Visitor to NZ touring South Island

**Slartidbartfast** · 16th January 2010, 12:57

Hello Kiwi Bikers

I was sent over here from Advrider as I'm about to spend a couple of weeks exploring the S. Island and it was suggested there will be a lot of people possibly up for rides and/or beers, etc.

Will post my proposed route here shortly. Meanwhile check out this thread on Advrider for details.

Look forward to meeting up with a few of you.

Cheers!

**Slartidbartfast** · 16th January 2010, 13:43

I'm in Auckland tonight (Sat 16th Jan). Will be in Christchurch tomorrow. Picking up bike on Monday and heading for Mt. Cook area initially. After that??? Probably Dunedin on Tuesday eve, then toward Milford Sound on Wednesday - We'll see. Like I said, I'll get more details on here in a day or so.

Home is in Louisiana, USA, but I'm from England originally. This is my first time in New Zealand.

Plan is to see as much of the island as possible, enjoying the roads and natural beauty. Sealed roads only. Will probably take a few short hikes along the way but not planning to get into all the bungee jumping, rafting, helicopter tours, etc. although I might take a boat trip in Milford Sound.

Planning to stay in hostels mostly, although I did bring a sleeping bag in case I end up having to sleep under a hedge somewhere

**The Baron** · 16th January 2010, 14:05

Welcome to NZ.

I'm in the wrong Island to ride with you but I will watch your updates.

Have a great time - ride safe.

What bike are you on? Do you know yet?

**babysteps** · 16th January 2010, 15:46

Hey Slarti,

Pm me when in Christchurch and we'll go for a beer in the afternoon.

Mark

**Slartidbartfast** · 16th January 2010, 17:18

Originally Posted by The Baron

Welcome to NZ.

I'm in the wrong Island to ride with you but I will watch your updates.

Have a great time - ride safe.

What bike are you on? Do you know yet?

Thanks for the welcome. I've got a Weestrom reserved at Te Waipounamu in Christchurch. Given the low speed limits it seems like a lot of bike for the island but should work out just fine. Surely a bit lighter and more nimble than the GS I have at home.

**Slartidbartfast** · 16th January 2010, 17:20

Originally Posted by babysteps

Hey Slarti,

Pm me when in Christchurch and we'll go for a beer in the afternoon.

Mark

Will do! The first one is on me!

**Slartidbartfast** · 16th January 2010, 17:41

I have been playing with Google maps. Here's my first thoughts for the first few days.

Day 1: Christchurch (A) to Mt. Cook (B)

Day 2: Mt. Cook (B) to Dunedin (C)

Day 3: Dunedin (C) to Milford Sound - Stay there or in Te Anau (D) or at HondaV2's Shaggy Shed!

Day 4 (or 5 if I mess about in Fjordland another day): to Franz Josef glacier Nat. Park (E)

Day 5: To Arthur's Pass - Maybe further, depending whether I spend half the day hiking on the glacier or not

Day 6: Back to the East side and then cross to the West again via Lewis Pass and Buller River Gorge

Edit: How do I get the above image to show up in-line rather than as a link?

**shah** · 16th January 2010, 18:15

welcome. i see you're a BMW motorcycle enthusiast. check out www.bmwor.org.nz

members may want to hear about your trip. enjoy your assignment in Aotearoa.

regards,
Shah

**scumdog** · 16th January 2010, 18:20

PM me if you are travelling to Milford via SH1, I'm an hour south of Dunedin.

**Monkeynz** · 16th January 2010, 19:02

Hi and a big welcome to NZ, not sure what time you arrive in CHCH but the National GP motorcycling champs are on at Ruapuna which is just outside of Chch. There are Superbikes, 600cc, GP125, Buckets, Clubmans class, streetstock, sidecars and Motards(sorry if I have missed one), so if you get a chance it would a great opportunity to see some excellent bike racing.

**Foxzee** · 16th January 2010, 20:17

Originally Posted by Monkeynz

Hi and a big welcome to NZ, not sure what time you arrive in CHCH but the National GP motorcycling champs are on at Ruapuna which is just outside of Chch. There are Superbikes, 600cc, GP125, Buckets, Clubmans class, streetstock, sidecars and Motards(sorry if I have missed one), so if you get a chance it would a great opportunity to see some excellent bike racing.

Yeah ya did Monkey...F3 and Pro Twin ...lol....

If you guys decide to hit North Island give me a PM and we can meet up...Welcome to NZ and enjoy the South it is awesome...such a beautiful place....

**Monkeynz** · 16th January 2010, 20:31

Originally Posted by Foxzee

Yeah ya did Monkey...F3 and Pro Twin ...lol....

If you guys decide to hit North Island give me a PM and we can meet up...Welcome to NZ and enjoy the South it is awesome...such a beautiful place....

Oh yea, I thought I had but couldn't think. Even though I'm a North Islander originally I reckon the South is more beautiful. (Shit that was hard to say, my heart still belongs in Hawkes Bay)

**tate35** · 16th January 2010, 20:55

Originally Posted by Slartidbartfast

Hello Kiwi Bikers

I was sent over here from Advrider as I'm about to spend a couple of weeks exploring the S. Island and it was suggested there will be a lot of people possibly up for rides and/or beers, etc.

Will post my proposed route here shortly. Meanwhile check out this thread on Advrider for details.

Look forward to meeting up with a few of you.

Cheers!

Hello and welcome to NZ and KB,

That's awesome - sent here to tour the South Island. I'm in the North Island otherwise would be keen.
Hope you have a blast enjoy the roads and the beers