All round recommendations wanted!

**neels** · 27th June 2014, 14:27

Originally Posted by nicola_a

Great, thanks for this. Is there much rain in the south island in December/January? I suppose I could look at some weather stats haha.

The west coast of the south island is well known for rain, east coast is generally likely to be better, but also fairly changeable even in the middle of summer. Would either pay to have flexible plans, or bring wet weather gear.

**Tazz** · 27th June 2014, 15:19

http://www.campermate.co.nz/location...free-campsites

www.nztramper.co.nz

www.adventureguide.co.nz

Give us a yell if you're through Picton/Marlborough with time to spare. There are a few dudes here who ride often and out of the lot there should be someone free to at the time show you some local spots.

Will second the lower west coast as a must do, and insect repellent as a must bring (although your coming at the right time of year to miss most bugs)

The run down through Kaikoura on the east isn't to bad either on a good day.

Golden Bay is a pretty magical area as well.

Enjoy your planning (half the fun) and the trip!

And and regarding the bike I met a dude who was doing the same as you through KB a few months ago and he did a buy back scheme, but with the owner. You never know your luck and NZ is a pretty small place to get around.

**Tazz** · 27th June 2014, 15:22

Originally Posted by neels

The west coast of the south island is well known for rain, east coast is generally likely to be better, but also fairly changeable even in the middle of summer. Would either pay to have flexible plans, or bring wet weather gear.

It also has some of NZ's warmest days on records, so it's not as miserable as the rep it gets.

**FJRider** · 28th June 2014, 19:06

Originally Posted by nicola_a

Hi guys

I'm 27 and planning a 2 month motorcycle tour of NZ this coming summer (December/January).

That period is the height of our summer. Rain IS possible ... but more likely wind will be more of an issue riding.

Originally Posted by nicola_a

Just a bit about me: I'll be going solo and wanting to spend a small portion of the time (maybe 2 weeks) in the north island and then most of the rest in the South Island near Queenstown. I'm particularly keen on outdoorsy type stuff so I want to do some hikes, some kayaking, some mountaineering, and all of the standard bungee-skydive-hangglide type stuff that you do when you visit NZ as well. So it's not JUST all on the bike - I'll be staying in the same place for decent chunks of time (probably Queenstown for about 3 weeks over Xmas/NY and into January).

That period is also the height of the busy season in Queenstown. You WILL need to book ahead to ensure you do have accommodation. (not necessarily or specifically in Queenstown)

The activities you mention are available in the Queenstown region ... but being the busy season ... you wont be lonely on the trails or rivers. Booking ahead for some activities may also be needed.

There are a few GOOD short rides from there ... (Glenorchy, Crown Range to Wanaka, Alexandra)

And GOOD full day rides too .. (Milford Sound, Catlins/Invercargill)

**jellywrestler** · 28th June 2014, 19:11

Originally Posted by nicola_a

Hi Pete, sorry - I take it you are a dealer in Wellington?? It's unlikely a buyback option would work for me because I almost certainly will end up in a different place to where I started, but maybe I can work it if a good deal comes up?

nz is such a small country at the most iti'll take a day and a half to travel from one end to the other in terms of major entry exit terminals, it may make the option easier?

**unstuck** · 29th June 2014, 08:31

Originally Posted by FJRider

And GOOD full day rides too .. (Milford Sound, Catlins/Invercargill)

Gore, you forgot Gorrrrrre.

**Kickaha** · 29th June 2014, 09:13

Originally Posted by unstuck

Gore, you forgot Gorrrrrre.

More like a deliberate omission as we're all trying to ignore that place

**FJRider** · 29th June 2014, 09:34

Originally Posted by unstuck

Gore, you forgot Gorrrrrre.

I didn't forget .. I just her gave the best way to avoid the place ...

**unstuck** · 29th June 2014, 09:35

Originally Posted by Kickaha

More like a deliberate omission as we're all trying to ignore that place

Well your not doing a very good job now are you. And that big fat hooker with the red hair up at the lodge says hi.

**FJRider** · 29th June 2014, 09:37

Originally Posted by Kickaha

More like a deliberate omission as we're all trying to ignore that place

They're difficult to ignore ... so avoid is a sensible option ...

**unstuck** · 29th June 2014, 09:51

Originally Posted by FJRider

They're difficult to ignore ... so avoid is a sensible option ...

We have some really cool roads around here, and you know it.

**FJRider** · 29th June 2014, 10:08

Originally Posted by unstuck

We have some really cool roads around here, and you know it.

Of course I know that ... Ettrick / Heriot / Waikaia ...

Clinton / Fortrose ... Mataura / Winton ... McNab / Raes Junction ...

I even have a photo of me next to the big trout ..

**BadSarah** · 29th June 2014, 12:30

Since buying my first bike in nearly two decades I have taken two extended trips. One to Cape Reinga and one to Bluff. I missed a fair bit in between, but I figure that can be dealt on future journeys. I should caution you, if you see some amazing view, stop and look- I found myself on the wrong side of the road in the far north. Lucky there wasn't anything coming the other way...

My north trip did cover the Coromandel as well as the far north. A must is the twin bridges! I camped at either DOC sites or free spots along the way both trips, but also stayed at backpackers for the hot water, an essential, especially after spending two days marinating in riding gear. Oddly enough a bed in a bunk room is often cheaper than a tent site at a commercial campground, and no messing with a tent!!! I found meeting people from all over the world an added plus with the backpackers.

I particularly liked the east coast in the South Island- you have to do the southern scenic route. I went out to Milford Sound, a brilliant ride- also the Crown Ranges between Queenstown and Wanaka. Amazing 360 degree views from Mount John. I found the west coast cold and wet so I didn't stop much there, but Punakaiki- specifically the pancake rocks- was amazing.

The thing I found the best was i-sites (http://www.newzealand.com/int/visito...mation-centre/) easily found with signage everywhere showing the stylised i. Not only can they tell you heaps about the place you're in, but they can make bookings for activities and accommodation. I quickly made them my first stop anywhere I went.

I know you'll have a blast, post on here regularly, the locals will tip you off to must dos- maybe even accompany you on part of your journey, or as previously mentioned, put you up for the night.

**FJRider** · 29th June 2014, 12:50

Originally Posted by BadSarah

I found the west coast cold and wet so I didn't stop much there, but Punakaiki- specifically the pancake rocks- was amazing.

Of the dozens of times I've ridden up or down the West coast ... (either in it's entirety or selected portions) ... only three or four times was it "damp". (some days "damper" than others) It IS through a RAIN forest after all ...