Finally here!

**idada** · 18th January 2012, 08:24

Ok so I've been in New Zealand since late October. My container arrived a couple of weeks ago and I picked up my bike last Friday. I rode it (against my better judgement) to the VTNZ for inspections. They called me on Monday to say it was all done but the brake declaration. (which I could do myself and bring it back) Did that and as of today I'm officially legal to ride the bike (on a US license for now). Now I can rant about the ridiculous fees for getting rego's here!!! The best part is my first legal day of riding the clouds parted and the sun shined down!! There must be divine providence in riding a bike!! Thanks to all of you who helped with answers along the way.
Final tally on costs and fees bringing my bike for US to NZ:
$350US for customs
$400NZ for Standard of Compliance
$266NZ for Entry Certification including WOF
$330NZ for Rego (6month)
Shipping was $7000US + $700NZ for MAF but that was for a 40 ft container with everything we owned (MAF inspected 43 boxes plus the bike and all passed easily) The bike was cleaned with 2 bottles of Motorcycle cleaner and elbow grease prior to shipping.
Total shipping time was just short of 3 months over the holidays which we expected. Overall totally positive outcomes..
**only negative (besides all the cash I'm out) the bike fell over during transport (strap came loose) BUT it rode the entire way resting nicely against our mattresses!! One slight rub mark on rear fender and that's it!**

**rickstv** · 18th January 2012, 08:49

Welcome in. Where abouts in NZ are you? your location still shows Virginia. I hope New Zealand turns out to be everything you hoped for and the twisty roads here live up to your expectations.

Rick.

**White trash** · 18th January 2012, 09:14

3 months shipping from US to here! Jesus, was your box on the Rena?

Congratulations on getting everything sorted in time to enjoy the best part of our summer.

**Grant`** · 18th January 2012, 11:37

Lucky those matresses were so well placed to catch ya pride and joy!

Hope you enjoy the riding on NZ road's plenty of rides organised around the place, good time to get in with the local crowd where your living.

G

**pritch** · 18th January 2012, 11:40

Welcome - and enjoy the nice weather while it lasts

**idada** · 6th March 2012, 09:46

Originally Posted by rickstv

Welcome in. Where abouts in NZ are you? your location still shows Virginia. I hope New Zealand turns out to be everything you hoped for and the twisty roads here live up to your expectations.

Rick.

Sorry, new job doesn't get me much time to get back on here that often. I'm actually in West Harbour and work in Henderson so I've found a nice back road to and from work that I get to enjoy every day. One time of sitting on the motorway reminded me too much of home so I started looking for a more scenic route! I've only made one extra trip so far out to Muriwai Beach. Nice ride that's got me begging for more. Hopefully the weather stays nice a little longer.

**gijoe1313** · 6th March 2012, 09:50

Glad to hear you got all your stuff! You'll have a ball finding out all the local good roads and getting used to the lingo used by the natives! (sussing it out is all part of the charm!

) Enjoy and ride safely!

**Edbear** · 6th March 2012, 10:01

Originally Posted by gijoe1313

Glad to hear you got all your stuff! You'll have a ball finding out all the local good roads and getting used to the lingo used by the natives! (sussing it out is all part of the charm!

) Enjoy and ride safely!

Wot 'e sed! Welcome!

**Zedder** · 6th March 2012, 10:04

Welcome. Yep, lots of good roads to explore and here's an example of a local one plus a native place name:

Kaukapakapa (pronounced Cowcoppacoppa) through to Wellsford on State Highway 16, 46kms one way. There's plenty of riders who do it regularly so there's no lack of guides.

**baptist** · 10th March 2012, 18:23

Originally Posted by Zedder

Welcome. Yep, lots of good roads to explore and here's an example of a local one plus a native place name:

Kaukapakapa (pronounced Cowcoppacoppa) through to Wellsford on State Highway 16, 46kms one way. There's plenty of riders who do it regularly so there's no lack of guides.

And lots more to boot, even Scenic Drive can be nice for a quick run out. Enjoy the West (not cowboys, westies!!!!)