VOTE FOR NZ's BEST ROAD

[Big Dave]

43 - Yeah, I know - but not one of the nominations called it that.

[banditrider]

All those guys who voted for the Coro loop, you need to get out more.
It's good but it's not *that* good.

My thoughts too. Plenty of the other roads on the list would rate higher in my book.

[Highlander]

I voted East Cape / Waioeka (the road between Gisborne and Opotiki for those that are unfamiliar with it). Strugling to find and excuse to take the bike to my folks place (Gisborne) for Christmas while the rest of the family take the van.

Couple on the list I have yet to do, but I agree the Coro Loop while certainly a good ride, is a tad over rated I think.

[pritch]

I voted East Cape / Waioeka (the road between Gisborne and Opotiki for those that are unfamiliar with it).

If there's any justice, and there probably isn't, the West Coast Highway will win. It's the only NZ one I know of that has appeared on lists of the 10 best rides in the world.

In the North Island I cant think of a better ride than the East Cape/Waioeka. Except that, by the standard applied to the rest of the nominees, that should almost count as two rides.

For those who have never ventured over the Brynderwins or the Bombays the Coro loop probably looks the bees knees. Likewise those Southerners who voted for the Catlins or the Takaka Hill. The Catlins road is nice but it's not a million miles from the West Coast Highway and there is just no comparison.

I guess there is a tendency for us to vote for our local track err road, but if you've never experienced the pleasures of touring the other Island may I respectfiully suggest you give it a nudge. It's great.

[Highlander]

In the North Island I cant think of a better ride than the East Cape/Waioeka. Except that, by the standard applied to the rest of the nominees, that should almost count as two rides.

Often thought of doing it as a day ride from my place. Haven't yet though.

I guess there is a tendency for us to vote for our local track err road, but if you've never experienced the pleasures of touring the other Island may I respectfiully suggest you give it a nudge. It's great.

Quite right, there is nothing like making a list of roads you want to ride and seeing how many you can link together in a couple of days rides like this leave you on a high for weeks.

[banditrider]

rides like this leave you on a high for weeks.

Ahhhhh, yes, it seems such a long time ago...

[Highlander]

Time for another one. Already working up my game plan for the 2011 Southern Cross. Will try to link in some of the roads listed here that I haven't done yet.

[BoristheBiter]

I to voted East Cape but that was before I realised that it was the quick way to Gisborne.
The road around the cape (SH35) is much better.

[MD]

I voted but it's not fair to pick one Sth island stretch over the others...they are all awesome and all equal. I suppose some are more equal than others at times, if we must be picky I went with the West Coast but that's probably my sentimental bias having grown up a Coaster as a wee Lad.

Trying to get to the Burt Munro this year with dozens of mind blowing "detours" to distract you, just makes the decision impossible and highlights how the answer is quite simply..the whole South Island! (except the Canty Plains)

Just some of this year's memorable runs for me were; Lewis Pass; QT to Genorchy, Ranfury south through Middlemarch; Lindis Pass, Crown Range; Arthurs Pass and up the West Coast; Queen Charlotte Sounds. Dare I whisper it... The Buller Gorge

East Cape is up there aswell.

[Big Dave]

I to voted East Cape but that was before I realised that it was the quick way to Gisborne.
The road around the cape (SH35) is much better.

It means the loop. Around the outside and back through the middle.

[MaxB]

Some people have touched on this but I reckon a lot of how you look back on how good a road is depends a lot on how things went on the day you were there. I have a bit of a love hate thing with with the Milford-Te Anau run and Cape Reinga. Tourists and over zealous cops can make or break a road for me.

[marty]

The Thames Coast Highway part of the Coro Loop for me. Closely followed by the Western Bypass Rd from Whakamaru to Turangi. Coro because it's just such a nice road, Western Bypass because it's so quiet, fast and flowing

[BoristheBiter]

It means the loop. Around the outside and back through the middle.

oh OK then, yes this the best.

[dipshit]

Some people have touched on this but I reckon a lot of how you look back on how good a road is depends a lot on how things went on the day you were there. I have a bit of a love hate thing with with the Milford-Te Anau run and Cape Reinga. Tourists and over zealous cops can make or break a road for me.

I love living in the south island with my job as i get to have 6 days off in a row every 3 weeks. I can pick and choose when and where i head off to on my bike. If the weather is bad down south - i head north or vice versa. Prefer travelling during midweek days as the roads are a lot quieter without the Sunday drivers out and about.

The west coast, up around Nelson... and the east coast road back down to Kaikoura and Christchurch are an extra special treat.