South Island tour?

**Quasievil** · 27th December 2007, 21:37

hi Yall
Im planning on doing a solo tour of some deep dark S.I bits, ie Westcoast and Fiordland and a few other parts that Im unsure of yet.
Im bringing the KLR and will be packing tent and camping gear, Im hoping for a bit of a getaway from it ALL kinda deal and Im thinking where would be some good spots to park up for the night, without to many people/kids etc, if anyone has any knowledge to part I would appreciate it. I looked at DOC camps but the DOC website doesnt give the actual location away very well.

Im almost tempted to just park up of the road a bit and see how I go with that

what ya think

**Jantar** · 27th December 2007, 21:54

There are still many parts of the South Island where you can just camp as you please, but they are getting scarce. Some districts like the Queenstown Lakes District Council have banned camping in public places except for designated camping grounds. And of course the council owns those grounds.

Camping is permitted in the national parks, and they have many areas that are suitable. Most farmers don't object if a motorcyclist pitches a tent in a paddock, but it does help to ask first.

Enjoy your ride.

**Quasievil** · 28th December 2007, 13:17

Decided to tour around staying at DOC camp sites, I will post my itinerary later incase anyone wants to hang out.

**Cajun** · 28th December 2007, 14:00

Good luck Brett mate, we are heading down mid march for a SI trip

**99TLS** · 28th December 2007, 14:29

Originally Posted by Quasievil

Decided to tour around staying at DOC camp sites, I will post my itinerary later incase anyone wants to hang out.

dont let skidmark see this or he will want to come along

**Old Grant** · 29th December 2007, 20:49

Originally Posted by Quasievil

hi Yall
Im planning on doing a solo tour of some deep dark S.I bits, ie Westcoast and Fiordland and a few other parts that Im unsure of yet.
Im bringing the KLR and will be packing tent and camping gear, Im hoping for a bit of a getaway from it ALL kinda deal and Im thinking where would be some good spots to park up for the night, without to many people/kids etc, if anyone has any knowledge to part I would appreciate it. I looked at DOC camps but the DOC website doesnt give the actual location away very well.

Im almost tempted to just park up of the road a bit and see how I go with that

what ya think

I rode up the west Coast a couple of weeks ago. There are plenty of places where you can just sneak off the road and pitch a tent. Good luck with your trip and if you end up anywhere near Dunedin give me a call.
Cheers
Grant

**bell** · 30th December 2007, 00:38

Sneaky camping is the way to go, interspersed with staying in motels or a backpackers so you can have a wash every day or three.

Best to pick a slightly out of the way spot that will allow you to sleep in a bit, rather than stress about having to break camp once the sun's getting too high.

Also good to be close to a bit of water, a bit of a view and a pub if you can swing it. I prefer to avoid being right by a dirt road too. Saves waking up to clouds of dust when the first cow cockies drive down there road at 5am.

The West Coast is littered with opportunities...limited by your imagination only. Saw some good looking campsites along the Crown Range Rd - Wanaka side.