Queenstown rides?

**Rhubarb** · 18th October 2008, 16:24

We are going to Queenstown soon to hire a couple of Harleys so we can go for a day long ride. We will have the Ladies riding pillion so we won't be racing everywhere.
We get the bikes at 8am and have to return them by 6pm.
Does anyone have any ideas about where we can go for a day long round trip cruise.
I thought we could head to Mount Cook for lunch and back.
We own 750cc sports bikes and have never riden Harleys before so we are really looking forward to it.

**scumdog** · 18th October 2008, 16:45

Yep, you suggestion sounds pretty spot on, HOWEVER if you haven't ridden Harleys before you might find it a bit long for that first trip on a H-D.

Just my thoughts.

**Jantar** · 18th October 2008, 16:53

I was sort of thinking along the same lines as SD. The Queesntown area is pretty unforgiving for a new type of bike for the first time.

Have you ridden any cruisers before? Or is it just Harleys that you haven't tried?

If you have ridden cruisers, and are used to that foot forward position, then I would suggest Cromwell, Wanaka, Cardrona for lunch, Crown range, Arrowtown, Glenorchy for afternnon tea, back to Queenstown for 6:00 pm finish.

**Rhubarb** · 18th October 2008, 16:58

Thanks for your suggestions.What is different about Harley's? We haven't ridden any cruisers before but have been riding all sorts of other bikes for 20+ years. Now that you mention it we haven't ridden anything with a 'foot forward'riding position.
Any tips would be realy appreciated.

**scumdog** · 18th October 2008, 17:02

Depending on what model of H-D you get scraping on corners can be an issue

- and remember, a lot of the H-D range are designed for a relatively plodding pace compared to sprotsbikes.

I find the riding position very comfortable - but I'm use to the feet forwrds position.

**Rhubarb** · 18th October 2008, 17:14

We will probably get a couple of cruisers from www.harleytoursnz.com . It might be worth taking a couple of cruisers for a test ride before we go.
The Queenstown/Central Otago ride will be a relaxing cruise and see how we go rather than a balls out race there and back.
Thanks for your tips.

**Hitcher** · 18th October 2008, 17:18

You have to do the ride from Queenstown to Glenorchy. If it isn't the best ride in New Zealand, it's in the Top Two.

A longer day ride is in to Milford Sound and back out. If this ride isn't the best ride in New Zealand, it's in the Top Two.

Do the Crown Range Road to Wanaka, then back around through Cromwell and up the Kawarau Gorge. Watch for HPs between Wanaka airport and Cromwell. This is another New Zealand Top 10 ride. (In my opinion, in case Conquistador gets upset)

**scumdog** · 18th October 2008, 17:22

Originally Posted by Hitcher

You have to do the ride from Queenstown to Glenorchy. If it isn't the best ride in New Zealand, it's in the Top Two.

A longer day ride is in to Milford Sound and back out. If this ride isn't the best ride in New Zealand, it's in the Top Two.

Do the Crown Range Road to Wanaka, then back around through Cromwell and up the Kawarau Gorge. Watch for HPs between Wanaka airport and Cromwell. This is another New Zealand Top 10 ride. (In my opinion, in case Conquistador gets upset)

It's fact Hitch, not opinion!!

Of course I'm a tad blahzay having ridden them scads of times

**Hitcher** · 18th October 2008, 17:27

Another longer day ride from Queenstown worth doing is to Mt Cook (the Hermitage) and back.

Another one would be to Lake Paringa, just up the coast from Haast. If you're not feeling that extravagant, stop for lunch at Makarora instead.

Oh god, I so need to go for a ride (extreme Grand Challenge withdrawal)

**Jantar** · 18th October 2008, 17:30

Originally Posted by Hitcher

....

Oh god, I so need to go for a ride (extreme Grand Challenge withdrawal)

Chatto Creek 1000 miler coming up soon. Usually covers at least one of those roads.

Southern Cross in March, and this one has plenty of time for a western route down the South Island.

**Virago** · 18th October 2008, 17:32

The Mount Cook trip is easily do-able, but on unfamiliar bikes with pillions, it is a commitment. The roads across the Mackenzie basin are pretty boring too.

I would second the route suggested by Jantar. Arguably the best riding roads in NZ, with a great variety of riding conditions, and absolutely stunning scenery. No shortage of refreshment / shopping stop options, which should keep the ladies happy, and ensure tired muscles get rested.

Looping around Central Otago will give you a great ride, without being committed to a "there-and-back" long trip.

I hope you enjoy yourselves.

**FJRider** · 18th October 2008, 17:43

Originally Posted by Jantar

Chatto Creek 1000 miler coming up soon. Usually covers at least one of those roads.

or all of them...

**FJRider** · 18th October 2008, 17:46

Down the lake ...Kingston...Gooorrrre...(Gore)...Raes Junction...ALEXANDRA...Q' Town

**scumdog** · 18th October 2008, 18:10

Originally Posted by FJRider

Down the lake ...Kingston...Gooorrrre...(Gore)...Raes Junction...ALEXANDRA...Q' Town

Not a bad route - just make sure you cut off at McNab and head through Tapanui - Raes Junction on the way to Alexandra, otherwise you COULD be in for a longer ride than you need.

**FJRider** · 18th October 2008, 18:16

Originally Posted by scumdog

Not a bad route - just make sure you cut off at McNab and head through Tapanui - Raes Junction on the way to Alexandra, otherwise you COULD be in for a longer ride than you need.

So the "Riveria of the South" ...Manuka Gorge route, is not a good option... ??? Even the highway one bit, isn't THAT bad...even on a Harley...