3 weeks in January, 2 people want to ride around

**Orangebox** · 28th September 2007, 01:35

Hello Kiwibikers!

This seems like the best place for a first post, so virtual drinks at the virtual bar on my virtual credit card for all!

My girlfriend and I are visiting NZ from January 10th for 3 weeks as the start of a 6 month world explore, and we're in the mood to hire a bike, or bikes for some of that time to have an explore.

We both ride in the UK (I have a TDM9, and she a Bandit6).

So... on with the questions!
We fly into Auckland (and there the plan stops). Where to get hold of a bike/bikes?
Would it be practical to camp/hostel everywhere on the islands?
Is 'only' riding sensible in January?

I'm sure I'll think of more...

**Ralph** · 28th September 2007, 05:59

Hi there, welcome to KB.
January is good for biking in NZ but then anytime is a good time to be out riding.
Here's a link to get you started and they have a pick up in Auckland.

Link thingy

As for accomodation there's backpackers or well set up camp grounds in
most places. Have a look here

**Bren** · 28th September 2007, 06:59

why fly to auckland? ya should come down to where the BEST M/C country is...here in the south island...forget about the north.....IMHO of corse

**clint640** · 28th September 2007, 09:58

G'day, A search will find you the hire companies. If you want a bike each the cheapest option is probably a couple of XT600s, they're a good rig for getting around NZ. I would book something right now as January is peak time.

I'd plan on spending 1 week in the North Is & 2 in the South. You'll be able to camp or hostel no worries but again, January is busy so it would be a good idea to try & book accomodation, even just a day or 2 ahead will do.

Get the NZ Motorcycle Atlas, published by Hema Maps. It has good maps & all the choice rides highlighted.

Cheers
Clint

**Orangebox** · 28th September 2007, 20:06

Thanks guys, that's an excellent start. I shall do some homework and ask more dumb questions soon.

Why Auckland? - £550GBP flights from the UK, that's why!

**deanohit** · 28th September 2007, 20:40

Well, go from Auckland to Coromandel and do the loop around the peninsula, one of the best roads for riding in NZ, will be busy in Jan though. But yea, do something like 1 week in the north and 2 in the south, not as built up and beauty every where you look.

**Ralph** · 28th September 2007, 20:53

Originally Posted by linuxrunner

why fly to auckland? ya should come down to where the BEST M/C country is...here in the south island...forget about the north.....IMHO of corse

Maybe saving the best for last

**Beemer** · 5th October 2007, 15:15

Stay one night in Auckland (you'll be shattered after the flight) and then get the hell out of there! Head south and no matter what the date (holidays, etc) you two know there will always be a bed at our place!

**Conquiztador** · 5th October 2007, 17:28

If you come to NZ HB is a must (but then again you would expect me to say that...)

If you guys pass by and need a bed (or two...) then PM.

But it does not matter where in NZ you travel. It is all brilliant.

**Grahameeboy** · 5th October 2007, 17:41

Nothing wrong with Auckland...it's a hamlet compared to London matey.

There are some great rides up north and of course the Coro loop. You could always give a heads up and we could give you a KB welcome ride.

But agree that you should spend more time in the South Island.

Look forward to using your wedge at the rubber duck geezer and enjoying a celebratory gold watch with ya

**Mom** · 5th October 2007, 17:45

Originally Posted by Orangebox

Hello Kiwibikers!

This seems like the best place for a first post, so virtual drinks at the virtual bar on my virtual credit card for all!

My girlfriend and I are visiting NZ from January 10th for 3 weeks as the start of a 6 month world explore, and we're in the mood to hire a bike, or bikes for some of that time to have an explore.

We both ride in the UK (I have a TDM9, and she a Bandit6).

So... on with the questions!
We fly into Auckland (and there the plan stops). Where to get hold of a bike/bikes?
Would it be practical to camp/hostel everywhere on the islands?
Is 'only' riding sensible in January?

I'm sure I'll think of more...

January is a challenging month, should be warm and dry, but you are also likely to get rain and wind, sometimes really bad rain and wind up north, having said that we camp at that time of the year and it is loverly, bit cool at night. Leave it to those in the know to direct you to bike rentals etc, but would love to meet you and show you the best camping beach in the world...Welcome to KB!

**klingon** · 5th October 2007, 20:46

One week in the North Island and two in the South sounds about right. A lot of people take their summer holidays in January, so the roads will be quite crowded with caravans etc, but it also means more KiwiBikers available to pass you from hand-to-hand down the length of the country.

[Grammatical note: We always use the definite article when referring to the two main islands by name i.e. "the North Island" and "the South Island." We also talk about being "in" rather than "on" one of the main islands ("I live in the North Island"). Off-shore islands have different grammatical rules. I have no idea why this is the case.]

In addition to the hostel option, have you considered couch surfing? You can either do it through one of the official web sites or consider KB your own personal couch surfing resource!
www.couchsurfing.com
www.globalfreeloaders.com

**Swoop** · 5th October 2007, 20:46

Auckland Motorcycles and Power Sports (AMPS) clicky hire bikes and Lou Girardin is a member here (currently not active on the site though).
A good place to start your tour!

Enjoy the place. January is "supposed" to be summertime here.

(things can change quickly with the weather)

**Orangebox** · 5th October 2007, 21:58

Great responses, thanks guys. It's all very heartwarming.

I've been really busy moving house last week, so haven't done any homework.
However, I'm having a 'slow' day at work today, so I'll have a click through some of your links now.

And I have a confession to make, which may amuse some of you:
Seeing as they don't really teach Geography in UK schools, I have an excuse, but I saw an overlay map of NZ on top of the USofA, and hadn't realised quite how big the islands were! NZ is massive!

**Macktheknife** · 5th October 2007, 23:10

Originally Posted by Orangebox

hadn't realised quite how big the islands were! NZ is massive!

Don't be deceived, we are just a few small islands in the middle of nowhere, not very pretty, nothing to see or do here of any great consequence. In fact I dunno why anyone would bother coming here, most of us are leaving for places with better weather and money. Terrible place, please tell everyone you know NZ is horrible, don't waste your time and money.

Unless they ride motorbikes in which case you can tell them the truth, it is the best place on earth for bikers, this is motorcycle heaven. Look forward to meeting you when you get here.