Advice for my 3 week trip in December

[jemmo]

Hi All!

In 2008 i back-packed around New Zealand (by bus) and at the time i thought that the roads were amazing and that I really ought to come back and ride around on a bike. Well, i'm keeping to my word and i've planned a trip in December. Between work and part time studies and free lancing, it's been really challenging to plan the journey. I think there are some things better asked here than trying to google as bikers would probably give me more relevant advice.

I really wanted to ship my own bike in, but that would have been a logistical headache. i figured it was probably cheaper to rent too. I'll be renting a bike and riding from the 5th to 24th December. I'm wondering what kind of gear i will need. I've only been to NZ in winter so i'm not sure what the conditions on the road will be like. I mean, i can read all the info out there but what i wanna know is, as a guy who usually rides in tropical 80-95% humidity on 28-35 deg cel days, will a perforated leather jacket be okay? Will i need to bring the quilted liner along? will a pair of vented gloves be too cold?

I'll be riding from auckland down to Milford Sound (i heard it rains there quite a bit?) and back up by the west to Nelson and back up to Auckland. So i guess i'll bring my rain suit and a pair of gore tex gloves. I have riding shoes that are gore tex so i think i should be okay in that department.

I have my own GPS, but i'm not sure if i should just rent it or try? and download new zealands maps online?

And... will it be difficult to tie the bike down on the ferry when crossing the cook strait? I've definitely not rode a bike onto a ship before!

Sorry for the strange questions, but i'm not used to riding in a cooler climate. Hope someone can give me some tips! If anyone has any other useful tips or could direct me the right way i'll be really appreciative.

p.s. please don't bash me for not using the search function. I'm just not sure if what i read is applicable as i don't experience 4 seasons in Singapore.

Regards,
Jeremy

[unstuck]

Lets see, december.....cold in the morning, hot as hell mid morning, snowing after lunch, and a beautiful mild evening. Milford sound....get some sandfly repellant, I recommend Banish, if you can find it, anything else is just a yummy dessert for the little fuckers. Buy your own set of straps for the ferry.
Have fun, and if you come to Gore, dont stop.

[Jantar]

......
Have fun, and if you come to Gore, dont stop.

That is sound advice. Even for us Kiwis.

[unstuck]

That is sound advice. Even for us Kiwis.

Yep, unless you like huge fake fish, guitars or rams.

[Jantar]

December is a great time of year for travelling in NZ. I would say warm in the north and mild in the south, but as you're from Singapore you may find it cool. Conditions are likely to vary quite a bit. We have seen snow in late December, but we have also seen 30 degree days, so be prepared. Rain can be expected anywhere anytime. When it does rain it is usually heaviest in the west.

Have fun, and remember to keep left and rubber side down.

[Taxythingy]

I'd bring your jacket liner. Further south/central plateau/passes could see 10 degrees or less and rain in the wrong conditions in December. Cold if you're riding with too little gear. Mornings can also be chilly.

Having said that, you're bound to get some 25 degree days with fantastic sunshine.

Don't forget to pack your spidey senses and a sense of humour. About equal amounts should be good.

Have fun!

[jemmo]

Hi all,

Thanks for the advice so far, keep it coming!

Snow after lunch? In that case i'll bring the liner just in case!

I'll bear in mind the sandfly part! (thankfully we get quite a few over here too so i'll be prepared)

Gore? i don't think i'll be passing by at all, but erm, why shouldn't i stop?

Thanks for the info so far, yes we drive on the left side here too! (i can't imagine riding the other way!)

[unstuck]

why shouldn't i stop?

Cos it is full of people like me.

Can your sandflies devour a whole human being in about 5 min flat? If so you should be prepared.

[Bikemad]

Gore? i don't think i'll be passing by at all, but erm, why shouldn't i stop?)

have you seen the movie Deliverence...........

[awayatc]

I'll bear in mind the sandfly part! (thankfully we get quite a few over here too so i'll be prepared)

Thankfully...?

maybe you should stop in Gore......

[jemmo]

Haha not really thankfully, just that I (think) I'll be prepared for the sandfly part. Looking forward to hopefully cool sunny days. it's monsoon season here so I would love to escape that.

Haven't watch the movie but a quick wiki tells me I probably wouldn't want to "squeal like a pig"

I've never had to spend more than one week on the road so packing is gonna be really tricky! Especially shoes... They take up so much bloody space!

[FJRider]

Gore? i don't think i'll be passing by at all, but erm, why shouldn't i stop?

Dementia is the local favorite medical condition ... forgetting you actually LIVE (but not life as we know it) ... in Gore .... helps ... somehow.

Most guide books recommend you avoid the place. Unless Banjos are your favourite instrument ... and/or .. you "Like" sheep ...

[FJRider]

Haha not really thankfully, just that I (think) I'll be prepared for the sandfly part. Looking forward to hopefully cool sunny days. it's monsoon season here so I would love to escape that.

The west coast of the South island is (can be ) like a monsoon ... but without the heat and humidity ...

I've never had to spend more than one week on the road so packing is gonna be really tricky! Especially shoes... They take up so much bloody space!

Footwear is easy ... Boots when you ride. Jandells (thongs) when you're NOT ...

[coolgreany]

Howdy! Maybe we'll see each the on the road. My wife and I just arrived in Auckland and are planning 3-4 weeks touring both Islands. We left Germany on 1 August 2014 and rode (BMW R1200GS) 2-up all the way to Malaysia where we shipped the bike (should be here Friday, 28 Nov and I hope to have it out of customs etc by 1-2 December). Will be watching this thread to see if you get any more tips. Going to look for Banish tomorrow!!