Thinking of going to New Zealand -- I need help!

**Spanish Beemer** · 12th August 2013, 19:59

Hi Kiwis, how are you?

Just joined the forum searching for advice to take a decision.

My name is Jose from Madrid, together with my wife, we have traveled from Spain to Australia on a BMW GSA during the last 13 months, right now in Alice Springs planning our next destinations.

https://www.facebook.com/AventurasEnMoto

We will ship to Africa after Oceania, actually we were going to skip NZ because of weather, time and money but lots of people keep telling us we have to go to because it is awesome country.

So we have some questions, I hope you can help us to decide:

- How is the weather in September??, we know it is not the best time of the year but that is the month we would ride. Is it very, very cold and rainy??? The plan would be north and south islands.

- How easy it would be to buy a bike and then sell it after 30 days?? Any dealer in Auckland that could help us with that?? Only for one month I don't think it is worth to ship to our bike to NZ

Thanks a lot

If finally going, I hope we can meet some people from this forum

Cheers

Jose and Pilar

**fridayflash** · 12th August 2013, 20:45

hi and kia ora jose!

the weather in september isnt too cold, as winter is over although spring rains and the odd cold patch can arise. the south island is nice in september as you still get to see some of the winter beauty (snow!) but not too cold. the north island (where i live is quite warm in that month and even the odd hot day. id look at renting a bmw gs if i were in your situation, or if you do buy a bike of your own you may have to get someone to sell it for you once your gone. i have heard of dealer 'buy backs' for tourists but dont know quite how it works. if you do decide to come over, look us up in napier and good luck!!!!!

**dogsnbikes** · 12th August 2013, 20:55

Originally Posted by Spanish Beemer

Hi Kiwis, how are you?

Just joined the forum searching for advice to take a decision.

My name is Jose from Madrid, together with my wife, we have traveled from Spain to Australia on a BMW GSA during the last 13 months, right now in Alice Springs planning our next destinations.

https://www.facebook.com/AventurasEnMoto

We will ship to Africa after Oceania, actually we were going to skip NZ because of weather, time and money but lots of people keep telling us we have to go to because it is awesome country.

So we have some questions, I hope you can help us to decide:

- How is the weather in September??, we know it is not the best time of the year but that is the month we would ride. Is it very, very cold and rainy??? The plan would be north and south islands.

- How easy it would be to buy a bike and then sell it after 30 days?? Any dealer in Auckland that could help us with that?? Only for one month I don't think it is worth to ship to our bike to NZ

Thanks a lot

If finally going, I hope we can meet some people from this forum

Cheers

Jose and Pilar

Frank and Simone were here last year look at their website full off useful information

http://krad-vagabunden.de/

**Gremlin** · 12th August 2013, 22:22

I've moved your thread to Coming or Going, have a look around, plenty of threads for visitors.

**Spanish Beemer** · 13th August 2013, 13:59

Thanks guys!!

Encouraging information!!

Fridayflash, if going through Napier, we will let you know, thanks!!!

Cheers

Jose

**Paul in NZ** · 13th August 2013, 14:50

The biggest thing to remember - and without wanting to sound negative is that this is an island. It has an island climate and not a continental one. That means the climate is dominated by the surrounding oceans without enough land mass to damp out some of the wilder fluctuations. That usually means wind - ie we get more wind here than say Alice Springs.

You can come here in september and the weather will be fabulous - or - it will rain cats n dogs, blow a gale and snow in deep drifts.... If it snows - wait a few days and it will be nice again and while cooler the views will be better.

That applies pretty well any time except for the 2 months of real summer (january/february) and 2 months of winter July/August. The rest is all spring and autumn.

30 days isnt long to do both islands and return. Distances here are better measured in hours taken than actual kilometers.

People are generally friendly BUT like everywhere (including Spain) there are ratbags who see tourists as viable income streams. Dont do daft things like leave gear on the bike in remote car parks etc and you will be fine!

If you ask - there are usually a few people on here that can assist with a bed for the night etc.

**Spanish Beemer** · 13th August 2013, 19:26

Originally Posted by Paul in NZ

The biggest thing to remember - and without wanting to sound negative is that this is an island. It has an island climate and not a continental one. That means the climate is dominated by the surrounding oceans without enough land mass to damp out some of the wilder fluctuations. That usually means wind - ie we get more wind here than say Alice Springs.

You can come here in september and the weather will be fabulous - or - it will rain cats n dogs, blow a gale and snow in deep drifts.... If it snows - wait a few days and it will be nice again and while cooler the views will be better.

That applies pretty well any time except for the 2 months of real summer (january/february) and 2 months of winter July/August. The rest is all spring and autumn.

30 days isnt long to do both islands and return. Distances here are better measured in hours taken than actual kilometers.

People are generally friendly BUT like everywhere (including Spain) there are ratbags who see tourists as viable income streams. Dont do daft things like leave gear on the bike in remote car parks etc and you will be fine!

If you ask - there are usually a few people on here that can assist with a bed for the night etc.

Thanks for the post Paul!! we take the advice!!

I am sure most of the people will be nice and friendly!!

Cheers

Jose

**the oldstuff** · 20th August 2013, 21:33

free stay in Oxford if you make it to South Island

**tamarillo** · 23rd August 2013, 16:41

can be cool and wet but so can our summer and in september you miss the maddening crowds and snails (big hire camper vans that swarm our roads in summer).

how about asking folk selling bikes if they woudl like a private buy back? If someone is in no hurry and you offer them money they might say yes.
You don't need a big bike here - no high speed riding to do. Old BMW boxer would work well for instance and often have panniers on.

**tamarillo** · 23rd August 2013, 16:44

this woudl work if they wanted to deal

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/sh...post1130521665

**Spanish Beemer** · 10th September 2013, 14:02

Hi there,

finally we will ship our GS there, with Qantas, good price and easy, no crating. Quarantaine is as strict as in Australia???

We will get there on this weekend

How is the weather??? It is nice and warm in Sydney

Cheers

Jose

**Spanish Beemer** · 10th September 2013, 14:17

I forgot to ask, what steps do I need do before riding there??

Thanks

Jose

**sil3nt** · 10th September 2013, 14:35

We have just come out of a warm winter and they are predicting a cold and wet spring.

Take a look here for a 5 day forecast over the country http://www.metservice.com/maps-radar...forecast-5-day

**Paul in NZ** · 10th September 2013, 14:37

Quarantine is strict... Particularly dirt on vehicles and camping gear...

International drivers license is OK I think.

Happy to help with accom etc but of course we unfortunately have to work for a living and start very early. Plus Vicki has me redecorating the hall which wont stop there I tell you.. argh...

**Bald Eagle** · 10th September 2013, 14:47

Hi Jose

if you need a bed passing through wellington we have shed for the bike, sofas to sleep on and home made alcohol aka ratt piison, pm me or ratti
enjoy your visit