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Thread: Looking for route recommendations for 2 week trip (both islands)

  1. #1
    Join Date
    16th November 2018 - 14:07
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    Looking for route recommendations for 2 week trip (both islands)

    Hi All,

    I am going to be in New Zealand for 13 days starting the 24th and had a rough plan that I needed motorcycle route recommendations for. My plan is somewhat (very roughly) as follows. Any recommendations, warnings, improvements would be great.

    24th - Wellington
    25th - Start for Waitomo Caves (route recommendation needed)
    26th - Cave tours and what not
    27th - Start for Auckland (route recommendations needed/might want to stop at Hamilton)
    27th - Auckland
    28th - Start back for Wellington via Western side (route/stop recommendations needed)
    28th PM/29th - Stop somewhere in the middle and continue (route recommendations needed)
    30th - Cross ferry to South Island to Christchurch (route recommendations needed)
    1st - Christchurch
    2nd - ??? Was thinking of getting to Routeburn track but seems unlikely as its too far away, so would love to have routes and recommendations of places to stop
    3rd - ??? (would definitely like to see the other side of the island)
    4th - Head back towards Wellington
    5th/6th Wellington (looking to get some diving in if I can)

    Any help would be great, including commentary on if I am being too ambitious

    Thanks.
    AM

  2. #2
    Join Date
    24th September 2008 - 01:32
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    a shiny new(ish) one
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    well, first question are you on a road bike or a dual purpose bike?

  3. #3
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    16th July 2018 - 02:38
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    As someone who lives in Hamilton, why on earth would you want to stop in Hamilton?

  4. #4
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    5th December 2009 - 12:32
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    ship Venus, by Chri
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    Do you have a cave fetish?

    Given your timeframe I would stick to one island. You need to get off the bike occasionally and have an actual holiday.

    If I could give you any advice I would say the north island is shit. Some on here will no doubt disagree but don't listen to them.

  5. #5
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    4th June 2013 - 17:33
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    Berries has a point. I live in the North Island and the western side has some great roads as does the east. Given your time frame just get straight on the ferry and spend it in the Mainland. See the west coast, take as many of the passes as you can. If you want to do the entire routeburn you need to camp or stay in huts, I believe these need to be pre booked. See Fiordland and try and get to the Catlins, NZ’s best kept secret.


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  6. #6
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    16th November 2018 - 14:07
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    Thanks everyone for the suggestions. I am renting a CB500X so will not be going offroad or TBH even on gravelly paths. I do want to check out the glowing worm caves and Hamilton is a maybe (some friends might not be pleased if I don't go).

    I have had suggestions that the South island is much better, but the trek to the caves was an opportunity to get in as much of both as I could. I will post back with a tentative route for feedback.

    Thanks again.
    AM

  7. #7
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    16th November 2018 - 14:07
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    The plan I have so far:
    https://goo.gl/maps/H7bv6UHcVhr
    https://goo.gl/maps/FLfqkWGzxMt

    Stays in Wellington, Waitomo and somewhere south of rotorua, kaikoura, cch and greymouth. Shortened the route a bit to allow time to roam and actually see the place as was recommended

    Haven't planned stays, is it hard to get accommodations at the last minute? I can lug my camping gear but if I can avoid it it would be great.

    Also no idea what to do after greymouth.

    Any further suggestions would be awesome.

    Thanks.
    AM

  8. #8
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    29th March 2008 - 20:19
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    https://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/s...post1131116266

    There is a similar thread that mark w has provided a bunch of help information

  9. #9
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    19th July 2008 - 15:21
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    There are caves on the far side of Lake TeAnau, with glowworms and staligtites, travel through by boat, as caves are your thing, then you can tour the South Island only.

  10. #10
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    4th June 2013 - 17:33
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    Quote Originally Posted by ams.fwd View Post
    The plan I have so far:
    https://goo.gl/maps/H7bv6UHcVhr
    https://goo.gl/maps/FLfqkWGzxMt

    Stays in Wellington, Waitomo and somewhere south of rotorua, kaikoura, cch and greymouth. Shortened the route a bit to allow time to roam and actually see the place as was recommended

    Haven't planned stays, is it hard to get accommodations at the last minute? I can lug my camping gear but if I can avoid it it would be great.

    Also no idea what to do after greymouth.

    Any further suggestions would be awesome.

    Thanks.
    AM
    You said 24th but not sure what month? If it’s 24th November you should be right with flexibility. Once into summer, you will have less choice for accommodation as lots of places get booked up and may pay more. We book in July/August for places to stay in January, that way we stay where we want and can get better pricing. Or at least that has been our experience.


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  11. #11
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    28th May 2006 - 19:35
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    Quote Originally Posted by ams.fwd View Post
    Hi All,

    I am going to be in New Zealand for 13 days starting the 24th and had a rough plan that I needed motorcycle route recommendations for. My plan is somewhat (very roughly) as follows. Any recommendations, warnings, improvements would be great.
    cemetery circuit in wanganui 26th dec, dont miss it, it's brilliant

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