North & South Island ride. Any suggestions?

[tbone]

Hey,

I just did both Islands in late May - safe to say you picked a better time!
http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/sh...ad.php?t=75439

In the South Island, I had the best scenery (to me) around the Kaikoura area, but there were some wicked as corners near the Glaciers. I had a alot of fun going from Picton to Nelson via the Queen Charlotte Drive - narrow at times though.

In the North Island, from what I did travel I liked the road from Wanganui to Taumaranui the best, when you go past the National Park (not through Waiouru). Through there are some challenging corners (well at least for me they were!) and some really gorgeous scenery.

If you don't mind your bike getting a little dirty - I recommend going up to Cape Reinga - going up there was a last minute decision, alot of gravel to get there (bout 25-30 odd km return) but well worth it. To and from Kaitaia it's about a 230km trip. The fish and chip shop in Mangonui is probably the best I've come across!

[ajturbo]

anywhere in the south island is good.. apart from the straight roads south of chch.... yawn...

get over to collingwood, one way trip unfortunatly .. but well worth it!

if i could i would live down south again...
the main trouble i have is where!

[Qkchk:Me]

Usually I organise a group ride up to the Cape at the end of Jan for Auckland Anniversary Weekend. See here for this years details.

[Warr]

......I recommend going up to Cape Reinga - going up there was a last minute decision, alot of gravel to get there (bout 25-30 odd km return) but well worth it. To and from Kaitaia it's about a 230km trip. The fish and chip shop in Mangonui is probably the best I've come across!

Heading up or down ninety mile beach is the go too. Your road bike is quite capable of getting through the Te Paki. I did it 2 up. Pillion got her boots wet !