South Island Trip

[MadDuck]

A warning to all South Islanders.... there is a moving chicane coming your way in the form of Harley-riding, hobbit-sized female

Yep its true I am finally bringing the bike across on the the big boat. I got invited to some kind of party in Christchurch so decided - “ROAD TRIP”. Hell why not.

The biggest unknown for me is the ferry but I have used the search function on here so am now so full of the knowledge (ahem) of KB. Lets see how it goes in real life. I have ratchet tie downs and am pretty sure I can remember how to tie a bike down. It's been a while though. I guess the worst thing that can happen is that it will fall over.

So plan is arrive on the ferry on the March 18th after a night in Wellington. I have accommodation booked along the way so as not to have to sleep on the side of the road. I am way to old and soft for that carry on. I have to be in Christchurch on the 23rd and am heading down the West Coast as I haven't been over that side of the island before. Route will be Picton > Hokitika > Wanaka > Invercargill > Oamaru > Christchurch. I am planning to return in February 2013 to travel different roads.

So if anyone has nothing better to do any of those days give me a shout and be my friend as I will be Ducky-No-Friends for most of it not that that bothers me in the least. Although I have pre-warned one who is probably about now finding another country to hide out in as I pass through

I did think about doing one of them blog things like TOTO and Gremlin but I don't have the patience to put that many words together. I prefer pictures. Now where is that tag at the moment you Southerners?

I am kind of looking forward to it...just a little bit.

[scumdog]

The whole South Island is fleeing...

[jrandom]

Good shit MD. You'll enjoy it. Best place in the world to ride a motorbike.

[pritch]

If you are going to be there in autumn, from Oamaru a detour up the Waitaki valley to Otematata ,Twizel, Fairlie, Christchurch might be worth it?

Longer than just riding up the coast but more interesting.

[jrandom]

Route will be Picton > Hokitika > Wanaka > Invercargill > Oamaru > Christchurch.

I recommend going Invercargill > Alexandra > Twizel > Geraldine > Christchurch instead. Cancel your accommodation at Oamaru and book a room out at Mt Cook village. It's absolutely worth the small detour.



And if you don't mind a few (well, a hundred or so) extra miles when you leave Invers, do what I did and hook around through the Catlins for a cuppa with scumdog before heading up to Alex.

[MadDuck]

The whole South Island is fleeing...

They wont have to flee very fast.

If you are going to be there in autumn, from Oamaru a detour up the Waitaki valley to Otematata ,Twizel, Fairlie, Christchurch might be worth it?

Yes that is my plan. I have driven that way before but it was rather a long time ago.

And if you don't mind a few (well, a hundred or so) extra miles when you leave Invers, do what I did and hook around through the Catlins for a cuppa with scumdog before heading up to Alex.

Plan is to head through Cromwell and Alex from Wanaka. The whole reason for me heading to Invercargill is to go through the Catlins which is why I thought Oamaru would be the best for the night of that day. Also theres some little peguins I would like to visit....well I never will visit them at Philip Island.

Cheers for all the suggestions. I am totally flexible and can change my schedule to suit...well to suit me!

[MIXONE]

Hang a right off the ferry.Follow your nose until you return to the same place X weeks later.
Best riding to be had.

[FJRider]

They wont have to flee very fast.

A sedate walk type flee you mean ... (most likely hear you coming anyway)

Yes that is my plan. I have driven that way before but it was rather a long time ago.

A woman is allowed to change her mind (and plans ... apparently)

Plan is to head through Cromwell and Alex from Wanaka. The whole reason for me heading to Invercargill is to go through the Catlins which is why I thought Oamaru would be the best for the night of that day. Also theres some little peguins I would like to visit....well I never will visit them at Philip Island.

When you get to Alex ... you will be informed on the location of the NZ wide tag.

Cheers for all the suggestions. I am totally flexible and can change my schedule to suit...well to suit me!

There are plenty of bikers on here, with plenty of advice (and suggestions) for flexible female bikers ...

[FJRider]

Being a norfie ... a must -do visit is here. (to drop off/pick up tag)

[MadDuck]

There are plenty of bikers on here, with plenty of advice (and suggestions) for flexible female bikers ...

Yes I believe there are

Being a norfie ... a must -do visit is here

I have been there. Was a while ago though so a new photo is probably over due

[caseye]

Take care down there aye MD and go look up that scummy old guy for us please.
Enjoy the ride mate.

[MadDuck]

Enjoy the ride mate.

Cheers Caseye. I am sure I will have a most awesome adventure.

I will have you know that Macka has given me very good lessons on how to "zip" a bag up correctly so it should be all good this trip

[caseye]

LOL, Oh that hurts, sorry mate, I didn't mention anything about it! BUTT now you mention it I should have added.
Don't forget to close da Zippa aye girly!
Enjoy Mon Cherie and come home safe.

[MadDuck]

Made it to Picton. Had a cruisy day given yesterdays big ride. Hokitika 2moro. What an awesome country we live in

[FJRider]

Made it to Picton. Had a cruisy day given yesterdays big ride. Hokitika 2moro. What an awesome country we live in

No problems at customs ... ????

Well done girl ... you will find a distinct lack of traffic on the roads down here. They heard you were coming ...