Mt Cook

**dangerous** · 16th July 2006, 20:05

Yeah sounds like a plan, but I'm thinking the new year or early Dec... never been to Mt Cook.

**miSTa** · 16th July 2006, 21:03

It wouldn't want to be the first weekend of November - the Nelson rally is on.

I reckon early to mid-December or early new year...

**oldrider** · 16th July 2006, 21:09

Originally Posted by 98tls

What about the Haka pub....they have a few rooms for those that dont want to tent...theres an area right beside the pub for tenting etc...somr trikers had a rally there a few years back.

The Hakataramea pub is closed, finito, indefinitely!
Cause of closure, high cost of "compliance" .

**oldrider** · 16th July 2006, 21:23

One disadvantage of parking up over night at Mt Cook is that the Kias will peck your bikes to bits if there are not enough tourists wagons for them to amuse themselves on.
I love them to bits for everything except that. For damage to my bike I hate the little bastards.
Strangely I think it's funny when they do it to some strangers vehicle!

Just a thought. Cheers John.

**Jantar** · 16th July 2006, 21:34

Originally Posted by oldrider

One disadvantage of parking up over night at Mt Cook is that the Kias will peck your bikes to bits if there are not enough tourists wagons for them to amuse themselves on..

Yep. That's what bike covers are for.

As for the date, the later it is held, the more events it will clash with.

eg. Last weekend in November is the Burt Munroe memorial weekend in Southland. First weekend in December is the Chatto Creek 1000 miler. etc.

**chic 'n' charge** · 16th July 2006, 21:38

Since I'm probably moving in December November suits me better.

Could organise a bunch to ride from here down West Coast picking up riders on the way - would be fun. Not too sure about the Kea's tho - might have to look at options......

Keep us all informed of plans.

**Oakie** · 16th July 2006, 22:15

Originally Posted by Jantar

Yep. That's what bike covers are for.

Believe me ... covers are no guarantee against these birds. The GM's wife got a brand new Mercedes convertible. Had it protected with a cover but within a couple of weeks one clever Kea had pecked through the cover to get to the nice leather headrests. Bloody intelligent birds they are ... and real clowns. Loved watching the juvenile ones doing forward rolls down the snowy slope just outside my office.

**98tls** · 16th July 2006, 22:19

Originally Posted by oldrider

The Hakataramea pub is closed, finito, indefinitely!
Cause of closure, high cost of "compliance" .

well thats that idea Fucked then......

**oldrider** · 16th July 2006, 23:05

Hey 98tls, are you a member of Whitestone or Ulysses etc, in Oamaru?
I belong to Ulysses but not a member of Whitestone these days. Send a PM if you like. Cheers John.

**Ruralman** · 17th July 2006, 17:10

Were you thinking of a mid week or weekend ride? Early Dec probably interests me - it'll be a lot warmer up there as well.
Is that Glentanner camping ground far enough back from the mountain to be free of the keas?

**Oakie** · 17th July 2006, 19:29

Originally Posted by Ruralman

Were you thinking of a mid week or weekend ride? Early Dec probably interests me - it'll be a lot warmer up there as well.
Is that Glentanner camping ground far enough back from the mountain to be free of the keas?

Yeah, it's about 25 km down the road from Mt Cook, right at the head of Lake Pukaki. I've never heard of keas being a problem there because it's not really 'alpine' although I wouldn't be surprised if the odd one or two popped in every now and then.
By the way ... Glentanner isn't just camping. There are a few huts there.

**Hitcher** · 17th July 2006, 19:34

You South Island bastards should be flogged for flagrantly flaunting your mind-numbingly beautiful scenery -- and roads -- at us poor, comparatively bereft northerners. Getting mugged by Hoodies in Rotovegas is about our lot in terms of a North Island "tourist icon" gathering. Or a rendezvous at the Hundertwasser crapper at Kawakawa. Bring your own paper...

**Oakie** · 17th July 2006, 20:03

Originally Posted by Hitcher

You South Island bastards should be flogged for flagrantly flaunting your mind-numbingly beautiful scenery

Like these of Mt Cook at sunset you mean....? (The first is from the end of Lake Pukaki, the second is the view from the Hermitage)

Sorry. We'll try to be more sensitive in future.

**Silage** · 17th July 2006, 20:26

Great idea Skyrider. I have stayed at Unwin Hut yonks ago and it must have been cheap as I was a poor student at the time. Not much room there for camping as I remember but lots of bunks. Yeah, keas could be a bit of a problem. Mt Cook/Glentanner is my pick.

There are lots of rallies around Nov - add Bottled Lightning on weekend of Nov 11 (Chch show weekend Also I think). October can be quite good weather otherwise early new year sounds ok.

**oldrider** · 17th July 2006, 23:35

Originally Posted by Hitcher

You South Island bastards should be flogged for flagrantly flaunting your mind-numbingly beautiful scenery -- and roads -- at us poor, comparatively bereft northerners. Getting mugged by Hoodies in Rotovegas is about our lot in terms of a North Island "tourist icon" gathering. Or a rendezvous at the Hundertwasser crapper at Kawakawa. Bring your own paper...

You are welcome to come down here and share it with us anytime you like. Cheers John.