Please help me plan a 1-2 week holiday for May/June 2013?

[bosslady]

Hi All, I have never had any more than a few days off in a row since I started working with the company I'm with now (3 years) and once my asst. is trained up, I will be strongly encouraged (read, forced) to take at least 1-2 weeks annual leave. And to be honest, I don't forsee the opportunity for such a long break reappearing for at least another year, maybe more SO I would like to make the very most of what I can get.

I am in my mid 20's and ashamedly have seen very little of NZ. I think the furthest north I've been is Mangawhai (maybe?) and the furthest south of the country I've been is Wellington, once, a couple years ago. I've never even been to the South Island... Therefore I thought I am getting a rare break from work, I have a new found hobby/love, I really want to see more of our country (it's embarrassing that I've spent bugger all time outside of Auckland!) and if I don't plan something I know that I will just stay home and watch day time tv the WHOLE time.

I was wondering if any body could offer any (helpful, constructive) advice on anything from routes, sightseeing/attractions, accommodation, eateries, bike gear i.e. clothing, equipment i.e. gps???, anything I should do to/add to my bike or even any consumables or comforts I should/could take with me. I really want to plan this as well as I can so as to have as little (inconvenient, stressful, annoying) mishaps or surprises as possible. I also want to have a blast and meet new people if I can and the other reason for planning so far in advance of course is I need to save! I know May/June isn't exactly summer, but I will have to take what I can get...

Just to throw in here quickly - I want to make sure I visit some family I haven't seen for quite a few years (and hey, not going to lie I'll prob stay with them a night or two as well to save on accom!). I have family in Hastings, Waipawa and Palmerston North so stops there are a must. I also have an Aunt that I think is still in Christchurch and a girlfriend there I'd like to visit too. Also clearly I will be travelling on my own... unless anyone wants to come with but I doubt it, lol.

Please help!




So here's what I have so far in the way of suggestions/tips/advice...

POSSIBLE ROUTES/ATTRACTIONS:
* http://maps.google.co.nz/maps?saddr=...ra=ls&t=m&z=11
*

Just so you can get a feel for the distances. This is the trip I did by car in 1 week over christmas: https://maps.google.co.nz/maps?saddr...t=h&mra=ls&z=7

And go to Nelson and Golden Bay. Stop at the Abel Tasman National Park. Golden Bay has one of the most beautiful beaches ever. Wharariki Beach https://www.google.co.nz/search?q=wh...w=1234&bih=897, deep white sand and a big rock arch. But it is 20 minutes or so on the gravel road to get there.

From Nelson you can go south via the Nelson Lakes, it's beautiful there, and go to Hanmer Springs or the west coast. In country roads are much more windy than the coastal roads and try to avoid the east coast roads they are pretty boring. Although whale watching in Kaikoura is pretty amazing.

Arthurs Pass village, nice road, but aside of getting petrol there is not much going on in the village. There are some days 1.5 or so hour hikes up to several day trips you can do there. But other than that, don't bother staying there if you don't have to.

*

off the ferry, Queen Charlotte drive to Havelock, SHW 6 to Nelson, then SWH 6 all the way down through Buller gorge, Greymouth, Hasst Pass, Wanaka, then over the Crown range then back onto SHW 6 either turn right & head to Arrow town then Queens town & head further south from there or right & head to Central via Cromwell, Alexandra ... etc

*

Do Queen Charlotte Dr towards Picton as the viewing spots are on the water side of the road at a tight BLIND corner and you are not alowed to cross the road. Drive to Havelock and drive back toward Picton for about 10km Then drive back to Havelock, brunch at the Mussel Pot magic. regards Richard

* Need to use my motorcycle atlas and write down a list of things/sights I want to see/visit


ACCOMMODATION
* Get a copy of Jasons.co.nz so that I can look at some places to stay
* Grease up to some KBr's so that I can bunk at theirs, must still aquire said list!
* Friend in Taupo if needed (thanks Grashopper, haha)
* Family in Hastings
* Family in Waipawa
* Famly in Palmerston


GEAR I MAY NEED
* Textile waterproof jacket with a liner TICK
* Textile waterproof pants with a liner TICK Although I am considering if perhaps I should go up a size in pants because I struggle as it is with mine, fit well but my legs are long so they don't go down as far as I'd like. and I'd like to get some more layers under there
* Get some waterproof gloves Tried these on at Cyclespot Honda http://www.revzilla.com/product/alpi...ore-tex-gloves think I might get them when I have the $$
* Get some waterproof boots Still not 100% sure about this
* Tent?
* Thermals (merino perhaps?) (How many different sets of thermals though I wonder?)
* Get some waterproof/touring socks (how many pairs????)
* Do up an itinerary
* Locator beacon? Going with someone possibly now so not entirely sure this is necessary?
* High Visibility Vest just in case.. TICK
* Pocket warmers?
* Balaclava
* Rain Jacket/Pants
* Topbox
* Can I get a charger for my phone to attach to my bike?
* Should I take some kind of jump start battery?
* New Tyres

OTHER STUFF

* I definitely don't want to travel any more than 300-400km MAX so I don't spend my whole tripe riding
* Possibly stay 2 nights at each stop (in the SI anyway) so I can do some proper looking around and such?
* I want at least two thirds of my trip in the SI
* Cut off time for riding each day is 4pm(ish). I can't ride between 10pm and 5pm because of my license restrictions - but I don't want to ride in the dark any way....
* I have roadside assistance but just checked and it's SUPER basic. I emailed last week and asked how much it would cost to upgrade to the extensive or whatever package
* Do up an itinerary
* Need to read the ferry thread re: tying down my bike
* Look into Google Latitude App for my smartphone

[FJRider]

It's really easy. Get a full map of both north and south island. Highlight the locations of fellow (and felless's) KB'rs .. maybe even a long lost/forgotten (almost) relative or three ...

Join the dots. I (just happen to) know you have a good motorcycle atlas that shows all the good (and some are really good) roads. Use said maps to choose the best detours to your destinations.

Find a copy of Jasons.co.nz Holiday Parks and Campgrounds.( Free at many campgrounds and other places) in case you find yourself too far from a friendly KB'r/family bed. (off season ... cabins often cheap)

Then post plans of your route (plan A) ... and we will advise of possible changes.

Plans B,C,D,E,F, and G ... may be found. But it is YOUR final decision where you go.

And you WILL enjoy it.

[Gremlin]

Personally, if getting a decent break is hard, I use it as best possible. ie, Living in the North Island, spend as much of the break in the South Island, rather than meandering down the island towards the South. Factor in the travel time between Auckland and the South Island, and I budget a day each way (Auckland to Picton or vice versa). This also depends on your experience and how much you want to travel each day. Lop those days off the total break and suddenly you don't have as much time as first thought. The North Island (for us in the north) could be travelled more easily and more frequently than crossing to the south.

As for gear, I'd go textile. The weather (especially towards that time) can either be hot like summer or (more likely) wet and cold like winter. I tour earlier in the year (going south for 2 weeks after Paeroa) with a better chance of good weather. You also need to think if you're going to have a different bike by then, or not.

For cheap accommodation, I use www.bbh.co.nz to find decent places. You can also get a card to give you discounts (Interislander sailings and accommodation rates)

[neels]

Let all of the people you may visit know that you may turn up at some point, and find out when they definately won't be at home to visitors so you know when you won't have a bed there, then just point your bike in a direction that suits the weather and ride as you see fit and see who you see when you see them.

And take a tent, so it doesn't matter where you end up.

[jellywrestler]

i.e. clothing, equipment i.e. gps???,

it's a tough time of the year for clothing, how much of a pussy are you in the cold on a bike? heated jackets are a great option so you don't need to pile on the extra layer after layer of clothes which can add to the size of the load you carry and be a prick to get dry if you get them all wet.

snow is an option too at that time of the year so you'll need coastal option sif it looks real bad and you must get home, the five day forecast is a good way to work on this ahead.

[bosslady]

Personally, if getting a decent break is hard, I use it as best possible. ie, Living in the North Island, spend as much of the break in the South Island, rather than meandering down the island towards the South. Factor in the travel time between Auckland and the South Island, and I budget a day each way (Auckland to Picton or vice versa). This also depends on your experience and how much you want to travel each day. Lop those days off the total break and suddenly you don't have as much time as first thought. The North Island (for us in the north) could be travelled more easily and more frequently than crossing to the south.

As for gear, I'd go textile. The weather (especially towards that time) can either be hot like summer or (more likely) wet and cold like winter. I tour earlier in the year (going south for 2 weeks after Paeroa) with a better chance of good weather. You also need to think if you're going to have a different bike by then, or not.

For cheap accommodation, I use www.bbh.co.nz to find decent places. You can also get a card to give you discounts (Interislander sailings and accommodation rates)

I only have textiles so that's sorted I guess. I don't think I'd want to travel any more than 300 - 400km a day. Unless I come into some unexpected money, or rob a bank, I'm definitely still going to have the same bike too.

it's a tough time of the year for clothing, how much of a pussy are you in the cold on a bike? heated jackets are a great option so you don't need to pile on the extra layer after layer of clothes which can add to the size of the load you carry and be a prick to get dry if you get them all wet.

snow is an option too at that time of the year so you'll need coastal option sif it looks real bad and you must get home, the five day forecast is a good way to work on this ahead.

In the cold yup, I'm a puss. I haven't had much experience in the cold on a bike. My textiles come with a removable liner so I guess this will help but it doesn't leave much room for much else in the way of layers. My jacket and pants are waterproof or whatever too.

[Gremlin]

My jacket and pants are waterproof or whatever too.

Sure... you see, the problem is I suspect you were told that by the salesman. The proof will be riding on the South Island West Coast, in rainy weather. That's when it would be drier to jump in a swimming pool than go ride a motorcycle.

If you're limited by layers then you'd wanted heated clothing, but the problem is the GN's electrical output. When you don't have enough layers to keep yourself warm (how easily do you feel the cold - have you used the thermal jacket liner in summer at all?) you need to inject more warmth, ie, heated grips, vest, but I doubt the GN could handle the load...

[FJRider]

it's a tough time of the year for clothing, how much of a pussy are you in the cold on a bike? heated jackets are a great option so you don't need to pile on the extra layer after layer of clothes which can add to the size of the load you carry and be a prick to get dry if you get them all wet.

snow is an option too at that time of the year so you'll need coastal option sif it looks real bad and you must get home, the five day forecast is a good way to work on this ahead.

May-June in the South Island isn't as bad as some make out. The Ski-fields that make their own snow open mid June. Most of the Roading in the south island is lowland. There are mountain areas/passes that can be subject to snow (and cooler temperatures) ... but snow warnings are good. And alternative routes are there.

Plenty of layers, and easy to remove layers ... with a good waterproof outer layer ... and regular stops (at warm places). Not a big issue.

A few spare pairs of gloves ... and socks ... (good dry boots) and you can keep the cold at bay.

Add a "rest" day in your schedule ... (1 in 5 is good) if weather or a nice location encourages you to stay an extra day ... no rush to make up time.

Go where there is no/less rain.

Mail home dirty clothes. Replace with cheap new. (washing/drying clothes can be a pain)

If you cant see a weather map ... text a friend to look at one for you.

Look at travel insurance/roadside assist etc. It may seem expensive ... but its cheap if you need it.

Regular texts to various friends when you stop. Telling your location/days destination. If you go missing ... its easier to look for you ... if they know where you reached.

[bosslady]

Sure... you see, the problem is I suspect you were told that by the salesman. The proof will be riding on the South Island West Coast, in rainy weather. That's when it would be drier to jump in a swimming pool than go ride a motorcycle.

If you're limited by layers then you'd wanted heated clothing, but the problem is the GN's electrical output. When you don't have enough layers to keep yourself warm (how easily do you feel the cold - have you used the thermal jacket liner in summer at all?) you need to inject more warmth, ie, heated grips, vest, but I doubt the GN could handle the load...

No salesperson, I bought online, this is the gear I bought http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/sh...ewbie-mistakes

Highish end alpinestars textiles. I got caught out in the rain on a ride to Taupo and the jacket and pants were true to their word in terms of waterproof-ness. The gloves and boots however, major FAIL. So perhaps I will invest in waterproof boots and gloves, I was gonna do the latter anyway.

And heated clothing?.... wtf? lol

I can't use the liner for my pants or jacket, pass out from heat and dehydration! I wasn't warm but was mostly ok in the wind and rain on the way to taupo but was shaking from the cold when I took my gear off because I had been wearing shorts and singlets underneath and the rain soaked my leather gloves and boots.

[Gremlin]

Look at travel insurance/roadside assist etc. It may seem expensive ... but its cheap if you need it.

Excellent point. Consider AA Plus membership. If anything happens, the Plus grade will get you and your bike home, not just to the nearest service centre...

[BMWST?]

if you feel the cold i would say heated grips are a must.They do more than keep your hands warm.If your gear doesnt allow for heavy layers of clothes you have to layer up thin layers,and thats where the merino stuff is awesome.I am sure a gn would handle heated grips at open road speed.

[FJRider]

The proof will be riding on the South Island West Coast, in rainy weather. That's when it would be drier to jump in a swimming pool than go ride a motorcycle.

Yep ... you learn the true definition of waterproof. Those days you ride ... only if you HAVE too ...

If you're limited by layers then you'd wanted heated clothing.

Choice of quality clothing helps a lot. Midnight practice rides to check out how warm you'll be with various combinations. As do rides in downpours ... to check waterproofing.

[bosslady]

May-June in the South Island isn't as bad as some make out. The Ski-fields that make their own snow open mid June. Most of the Roading in the south island is lowland. There are mountain areas/passes that can be subject to snow (and cooler temperatures) ... but snow warnings are good. And alternative routes are there.

Plenty of layers, and easy to remove layers ... with a good waterproof outer layer ... and regular stops (at warm places). Not a big issue.

A few spare pairs of gloves ... and socks ... (good dry boots) and you can keep the cold at bay.

Add a "rest" day in your schedule ... (1 in 5 is good) if weather or a nice location encourages you to stay an extra day ... no rush to make up time.

Go where there is no/less rain.

Mail home dirty clothes. Replace with cheap new. (washing/drying clothes can be a pain)

If you cant see a weather map ... text a friend to look at one for you.

Look at travel insurance/roadside assist etc. It may seem expensive ... but its cheap if you need it.

Regular texts to various friends when you stop. Telling your location/days destination. If you go missing ... its easier to look for you ... if they know where you reached.

I saw someone started a thread about some touring or waterproof socks or something the other day so maybe that's worth looking into, I only own ankle socks.

Gloves, yup, agree there for sure...

Dunno bout mailing my dirty britches, I'll have to think on that one LOL

I already have roadside assistance so that's done. But travel insurance? explain if you care to?

I am concerned about something happening to me and thought I could text someone at certain times to let them know where I am, but is that enough? I also worry you know, young thang like me, alone, nobody for miles etc..loll

[Gremlin]

I already have roadside assistance so that's done. But travel insurance? explain if you care to?

I assume this is from your motorcycle insurance. Read your policy on what will actually be provided. I found it extremely limiting, with a very low number of dollars for each event, and wouldn't cover the cost at all, for bike and person transport back to base if somewhere else in the country far from home...

Also best to give a friend your itinerary, so they can keep track, and check in. If something were to happen, narrowing the search area down will greatly increase your chances (yeah, sounds morbid, but should something happen, it can be pretty serious, pretty quick). I carry a personal locator beacon for those sorts of major emergencies, but we also regularly head to places with no mobile coverage and little chance of human contact.

[jellywrestler]

if you feel the cold i would say heated grips are a must.

tell him he's dreamin.

heated grips are not a patch on a heated vest.
cold fingers and toes are a result of your body conserving it's heat in the cold and limiting the blood to those parts. when your core is warm it'll send plenty of warm blood to those parts and to warm your core use a heated jacket...
i rarely use mine and have travelled for two weeks from top to bottom of the SI early june and not switched it on but when you want to it's got many advantages over grips that for a starter usually end up being sold with your bike...