Backpacking NZ on a bike - Genius or a terrible idea?

[Micheken]

I'm arriving in Auckland (from Canada) next week on a 2-year visa. I've noticed that there's a massive campervan subculture over there, and I'm certainly planning to do a lot of touring, hiking, camping, etc, but the idea of doing it with a van doesn't really excite me.

Obviously there are plenty of reasons that a van is more practical than a motorcycle for this kind of travel, but I'm wondering if you think I can get away with doing it on a bike. If so, would a dual purpose be the best option? Maybe a KLR? Vans are tempting because for 4,000 I can get something that's fully equipped, even with a bed. A good bike equipped with good storage seems like it will run me more like 8,000.

I also don't want to be spending my time doing oil changes at campsites, so I'd need something with low maintenance needs. Maybe a touring bike would be just fine? I really don't want to be limited to the paved roads, though. Anyone done a tour of NZ this way? Any advice, or warnings?

Sorry for sounding whiny and indecisive, but that's kinda how I feel right now, and my flight is fast approaching...

Cheers - Ryan

[george formby]

Touring the country by bike will make the traveling a damn sight more fun than creeping along in a clapped out Toyota Hiace holding up the locals. Dual purpose bikes like KLR's, DR.s, GS's etc are perfect and give access to a lot of routes which would be a pain or inaccessible in a van. A bike will gain you entry into the NZ two wheel sub culture, too.
If your confident in your setting up and touring abilities I would say go for it, just don't shit in the bushes.

[Maha]

Touring the country by bike will make the traveling a damn sight more fun than creeping along in a clapped out Toyota Hiace holding up the locals. Dual purpose bikes like KLR's, DR.s, GS's etc are perfect and give access to a lot of routes which would be a pain or inaccessible in a van. A bike will gain you entry into the NZ two wheel sub culture, too.
If your confident in your setting up and touring abilities I would say go for it, just don't shit in the bushes.

My first thought was ''Just don't take a dump at the base of a Kauri''.

At minimum buy one of these...http://www.grip-lock.com/home-en/

[george formby]

My first thought was ''Just don't take a dump at the base of a Kauri''.

At minimum buy one of these...http://www.grip-lock.com/home-en/

Camouflaged toilet paper would make it harder to spot where the Freedom Dumpers have spent the night. It would have it's drawbacks, though.

Security, low on my list of bike issues but a very valid point. I should get out more.

[george formby]

I'm sure a KB poster spoke of hiding their bike in the bushes and heading off up mountains in a thread. Imagine finding a KLR dumped in the thicket, that would be a huge, steaming pile!


I don't really mean that, just wanted to squeeze it out before someone else pinched the opportunity. Sorry KLR fans.

[Maha]

I'm sure a KB poster spoke of hiding their bike in the bushes and heading off up mountains in a thread. Imagine finding a KLR dumped in the thicket, that would be a huge, steaming pile!


I don't really mean that, just wanted to squeeze it out before someone else pinched the opportunity. Sorry KLR fans.

On the steaming pile, I Hayabusa once rode over a shirt at rest stop and it was full of human shit/arse wipe. Clogged up the rear sprocket/chain well and good with only a swiss army knife to cut it free....

PS: Wasn't mine.

[george formby]

On the steaming pile, I Hayabusa once rode over a shirt at rest stop and it was full of human shit/arse wipe. Clogged up the rear sprocket/chain well and good with only a swiss army knife to cut it free....

PS: Wasn't mine.

Rest assured I never suspected you crapping in your clothes.

[haydes55]

If you're looking at spending $8000 on hiring a bike, I'd look at buying a second hand bike on trademe.co.nz then sell it when you leave. You could buy a near new dr650 or klr650, bring your own or buy some luggage for it.

[Maha]

Something like this Dakar would be the go http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/moto...1069018306.htm

Even if gets dumped for $4-5K at the end of the stay you've only lost around $3K not $8k on hiring.

[GrayWolf]

backpacking in comfort????
absolutely you can.


last year {2 weeks} march this year {3 weeks} touring the south island by 'bike'. Use tripadvisor, bookme, trivago etc. Tripadvisor frequently has feedback and pictures taken by patrons uploaded with the feedback. The days of 'squalid, crappy worn out and tired facilities is fast being replaced, by many which have almost 'hotel comfort' rooms and facilities.
Trust me, the two trips were with my ex, who is a 'serious princes' over clean, comfortable rooms, and she booked all our accommodation and at bloody good prices.
You can use those sites to find places once you have decided your route, and she looked in every day to see if better deals came up.. {you can cancel many places up to a couple of days notice} Often $200 rooms will appear for 50% on 'specials'.

as an example, two 'backpackers' we have used in the north recently
Anndion Lodge in Wanganui

http://www.anndionlodge.co.nz/
The owners are/were both motorcyclists and this place even has 'out of sight' storage for bikes.

https://www.tripadvisor.co.nz/Hotel_...rth_Islan.html

and Parkside Lodge Napier {also very bike friendly}

http://parksidelodge.co.nz/
https://www.tripadvisor.co.nz/Hotel_...th_Island.html


this is one in Dunedin we used {south island} on both trips. {$90nz for the 'deluxe' rooms}
http://www.ontopbackpackers.co.nz/
https://www.tripadvisor.co.nz/Hotel_...th_Island.html

hope this gives you some help for finding 'decent accommodation'.

[Mike.Gayner]

This country is very travelable on a motorcycle.

[jasonu]

This country is very travelable on a motorcycle.

Unless it is raining which happens most of the time.

[Mike.Gayner]

Unless it is raining which happens most of the time.

You don't ride in the rain? Jesus, you really are a precious little princess.

[Micheken]

That Dakar looks damn sweet...

Is theft really that big of a problem there? Here in Canada people laugh at me when I put my lock on the front rotor.

Sorry for the confusion...I was speaking of buying a bike rather than renting one. I may end up there for up to 2 years, so the price to rent gets way out of hand after a month or two.

And yes I can't tell you how sad I feel when I picture myself driving some shitty van with 2XX,XXX kilometers on it, picking up vagabonds along my way...

Would a cheaper sport/touring bike be a bad idea? Looks like I can find a decent 500cc bike for under $5,000. Something like this Bandit: http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/sh.../180900-Bandit (I just sold my Bandit here in Canada - I had the exact same model). Obviously that would limit where I can go (and kick me out of the offroad club)...

[Maha]

That Dakar looks damn sweet...

Is theft really that big of a problem there? Here in Canada people laugh at me when I put my lock on the front rotor.

Sorry for the confusion...I was speaking of buying a bike rather than renting one. I may end up there for up to 2 years, so the price to rent gets way out of hand after a month or two.

And yes I can't tell you how sad I feel when I picture myself driving some shitty van with 2XX,XXX kilometers on it, picking up vagabonds along my way...

Would a cheaper sport/touring bike be a bad idea? Looks like I can find a decent 500cc bike for under $5,000. Something like this Bandit: http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/sh.../180900-Bandit (I just sold my Bandit here in Canada - I had the exact same model). Obviously that would limit where I can go (and kick me out of the offroad club)...

There will always be members willing to offer up a bed/hot shower and decent feed when you need one, don't be too shy to ask.
Theft is not that bigger problem here, but it always pays to lock up and unattended bike over night.