Travelling to South Island to pick up motorcycle, what do I need to do/take?

**MarkH** · 19th December 2014, 17:35

On the 1st of January I will be heading to Auckland by car, flying to Blenheim, riding to Picton, ferrying to Wellington and then riding to Morrinsville (near Hamilton for those that don't know).

I'm taking a 'seat only' flight with a carry on bag.
I'll be wearing most of my riding gear (despite the heat) and in my bag I'll have a helmet, gloves, wet weather pants and whatever else I can think of that I'll need.
I guess I had better grab some tie down straps and take those for the ferry crossing.

What straps do I get and how many?
What else do I need to take?

**Gremlin** · 19th December 2014, 17:39

You may have a problem getting stuff like tie downs into your carry on luggage. I'd suggest carrying a few basic tools, puncture repair kit etc, but then you definitely need checked luggage.

**MarkH** · 19th December 2014, 17:53

Originally Posted by Gremlin

You may have a problem getting stuff like tie downs into your carry on luggage. I'd suggest carrying a few basic tools, puncture repair kit etc, but then you definitely need checked luggage.

Maybe I could just call into a Repco or whatever in Blenheim?

**FJRider** · 19th December 2014, 17:58

Courier your riding gear to the Blenheim Courier Office. Pick it up when you arrive there.

Domestic flights should have no issues with tie-downs.

**Akzle** · 19th December 2014, 18:03

get rope you pussy.
9mm twin line/paracord, you get acres of the shit for 20 buck, and if you cant tie down a bike/woman with that, then what kind of man are you, really.

**Madness** · 19th December 2014, 18:09

Cheese. Take some cheese. Courier your gear to the seller in advance, the courier depot won't be open on New Year's Day.

**MarkH** · 19th December 2014, 18:21

Originally Posted by Akzle

get rope you pussy.
9mm twin line/paracord, you get acres of the shit for 20 buck, and if you cant tie down a bike/woman with that, then what kind of man are you, really.

That's an idea, I've got some 550 paracord.
But the more I think about it the more I like the idea of just stopping off at the Blenheim Repco and grabbing some tie downs there.
They are open 10am to 4pm on the 1st according to the Repco web site.

**MarkH** · 19th December 2014, 18:30

Originally Posted by Madness

Cheese. Take some cheese.

Courier your gear to the seller in advance, the courier depot won't be open on New Year's Day.

I'll buy cheese locally as I go.
I'm not sure I really need to pay for the courier costs when I can just take what I need on the flight.
I'm also needing my helmet the day before for getting to work & back and I'm not really keen on trusting the couriers with a helmet that cost me over a thou.

I'm booked on a flight leaving Auckland at 8am and landing in Blenheim at 9:25am.
I'm booked on a Bluebridge ferry leaving Picton at 2pm (1pm check in).
Picton is only 28km from Blenheim according to google maps so I should have plenty of time.

I will now get to pay 2 lots of rego for over 600cc bikes - yay!
The new bike is my first dual sport, should be fun.

**Waihou Thumper** · 19th December 2014, 18:41

I will be heading down as well but a bit later...
Bus to Hamilton from Te Aroha, bus to AKL airport, then fly one way to CHC, ride it home the long way.

**JimO** · 19th December 2014, 19:22

you wont need wet weather gear

**AllanB** · 19th December 2014, 19:29

Originally Posted by JimO

you wont need wet weather gear

Hahahahahaha - in NZ? don;t count on it.

I'd be stuffing my bike gear in a bag and wear regular duds on the plane. Fuck sweltering that shit out.

Easy ride to Picton and nice open road spin over the hills for you and the new bike. Watch for police - stick to the limits.

Most importantly - what are you buying?

**MIXONE** · 19th December 2014, 19:36

Originally Posted by MarkH

That's an idea, I've got some 550 paracord.
But the more I think about it the more I like the idea of just stopping off at the Blenheim Repco and grabbing some tie downs there.
They are open 10am to 4pm on the 1st according to the Repco web site.

Yep Repco have them and cheap as chips.Under $30 for a set of 4 from memory.If it's a calm crossing you'll only need 2.
The ride from Blenheim to the ferry you can knock off in 20 minutes easy.I seriously suggest you ride the Queen Charlotte Sound road before boarding the ferry.Only take you half an hour and it's one of the best bike roads in Godzone.

**BMWGSER** · 19th December 2014, 19:56

Take some extra time ride thru the Molesworth to Hanmer Springs then thru the Rainbow to St Anard then on to Nelson and Then Picton. Don't forget to turn of at Havelock to go via Queen Charlotte drive . 2 extra days should do it. YHA is a good place to stay in Hanmer.
Marry Xmas.

**MarkH** · 19th December 2014, 20:09

Originally Posted by AllanB

Most importantly - what are you buying?

Already added it to my profile - 2008 Suzuki DR650. The deal is done and money transferred, tickets booked, can't wait!
My ST1300 is great on the road but I wouldn't ride dirt tracks on it.
Gonna have a go at some off-road fun!

I'll be running up the k's on the ST1300 - 35km to work, 35km back, 5 days a week = 350km per week.
I like the low maintenance shaft drive bike for day to day running.
But I'll look into going on some organised off-road rides, seems to be plenty near Ruapehu, Taupo & Waipu and I'm sure many more.
For going on rides around the country I guess I'll have to evaluate whether I'll be going off-road or not and choose the most suitable bike for the trip.