Riding in South Island

[Neshi]

I am living in Wellington and was planning on riding to Christchurch in about 2 weeks time. I got told this wasn't such a great idea as the roads would be covered in snow. Now I know it will be cold but that doesn't matter me much.. snow does... My question now is, is going to the south island this time of the year doable? Will the streets be clean or should I better take a plane down there?
I would just stick to the main road as I would like to do the ride within a day..
cheers

[schrodingers cat]

State Highway 1, for the most part is at sea level or under 300m. So long as the road is open below Kaikoura I don't see you'd have a problem. Bloody long way on a 250 tho...

[Virago]

Ah, a "visitor to NZ", eh...?

Who has decreed that the roads will be covered in snow?

There is currently snow inland and in the high country. I believe State Highway 1 in the north is completely clear.

As far as what the road conditions will be like in two weeks - who knows? But the chance of SH1 being blocked is fairly low.

There's no way you can plan a road trip in advance in mid-winter. Check the long-range forecast a week before.

[Neshi]

well, officially still a 'visitor'. I'm here on a student visa, and I've never been anywhere else than Wellington.. so just wanted to make sure going to Chch on the bike is still possible. I know doing that bit of highway on a 250 could get a little boring.. but it's just 450km. so with 110-120 it'll be done in 5 hours or so, not too bad.

So there will be no problems you can see? Not that I'm suddenly facing bits of ice on the road

[imdying]

Piece of cake, just check the weather forecast as far out as you can (10 day forecast on metservice site). Boring though. Wear a plastic wet weather oversuit from the Warehouse, and you'll be warm as toast... don't wear something like that, and the cold wind will make it a bitter miserable trip. Spend the $50, it'll be worth it.

[scumdog]

Don't come down here.

You could end up hitting a frozen-to-death penguin and crash into a 4 metre snow drift and only be found next February.

[LBD]

I would not run the risk for a couple of reasons

1) any patches of snow make perfect camoflage for those white woolly things that are waiting for unsudpectictig North is'and bikers. They will lay in wait then waddle out at the very last minute, to late to avoid and will leave you to die a cold and lonely death...almost like the cold kiwi bikers on Danseys pass nd they were warned.

2) This time of year the days are getting short and sunshine hours are dropping dropping SI temperments along with it....If you thought Deliverance was bad, you aint seen nothing till you have been cornered by a stir crazy, sunshine starved, SI farmer who has lost stock to early winter blizards ...that would be your worst night mare....

Dont go there...you have been warned.

[dangerous]

well, officially still a 'visitor'. I'm here on a student visa, and I've never been anywhere else than Wellington.. so just wanted to make sure going to Chch on the bike is still possible. I know doing that bit of highway on a 250 could get a little boring.. but it's just 450km. so with 110-120 it'll be done in 5 hours or so, not too bad.

So there will be no problems you can see? Not that I'm suddenly facing bits of ice on the road

piece a piss, gone further on a 72 125... if wet the coast will be slipery, it will be cold other than that ya wont see beter scenery... enjoy.

[scumdog]

Don't come down here.

You could end up hitting a frozen-to-death penguin and crash into a 4 metre snow drift and only be found next February.

Hmm, I got a red rep with the comment 'twat' for the above post.

I guess THAT dude doesn't understand 'toungue-in-cheek' ...

[schrodingers cat]

Hmm, I got a red rep with the comment 'twat' for the above post.

I guess THAT dude doesn't understand 'toungue-in-cheek' ...

They need a huge smiley :taking the PISS: that flashes and turns cartwheels.

I thought it witty myself

[puddytat]

Watch out for the Seals stuck to the road too....
Youll be fine on a 250...youre limited to 104 kmh just like everyone else......

[Neshi]

I think I'll just take the plane down there. Not too sure about the weather as water on the road can turn to ice at 4 degrees already..

thanks for the advice though, appreciate it

[McWild]

I think you would have more fun if you waited til Summer.

[jellywrestler]

if you'r on the main road there's very little chance at all of ice as there's so much traffic over it that it will be worked off.
Wear a neck warmer, if you haven't got one just get a beanie and cut a hole in the top to make a neck warmer and enjoy the ride

[Flip]

Hell I just rode a vintage bike to the Brass with no problems, and it was -6 when we left Omarama.

You will have no problems on your 250, don't let these buggers talk you out of it. Just watch the weather, don't do the trip in a snow storm and don't ride at night in a frost.

Oh and watch out for the locals they dont like northeys from up north.