The Catlins - a riders paradise

[feral1]

Gidday All,

Merry Christmas of course to all. Came down for the merry season to visit the folks in the deep south. Have a farm just West of the Catlins, so yesterday it was very fine weather and I thought I better go and check it out on the bike.

Well....this part of the southern scenic route has always been gravel. And a tight windy gravel road through the Catlins Forest Park at that.
But very recently the councils and roading authorities have taken the big plung and tar-sealed it all the way through. F&*k-me... what a primo job. These guys should be given a medal and honoury degrees in race track engineering. In short this road is PRIMO. New fresh seal, great camber and heaps of nice corners ranging from 35 km to nice 75 km/h sweepers - one after the other. I went on a sunny Saturday afternoon, did a 300 km loop and saw no more than two dozen cars and half a dozen campers (and no copper.. lol - Scumdog should been there on the sporty mate) wicked. This is on my Sth Isl favourites list now.

To all: If you are ever down Otago - Southland the Catlins Scenic route is not to be missed.

Next fine day is in the middle of next week and I am thinking about a Milford Sound mission. Any KBérs local in Southland/ Strn Otago wanna hook-up?? PM me or let me know.

Feral

[inlinefour]

Went through there in Feb in the hilux. I found most of the South Island perfect for riding. In fact it was within a few hours of being down there that the misses had had a gutsfull of my moaning, why did I not bring the bike down???

[sels1]

Timely. Was just discussing the merits of going thru the Catlins 1/2 hr ago with my brother who is towing a caravan down for the big S.I hols. Gald to hear it is now sealed - will be a great ride on a bike.

[scumdog]

Been trying to tell you lot about the Catlins scenic route for a while now but would you listen?
Yep, bloody good ride and great scenery.
(I mentioned mt trip over it about a year ago just before it was sealed - nightmare trip back then)
Drop in and see me when you're down here guys, Feral, ya still near here?

[feral1]

Been trying to tell you lot about the Catlins scenic route for a while now but would you listen?
Yep, bloody good ride and great scenery.
(I mentioned mt trip over it about a year ago just before it was sealed - nightmare trip back then)
Drop in and see me when you're down here guys, Feral, ya still near here?

Yeah mate, hanging around for a few days yet. Off to visit a cobber in Central Otago tomorrow. Work around the folks farm a bit on Tuesday, Wednesday looks like the next day that the weather improves in Southland and I am keen to go to Milford Sound. Trying to see if Toddy wants to go too.

Then probably Queenstown for new year....
and back up to the Coast early January