Top of the South Island - RECOMMENDATIONS

**Alpha Solo** · 8th August 2007, 19:30

Hi Scott, thanks again!

I just got a GPS today so please mail me whatever... I've got to work out how to use the thing tonight..

P.

**Zukin** · 8th August 2007, 20:01

What sort of GPS did you get?
And do you have any mapping software for your PC?

Cheers Scott

**Alpha Solo** · 8th August 2007, 22:00

Ive just got a nokia gps phone, and it looks like the only maps available are for Aussie.... Grrrr

But if you have them handy then maybe I might be able to sort something out.

Cheers again.

**The Big J** · 9th August 2007, 04:13

Stop in at the Mussell Inn north of Takaka for a refreshing beer. You may well not want to leave.

**Alpha Solo** · 9th August 2007, 11:02

Looks like I will be making a return journey in a couple of weeks time as there is so many good routes up there, I forgot about the Mussel Inn - fantastic home brewed beers, great food too!

Cheers again,

P.

**MyGSXF:Me** · 9th August 2007, 11:10

If you do get over the Takaka Hill.. the road between Takaka & Collingwood & then out to Farewell Spit.. is simply DEVINE!!!

There's a nice cafe on the hill overlooking the Spit, with big binoculars to scope the bay with.. a lovely place to spent some time relaxing!!!

**puddytat** · 10th August 2007, 01:18

Originally Posted by Zukin

Hi there

How serious are you about going off the tar seal?

You should call into Waipuna Caves (near Greymouth) , I would also suggest Maruia Saddle road (back way to Murchison) Braeburn track to Lake Rotoroa, either Porika Track or the main out of Lake Rotoroa, then either up to Nelson and to Picton, or I would do Rainbow to Hanmer and then back through Molesworth to Blenheim and then down the coast road to Christchurch?

When are you doing this trip?

Cheers Scott

I agree with these routes (i live nearby) especially the Maruia saddle bit , also just North of Murchison take the Mangles valley rd up to & over the Braeburn to Rotoroa & from there you can take the Porika track (which is steep & pretty rough in places) thru to the St Arnaud road, or head down the Gowan valley from Rotoroa back to the main drag.Have a good one!

**cooneyr** · 10th August 2007, 08:25

Originally Posted by peachvw

Im keen to learn about these off road routes - apparently there is a guide book but I dont know the name of it, I tried in Boarders yesterday but no luck, anyone know the name of it?

Ive had the GS off road a few times and as long as you gun it then there is no problems, pulling it out of bogs might be a different matter though so will have to try and see how the terrain is.

The books you want are shown in this link. There is a revised volume 1 out so better with that one. Whitcoulls has them in stock normally.

If you are going to go up to Westport and up the buller then it is a bit of a back track to go over Maruia Saddle. The Breaburn track is well worth it and is an easy ride. The Porika track is quite steep and rocky but is perfectly ridable. The Rainbow has two locked gates and would be very interesting to try and do at this time of year due to snow - I wouldnt recomend it and anyway you would cut a huge amount of the north off. You will not be allowed through the Molesworth at the moment.

Another track worth a look is Taylors Pass between Blenhiem and the Awatere Valley. Also I would recomend the inland scenic road between Kaikoura and Culverden if you like wiggles. Only watch out for snow, ice and grit all of which may be present on any given day.

Mangatapu between Nelson and Plerous is a cool track but you miss the Wangamoas doing this. Depends on if you want dirt or seal

We attempted the 1000kms in 24 hours with as much dirt as possible (Dusty Butt 1000) and I put some maps up. The Mangatapu, Maruia Saddle, Breaburn, Porika and Taylors Pass are all shown in maps in posts 58, 59 and 60 of this thread.
The large scale maps are here and here

If you need any further help on the dirt tracks/roads PM me.

Cheers R

**pritch** · 10th August 2007, 10:39

The New Zealand Motorcycle Atlas is brilliant. It shows both the good bike roads and the good "adventure roads". Off-road is something else.

It should be available at any good book shop (shame about Borders?) or from this link. It's the middle book.

http://www.mcycle.co.nz/books.htm

**mbazza** · 11th August 2007, 19:21

I'd suggest the gravel 60km from Rarangi (spot the whales from atop the cliffs) to Waikawa via Port Underwood. Best bit of gravel around. Avoid in the summer due to heavy road use.
Best cafe on water front in Waikawa.
Have a good run. Cheers

**NordieBoy** · 11th August 2007, 20:06

Originally Posted by MyGSXF

The Queen Charlotte Drive (Havelock to Picton) is rough as guts, lots of loose chip & slumps in the road

You say this like it's a bad thing?

**MyGSXF:Me** · 11th August 2007, 20:18

Originally Posted by NordieBoy

You say this like it's a bad thing?

lols.. might be a tad for some poor unsuspecting sod who isn't familiar with the road..

however I went through there.. WITH my 9yr old son on the back.. & a mate on his vfr800 couldn't keep up with me...

**Coldrider** · 11th August 2007, 20:26

I love Queen Charlotte Drive too, I have swooped round there in the middle of the night many a time, teaches ya to ride properly, and a beer well earned at the "Trout'.
PS I can't see my inlaws house in the photo from mbazza, not enough boats, too many houses for Waikawa Bay Marina.

**Transalper** · 11th August 2007, 21:47

Originally Posted by peachvw

Im keen to learn about these off road routes....

Ive had the GS off road a few times...

All this yet the Christchurch Adventures who ride the roads you want to see haven't met you yet?

**mbazza** · 11th August 2007, 21:56

Originally Posted by Coldrider

I love Queen Charlotte Drive too, I have swooped round there in the middle of the night many a time, teaches ya to ride properly, and a beer well earned at the "Trout'.
PS I can't see my inlaws house in the photo from mbazza, not enough boats, too many houses for Waikawa Bay Marina.

Yeah, your right Dn harbour, pick of Ocean Bay is on other hard drive! You got me!