South Island Info

**claire** · 5th April 2004, 20:42

We're planning to tour the South Island on the bikes over our christmas holiday this year and have started planning already so we can book ferry crossings etc that don't cost us a fortune and we're putting a very loose itinery together so we get to see everything on our list of must do's.

If anyone has any biker friendly accomodation they know of, roads that just have to be ridden or things that just have to be done any info would be appreciated.

Claire

**pete376403** · 5th April 2004, 20:58

It's perfect. Thats all you need to know

**pete376403** · 5th April 2004, 21:01

Actually you could start by reading Hitchers South Island thread from a coupla weeks ago. That covered a whole lot.
It's too much to cover in one hit. You just have to keep going back there.

LB · 6th April 2004, 05:55

Yep, Hitcher's write-up was excellent.

The Sth Island roads are wonderful. I'm still slightly green from reading Hitcher's writeup.

Peter Mitchell's "Great Escapes" is quite good too. Most bike shops sell it, if you can't get hold of a copy let me know and I'll photocopy the cover and a few pages so you can get the general idea of the book.

HITCHER:
Have you sent that article off to the magazine yet?????

**Lou Girardin** · 6th April 2004, 07:22

Book the ferry early to get cheap rates. 'Must rides' are; Queen Charlotte Drive from Picton to Nelson (watch for tourists). Takaka Hill, if you have time. Buller Gorge. Arthurs pass. Lewis pass, if you can detour a bit. Kaikoura to Blenheim. If you're going to the far South, take the inland, high country roads rather than the coast roads from ChCh south. But where ever you go, you'll love it.
Lou

P S Watch for cops, they're really feral down there.

**claire** · 6th April 2004, 08:50

as I said any info is appreciated will have to find Hitchers write up and read at home as I just got busted here on the work computer. Bugger. Ended up with three staff members in the office having a look as well. Only to be expected when 5 out of 6 ride I suppose.

Have got Great Escapes spends a lot of time on the coffee table funny that have also been collecting info off the net. Someone has suggested using the "Blue Bridge" ferry, apparently its cheaper!!!

Claire

**Hitcher** · 6th April 2004, 09:46

Originally Posted by Lynda Blair

HITCHER:
Have you sent that article off to the magazine yet?????

Just sorting through some photos and giving it a re-edit to better suit a magazine.

**Hitcher** · 6th April 2004, 09:48

Originally Posted by claire

as I said any info is appreciated will have to find Hitchers write up and read at home as I just got busted here on the work computer. Bugger. Ended up with three staff members in the office having a look as well. Only to be expected when 5 out of 6 ride I suppose.

Have got Great Escapes spends a lot of time on the coffee table funny that have also been collecting info off the net. Someone has suggested using the "Blue Bridge" ferry, apparently its cheaper!!!

Claire

The Bluebridge is great. Bikes are first on and first off. They have dedicated bike parks, but I'd recommend taking your own tie-downs. Also don't park in the end space nearest the stern -- there's an overhead pipe that will drip onto your bike in transit...

**Hitcher** · 6th April 2004, 09:50

Originally Posted by Lou Girardin

Book the ferry early to get cheap rates. 'Must rides' are; Queen Charlotte Drive from Picton to Nelson (watch for tourists). Takaka Hill, if you have time. Buller Gorge. Arthurs pass. Lewis pass, if you can detour a bit. Kaikoura to Blenheim. If you're going to the far South, take the inland, high country roads rather than the coast roads from ChCh south. But where ever you go, you'll love it.
Lou

P S Watch for cops, they're really feral down there.

Amen to all of this. Other "must dos" include Banks Peninsula, the Milford Road from Te Anau, the Glenorchy Road from Queenstown and the Hermitage Road to Mt Cook... (pauses for momentary rush of nostalgia)

**phil_elvey** · 6th April 2004, 10:13

is it possible to find and direct link that (Hitcher's) article in this thread?

**XRNR** · 6th April 2004, 11:13

Originally Posted by phil_elvey

is it possible to find and direct link that (Hitcher's) article in this thread?

Days 1-3
Days 4-6
Days 7-9
Day 10
Day 11
Days 12-14 End !

Bloody Addictive Website. I blame you WARI

**claire** · 6th April 2004, 17:55

for the links to Hitchers posts on his trip around the south island. Am just waiting for it to print now for reference etc so will read once its all done.

Will be going to the Wanganui Street Racing on Boxing Day so it will definately be a motorcycling overdose holiday!

Claire

**pete376403** · 6th April 2004, 17:59

Originally Posted by pete376403

It's too much to cover in one hit. You just have to keep going back there.

I mean't the South Island, not the articles, comprehensive as they were.

**KATWYN** · 6th April 2004, 18:15

Originally Posted by Lou Girardin

Book the ferry early to get cheap rates. 'Must rides' are; Queen Charlotte Drive from Picton to Nelson (watch for tourists). Takaka Hill, if you have time. Buller Gorge. Arthurs pass. Lewis pass, if you can detour a bit. Kaikoura to Blenheim. If you're going to the far South, take the inland, high country roads rather than the coast roads from ChCh south. But where ever you go, you'll love it.
Lou

P S Watch for cops, they're really feral down there.

I agree with all of the above, but include Lake Tekapo and Mt Cook if you can (they both can be done on a day trip from Timaru).