Results 1 to 11 of 11

Thread: Interesting Grade 1&2 rides on North part of South Island?

  1. #1
    Join Date
    27th May 2019 - 20:44
    Bike
    2013 Suzuki DL650 V-Strom
    Location
    Wellington
    Posts
    12

    Interesting Grade 1&2 rides on North part of South Island?

    Scrambling around some work commitments, I found a way to take off 13-21 Feb and head from Welly to the South Island. Trouble is, I don't know the territory at all, and don't have near the time I'd usually take to plan a trip.

    I have a WeeStrom with a fresh set of Michelin Anakee Adventures, and am looking to try out this gravel riding thing. Not looking for anything too likely to get me stuck or airlifted, some some scenic no-traffic easy-to-manage gravel to get me used to it after 30 years of being on tarmac.

    I'm generally planning on a loop around Picton-Nelson-Hanmer Springs-Picton, staying at AirBnBs along the way (I don't have any camping gear).

    Molesworth Station is on the list. Looks like the Twisting Throttle book names a few other rides in the area:

    • French Pass
    • Kenepuru
    • Tasman
    • Buller Gorge
    • Karamea
    • Maruia Saddle
    • Rainbow Road
    • Random Spur


    Unfortunately, it seems the book is out of stock currently.

    Does anyone know where I might find a copy of the book, or can recommend resources with a similar list and description of the kinds of roads I'm looking for? I'm sure whatever I see on this trip will be amazing, but it would be nice not to pass right by some great diversions just because I don't know about them! I did download the free routes from RemoteMoto, and may try them out.

    I'm also keen to ride with other folks who can show me around (I'm riding solo this trip) if we can work out the timing, so PM me if you're on the way and up for some fun.
    Last edited by GoJohnGo; 8th February 2021 at 21:10. Reason: Changed "Category" to "Grade" in title

  2. #2
    Join Date
    3rd February 2004 - 08:11
    Bike
    1982 Suzuki GS1100GK, 2008 KLR650
    Location
    Wallaceville, Upper hutt
    Posts
    5,049
    Blog Entries
    4
    If you are on Facebook, join the adventure riding nz group and also the W.A.R group. Might get assistance there
    it's not a bad thing till you throw a KLR into the mix.
    those cheap ass bitches can do anything with ductape.
    (PostalDave on ADVrider)

  3. #3
    Join Date
    4th November 2003 - 13:00
    Bike
    BSA A10
    Location
    Rangiora
    Posts
    12,711
    Kaiwara road which is near Ramdon Spur and Lee's valley out back of Rangiora/Oxford
    "If you can make black marks on a straight from the time you turn out of a corner until the braking point of the next turn, then you have enough power."


    Quote Originally Posted by scracha View Post
    Even BP would shy away from cleaning up a sidecar oil spill.
    Quote Originally Posted by Warren Zevon
    Send Lawyers, guns and money, the shit has hit the fan

  4. #4
    Join Date
    19th January 2015 - 10:12
    Bike
    2013 DL650A V-Strom McCruise Added
    Location
    Petone
    Posts
    38
    John , I've got a copy of Twisting Throttle NZ .
    Will give you a ring later today .

  5. #5
    Join Date
    1st September 2007 - 21:01
    Bike
    1993 Yamaha FJ 1200
    Location
    Paradise
    Posts
    14,126
    Blog Entries
    2
    East of Picton through Waikawa into the Port underwood area. Most of the roads can be seen on google maps streetview.

    A good bit of gravel but plenty of seal too.

    The views of the east coast bays alone ... makes it well worthwhile.
    When life throws you a curve ... Lean into it ...

  6. #6
    Join Date
    7th February 2007 - 23:38
    Bike
    F800GS
    Location
    My place
    Posts
    3,549
    Quote Originally Posted by GoJohnGo View Post

    • French Pass... Cool ride, mostly sealed now though with awsome views.
    • Kenepuru.... Lots and lots of corners, sealed to about St Omer i think.
    • Tasman.... Which bit ?
    • Buller Gorge.... Its okay if you haven't done it before and don't strike traffic.
    • Karamea.... Past Mokihinui is the better bit. Side trips to Denniston and Oparara arches are worth a look
    • Maruia Saddle.... Yip, if you want a break from the main drag. Its nice.
    • Rainbow Road.... Give it a miss if you're not confident with 4wd stuff and river/stream crossings. The Jacks/Jollies pass loop is not to challenging, maybe a side trip to Lake Tennyson?
    • Random Spur... Can't comment


    Kaiwara rd is pretty cool and shouldn't present any problems.
    Port Underwood road(Rarangi to Picton) is pretty cool, but corrugated to hell I'm told.

    .
    10 chars.....

  7. #7
    Join Date
    27th May 2019 - 20:44
    Bike
    2013 Suzuki DL650 V-Strom
    Location
    Wellington
    Posts
    12
    Port Underwood Road sure looks nice on the map, and will be easy to check out. I’ll report back. Thanks everyone for your tips so far!

  8. #8
    Join Date
    4th October 2008 - 16:35
    Bike
    R100GSPD
    Location
    Wellington
    Posts
    10,036
    Rainbow still closed i think? Big slip somewhere.

  9. #9
    Join Date
    4th November 2003 - 13:00
    Bike
    BSA A10
    Location
    Rangiora
    Posts
    12,711
    Quote Originally Posted by BMWST? View Post
    Rainbow still closed i think? Big slip somewhere.
    It has reopened
    "If you can make black marks on a straight from the time you turn out of a corner until the braking point of the next turn, then you have enough power."


    Quote Originally Posted by scracha View Post
    Even BP would shy away from cleaning up a sidecar oil spill.
    Quote Originally Posted by Warren Zevon
    Send Lawyers, guns and money, the shit has hit the fan

  10. #10
    Join Date
    19th August 2003 - 15:32
    Bike
    RD350 KTM790R, 2 x BMW R80G/S, XT500
    Location
    Over there somewhere...
    Posts
    3,954
    What are these grades you speak off?

    We have two sorts of ride:
    1. We got home, Too easy.
    2. Holy shit, it's getting dark.

  11. #11
    Join Date
    14th October 2003 - 11:53
    Bike
    Very Modded DR650
    Location
    Hamilton
    Posts
    4,574
    www.AdventureRidingNZ.co.nz NZ's dedicated Adventure Riding Community
    Forums, free GPS track downloads and much more. Now over 5700 members, are you one of them?

Thread Information

Users Browsing this Thread

There are currently 1 users browsing this thread. (0 members and 1 guests)

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •