'll ever make it. But I figure I'll get as close as I can on this trip in case things don't pan out in the future. I've also been reading the guidebooks on where it might be possible to see penguins in the wild; I've heard about an "Antarctic Exploration" visitor's site in CHCH that might work if I can't find them outside.

Last decision to be made before departure: I have a one-piece Aerostich riding suit that is wonderfully comfortable and has many miles on it - but if I bring it, I'd need some other type of jacket to wear when I'm off the bike as the "astronaut" look is a bit harsh. As an alternative, I could bring my leathers; not quite as comfortable, but a LOT more versatile, as you can wear the jacket off the bike and not look like an alien. Either way, the rain suit and boots are definitely on the packing list.

And to those people who say you should learn something every day - here's today's lesson. If you fill a Thermos bottle with coffee on your ride into work - and strap it to the back of your bike - and the bottle falls off about a mile later - and is IMMEDIATELY run over by the front tyre of a dump truck - it sounds just like a shotgun going off. Don't ask me how I know, I just know, OK?

On our way from the airport to pick up the bike, we'll pick up anything you need. So far - maps and cooker fuel. Think there was something else, but gone blank. Doh, how many co2 cartridges are you after? I take it it's for a tyre repair kit?

What areas of NZ are you looking at riding? I can grab maps from the AA before you land, so that will save one stop, can also grab the fuel - sold in 1L bottles, and that way we can just go straight to the pick-up point, unless you think of something else you're after. South Island is stunning, up north is also lovely (north of Auckland), Wairarapa's pretty. Basically everywhere but Auckland is worth a visit.

I had a quick ride around the lower north island last year (a week) but saw lots and also saw nothing really. South Island we did in just over a week (not all of it) and really didn't see enough. We are a small country but have plenty to see.

Do make sure you've got good rain gear, it's our winter, and it is wet (and pretty miserable). There may be some roads closed due to slips or snow, but usually there's other ways to get everywhere. And yes, your comment about the temperatures would be about right, with the amount of rain we're having, it's not that cold yet (there is a reason NZ comes across as green - ask anyone who came over for the ISDE in 2006, they had 1-2 days of okay weather during the event).

[jim.cox]

on where it might be possible to see penguins in the wild;

Dude, you need to check out the south east coast of the South Island...

Oamaru
The Moeraki Boulders - The "Not The Pancake Rock" Rocks
Otago Peninsula - here be pengiuns and albatrii
Catlins - Coastal route Dunedin to InverVegas is an absolutely awesome ride (or two, or three)
You can end up in the fleshpots of Queenstown via Tutapere, Manapouri and Milford Sound...

[Quasi]

My "rough" itinerary is to spend about 6 days on the North Island, and then 11 days on the South Island. But these allotments can change completely based on weather and what I find interesting. The only areas I'd *really* like to see at this point are: Cape Reinga, Pancake Rocks, Mt. Cook, Abel Tasman Park, Rimutakas, and Invercargill - the northernmost point, the southernmost point, and a few places of interest inbetween.

Hey Soutman - i am about 10min from then northern side of the Rimutakas. Happy to ride you over and onto wellington. Just pm me.

Cheers - Carla

[Stoutheart]

All:

Well, I'm finally enroute to New Zealand. I've created a blog for my trip, although at this point it's more of a travel blog than a riding blog.

If you're interested, the blog is posted at: http://twowheelingnz.blogspot.com

Hope to see you in NZ soon!

Stoutheart

[Dutchee]

Have a safe trip Worked out I should PM my cell # to you, but will do that tomorrow. Thought I'd leave you to get sorted and on the road for the first night in NZ, rather than standing around like a dumbass (I'm good at that).

For those wondering, his flight to NZ wasn't cancelled (plenty were), so he's safely in unzud now, but the timing did mean that it would be dark by the time he's ready to head off on his adventure.

[Rocket]

few good posts on the blog , interesting.

[rickstv]

Hey Southeart, how about letting us know a couple of days early where you will be.

There are a lot of KBers following you on here and there are a lot of spare beds.

And with spare beds come local knowledge and often times, meals too.

Your stay in our country will be more memorable for both you and us

Oh,,by the way, welcome to NZ, sorry about the rain. We call it liquid sunshine.

Should be fine for the next few days though.

Ride shiny side up.
Rick.