This Year's South Island KB get together - Otematata??

[Ruralman]

Last December we had a brilliant get together of South Island KB'rs at Otematata with most of us staying at the Shearers quarters on a local sheep station.
This venue had a lot going for it from hot showers, a big lounge area with fire, good cooking facilities, handy to a local pub for meals and getting grog, far enough away from otheres that our noise wouldn't bother anyone, and a bloody good local member with a little truck who helped deliver stuff. It had beds with mattresses for about 25 in bunkrooms with 2-4 beds.
Since then we've gained a lot of SI members and a few who couldn't make last years event will probably be keen to come. Theres little in the way of tent sites around the quarters from what I recall (but I will go and check this out properly) and I'd need to check this out with the Station manager as well as getting the venue again if thats where we want to go.

The main reason for this thread is to get some ideas well in advance whether we should go for the same place again and do what we can (last years lot get first rights to the beds!!), or, try some other place.

An example of another place could be Camp Armstrong about 10km up the Pig Root from Palmerston - its got most of the advantages of last years site and some great ride options around the area.
Are there any other camp options that people know about that would work.
Lets hear what you think.

[MyGSXF:Me]

Is there anywhere near the middle of the Island????

I'd have to add another 2 days travel on top..

[rossi]

i be keen as
camp armstrong sounds good but i easy as i like the road up to otitomato lol
willhave a think of some places and let ya know

[dangerous]

Last December we had a brilliant get together of South Island KB'rs at Otematata

The main reason for this thread is to get some ideas well in advance whether we should go for the same place again and do what we can (last years lot get first rights to the beds!!), or, try some other place.

An example of another place could be Camp Armstrong about 10km up the Pig Root from Palmerston

And last years rally freaking well rocked, I'm in for another sesion like that.

Heres an idea I came up with... The Blackball Hilton theres a double garage for the bikes, a bar, food, lots of rooms from 2 single beds to dorms... it woud be ideal.
For those that dont know of it its 15min North of Greymouth on the coast
Just an idea anyway.

[oldrider]

Is there anywhere near the middle of the Island????

I'd have to add another 2 days travel on top..

South Island grid, New Zealand motorcycle Atlas:

Ashburton.....Invercargill-492km

Ashburton.....Nelson-----509km

Would that be close enough for you? John.

[Jantar]

The Formerly Blackball Hilton will get my vote for this year. Then back to Otago for the following year.

RM, There may be a chance for those of us who like to get a little bit dirty to have a smaller Rally at Dingleburn. Paulette is making enquiries.

[oldrider]

And last years rally freaking well rocked, I'm in for another sesion like that.

Heres an idea I came up with... The Blackball Hilton theres a double garage for the bikes, a bar, food, lots of rooms from 2 single beds to dorms... it woud be ideal.
For those that dont know of it its 15min North of Greymouth on the coast
Just an idea anyway.

Certainly is a fun place to stay and good biking types that own and run it too! (well currently anyway) John.

[Daffyd]

What time of the year is it?

[pritch]

What time of the year is it?

Good question.

I have some leave and a credit on a ferry...
(Ifn y'all actually let North Islanders attend.)

[slowpoke]

Otematata? Not often that place is mentioned in the news...was a great place to grow up as a kid. I wonder how the last 30 years have treated the place.....

[MyGSXF:Me]

South Island grid, New Zealand motorcycle Atlas:

Ashburton.....Invercargill-492km

Ashburton.....Nelson-----509km

Would that be close enough for you? John.

yep..

[Ghost_Bullet]

I am in on this one, last year was awesome, both the Sat night and ride in and out, esp the ride into Cook.
I am keen on any venue, the Hilton to stands out, one for that I have never been there, and hear that it is not a bad spot.

Doing different destinations each year sounds like a great idea. Otamata rocked but my guess is no matter where KB'ers are, they have the ability to make any place rock.





Gee this thread could become mighty long by the time this happens, especially if we are looking Dec 07'ish

[scumdog]

Well the Otematata site suits me - no public to scare (or interfere), just KBers

BUT I'll go with where the majority want to - as long as we can party in peace..

[xknuts]

Motorcycle friends are at a rally at Mt Somers Motorcamp this weekend so I will check that out with them. Could be OK too!

[Ruralman]

Just reading through all the replies so far and yep I reckon anywhere we meet we'll make sure we have a great time.
Keep us posted on that Dingleburn thing Jantar (I've gone blank on where that is and I should know??).
Given Jen's comments about the distance maybe we should consider that the location has to be one days ride from any point in the South Island (and yes I'm well aware "one days ride" distances vary a lot between riders).
This sort of points to mid Canterbury options - Mt Somers has been mentioned, maybe Lake Coleridge?? Whats up there in the way of options and facilities (might need a support vehicle taking in food, booze etc (and equipped with a good stereo)

I've heard a lot about the Blackball Hilton and its definitely on my list of places to go but it would be a bloody long haul home from there on a Sunday with a hangover for those of us in the Dunedin South category. We could certainly get there in good time on the Sat OK with a bit of travel on Friday night - its the run home thats the problem.

For those that asked and didn't read the first post - December was the time of the last one (weekend of the 12th I think)

So what are the best mid Canterbury options??