Best motorcycle place to live?

**marty** · 26th January 2006, 18:21

pretty much anywhere in the waikato...

**Virago** · 26th January 2006, 18:24

Keeping up the one eyed theme - Dunedin, or to be more specific, Otago.

I'm in the suburb of Halfway Bush, less than 2 minutes ride from the open road. First stretch of road - Three Mile Hill - a delightful series of twisties. From there, the choice is endless - down the coast, or inland to sunny Central Otago.

I'm still finding new rides around Dunedin. Surely a biker's paradise.....

**janno** · 26th January 2006, 18:50

Ah yes, Halfway Bush - the last winter I was there we headed up more than a few times to hiff snowballs. Three mile hill road was closed a lot too. I guess you could put skis on your boots and ride feet down . . .

**Smokin** · 26th January 2006, 18:55

The South Island's a top place to own a bike, Bugger all traffic compaired with the North Island.
I rode around Auckland once, Never again!!! It scared the shit out of me, Everyones out to get ya up there.
The west coast is just fantastic, truely a motorcycle paradise

**Bloody Mad Woman (BMW)** · 26th January 2006, 19:11

Napier by far. I was brought up in Nelson, did riding there, lived in Wellington for many years - limited riding I found - only two ways out of the place - moved to Napier cos of the better weather and riding all year round - you can go in any direction, in North Island. Also lots of fantastic roads in the Bay itself - and few cops!

**Harry33** · 26th January 2006, 19:11

Anyone got any ideas where you shouldn't live. Let the games begin.

**NhuanH** · 26th January 2006, 19:18

Originally Posted by Virago

Keeping up the one eyed theme - Dunedin, or to be more specific, Otago.

isn't that becoming less specific?

Auckland is a realist's compromise re: $$ opportunities to fuel the habit (and home of the Blues), but Coro would be cool if you could swing it. Oh, the loop multiple times a week...

**janno** · 26th January 2006, 19:18

Wainui-o-martian-land in the Hutt Valley. I had the complete misfortune to live there for a year and it's the absolute arsehole of the universe. The only good thing about that place is the road out of there. Apologies to anyone who just luurrves Wainuiomata - if there are any.

**Jantar** · 26th January 2006, 19:22

Central Otago has the very best motorcycling roads in New Zealand. The draw back is the weather. Riding to work tonight the temperature was once again over 30. Its just too hot. But then if you've ridden in Brisbane you'll be used to that.

In the winter it can get quite cool, but unlike Dunedin we don't get the ice. Its just too dry, and I ride in temperatures down to -6. Below that the bike stays in the shed. Last winter there were around 10 days that I didn't ride to work, but took the cage.

The next best part of New Zealand for motorcycling is the Central Plateau in the North Island. Taupo, Tokoroa etc. are central to all parts of the North Island. There are some really great roads out east into the Bay of Plenty, or west into King Country. Then there are superb roads around the hydro lakes.

As others have already said, you'll be right just about anywhere except Auckland.

**HDTboy** · 26th January 2006, 19:34

For good roads, and usually good weather, you'd be a fool not to consider Whangarei. The Northland loop ride is pretty spectacular, and Auckland's only an hour (or two if you're slow) away

**Hitcher** · 26th January 2006, 19:54

Summary so far? Anywhere in New Zealand is good for motorcycling (with the exception of Auckland and Tauranga).

**soundbeltfarm** · 26th January 2006, 19:56

as sensei said man.
ask your gran she onto it mate she is in the best place for bikes already so why leave here once you arrive?

**et al** · 26th January 2006, 20:05

How about Wanganui? I was born and bred there and spent my first couple of biking years there. When I compare the riding choices there to what we have available in Wellington I realise that there are just so many directions you can head off in eg go North to New Plymouth, or Central up the Paraparas, or South to Palmerston North or Wellington etc. The big thing I like about that area is that there are so many good "back" roads you can take as well. Of course also handy for Boxing Day races!

**vs04** · 26th January 2006, 20:47

Originally Posted by et al

How about Wanganui? I was born and bred there and spent my first couple of biking years there. When I compare the riding choices there to what we have available in Wellington I realise that there are just so many directions you can head off in eg go North to New Plymouth, or Central up the Paraparas, or South to Palmerston North or Wellington etc. The big thing I like about that area is that there are so many good "back" roads you can take as well. Of course also handy for Boxing Day races!

My thoughts also,wanganui,s central to some pretty good riding thats for sure.