All round recommendations wanted!

[husaberg]

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.

Yes the West coast is well know for its rain, as well as the some of the most beautiful scenery in the world.
You can't have subtropical rain forests without some rain.
Make sure you do the ride to Haast the ride to Karamea and both ends of the Buller gorge as well as the costal highway between Westport and Greymouth.

[neels]

Make sure you do the ride to Haast the ride to Karamea and both ends of the Buller gorge as well as the costal highway between Westport and Greymouth.

Was speaking to a local when on the coast the other day, mentioned taking the bike up to Karamea and he said don't bother, the road is turning into a goat track from lack of maintenance. Down to haast is all good though, and if you get a good day there aren't too many better places on the planet.


Sent from my electric telephone

[husaberg]

Was speaking to a local when on the coast the other day, mentioned taking the bike up to Karamea and he said don't bother, the road is turning into a goat track from lack of maintenance. Down to haast is all good though, and if you get a good day there aren't too many better places on the planet.


Sent from my electric telephone

Last time I looked I was still a local, the road is fine... not as fine as it could be but fine nevertheless.

sent from the middle of a rainforest with a frog powered crystal set............

[clint640]

OK! Questions.

1. Is TradeMe the best way to get my hands on a bike? I figure it would be best to buy one over there and sell at the end. Might this take too much time up at either end? Should I go dealer or private sale?

2. Any suggestions on a model of bike? Thinking maybe a KLR? I have a small bike here in Australia and don't want anything TOO bulky because I won't be used to handling it. I'm used to having my feet on the ground. Budget is about $5000 and I'd like something about 600cc. I don't care much what it is as long as it's reliable, moderately comfortable and can easily fit luggage racks.

3. Should I purchase a bike whilst still in Australia so I know what kind of luggage racks and bags I need to get in advance? Should I try to get a bike already set up with luggage?

4. Ideally I'd like to do a mix of wild camping and hosteling. Is wild camping possible/legal in NZ? Is it easy to find spots each evening?

5. Anyone have any MUST-DO road suggestions?

6. Anyone have any MUST-DO non-motorcycle related activities? Like hikes, climbs etc.

Thanks so much everyone!!!

Nicola

1. Yep, trademe is good. Post up on here offering a few beers & you may find someone nearby to check it out if a good bike appears before you arrive.

2. The DR650 Suzuki would be a good option, plenty around, often set up with big tank, luggage etc. If not set up it would pay to arrange racks to fit before arriving as they would probably have to be ordered. Bags you can get in many shops.

4. We wild camp quite often in our travels, usually it's public land in more remote areas on 4x4 tracks. Leave no trace, take a trowel so you can bury your shit. I wouldn't rely on camping for free every night. There's plenty of DOC camps around for low $ in most of the popular areas though. For the busy 2 weeks after Xmas it would pay to call a day or 2 ahead to sort out accommodation.

5. Lots of good road tips above. Keep an eye on the Adv-dual purpose section of this forum if you get a dirt capable machine - there's often plenty of locals touring around at that time of year that you could tag along with some of the way.

6. If you enjoy mountain biking & are in Rotorua be sure to check out the Redwoods trails.

Cheers
Clint