Cheapest bike transport from Christchurch to Auckland?

[FinG]

After a bit of searching I have finally found what I think could be my perfect first bike. The only problem is that it is in Christchurch and I would need to transport it to Auckland. I don't have much money as I am a uni student and would have to transport it as cheaply as possible. From your experience who transports bikes from Christchurch to Auckland for the cheapest? I have looked into biketranz as I heard they were good but they are not what I would consider cheap.

[FJRider]

Hitch down ... ride it back ...

[mossy1200]

After a bit of searching I have finally found what I think could be my perfect first bike. The only problem is that it is in Christchurch and I would need to transport it to Auckland. I don't have much money as I am a uni student and would have to transport it as cheaply as possible. From your experience who transports bikes from Christchurch to Auckland for the cheapest? I have looked into biketranz as I heard they were good but they are not what I would consider cheap.

Theres alot of risk buying without viewing ask someone to check it out im assuming its trade me where you cant see true condition in photo.

Also freight will cost 450 odd i would expect is that money better spent added to your bike buying budget.

[GrayWolf]

you're putting yourself 'at risk' in many ways.
you have'nt seen the bike 'in the flesh' if anything does go awry, you are a considerable distance for being able to approach the previous owner. You are in experienced and buying it sight unseen, something even old hands will think carefully about. There will be other options closer to home, even if you exercise a bit of patience waiting for the right bike. You havent said what the bike is, if you are a uni student and understandably cash strapped? Is it a cheap to run, cheap to maintain and cheap to repair for bits if you have a mishap?

Cheers GW

[dogsnbikes]

Being your First Bike....Be careful buying sight unseen,Get it cheaked out by someone or have a bike shop cheak it out for you (prepurchase inspection)

Consider your student budget What does it allow for??
Say you buy the bike don't take the sellers word that everything is in good condition....

You may need to do the following first up

-brake pads
-tyres
-chain & sprockets
-wheel bearings

AS mentioned earlier the cost of transporting the bike will go along way to getting a bike locally

Other option is get the seller too bring the bike too Picton and you pick it up in Wgtn,will proberly cost you $50 to get it across on the ferry

I brought a bike last week from Invercargill sight unseen,and the seller delivered to CHCH for me and I flew down to pick it up,I took into consideration everything I would need to do and adjusted the price too suit both parties were happy,I was bang on with what needed doing to the bike....

Good luck with your search

[sleemanj]

I have looked into biketranz as I heard they were good but they are not what I would consider cheap.

Cheapest is going to be riding it yourself, plus you get the fun and adventure out of it...

Ferry: $130 to $150
Fuel: $80 to $100
Flight: $100 if you can get a grabaseat
Accommodation & Food: $50 if you tented, but say $150 with one night at a cheap Picton/Blenheim motel

Best case is going to cost you about $400 to ride it unless you have some airpoints or something you can use.

[FinG]

Thanks for the advice. I think I will just wait and find something locally.

[nzspokes]

Im interested in this as well. Lookin at a bike in Timaru. Which transport companys are the best value?

Fly down ride back not an option due to license restrictions. But have been thinking of moving the bike to Wellington and riding it up from there.

[DR650gary]

Use your noodles, buy locally.

There is no such thing as the perfect first bike and the Cook Straight crossing adds big bucks.

Tell people on this forum what you are after and someone will surely know someone......

At least try to buy in the same island or get the bike delivered by the seller to Picton. Bluebridge will usually take an unaccompanied bike for around $60 one way so at least it is in Wellington.

Cheers

[GDOBSSOR]

Well... I am a first time buyer too... once I get the all-clear from the doc :/ Anyway, I would never buy a bike without looking at it and/or getting one of my uncles to look at it, because if you just buy it, then it could cost you hundreds or even thousands in repairs if something goes wrong. The only exception is if you buy it under warranty from a dealer, if not, see if you can get someone down there to look at it for you (if they're clued up about bikes). As for the shipping cost... just ask yourself: Can you afford it? On top of the cost for the bike, rego, WOF, insurance, gear, basic handling skills, etc... If you can, then go with that. If you can't, then see if there's anything cheaper. If not, then borrow a car and drive down with a friend if they have the weekend free. Failing that, look around your area only. You'll find something.

[dblancer]

Auckland ( and Chch) have a much bigger car and motorbike market. Which translates into

more choice.
and better prices.

I often see amazing deals on bikes on trademe up t. Probably an oversupply of bikes versus the demand.
Keep looking around, check out local papers, trademe, sella, something will crop up.
Keep in mind you might need to do your research first, get a general idea of what "kind" of bike you want.

However failing that, if you see a bike that is slightly over your budget, negotiate.

Purchasing my first bike, I paid the price the guy wanted... and then had to fix it up anyway.
The second bike I bought, I talked the guy down as I KNEW it needed a few things here and there. He let it go for a price well under what he was asking at first.
Sellers can actually be quite reasonable.

[KX500]

Got bike delivered 2 years ago from Auckland through http://www.fci.co.nz Martin hooked me up for $90 plus GST

[Flameboy]

Dannevirke to Auckland
Biketranz $350 wait a week
Tirau Bike movers $300 supposed to pick up from Owner got cocked up didn't get back to me blamed everyone else, have to wait over a week for need delivery.
Emmersons Transport $230 +gst pick up in 2 days and to my door in Auckland, I'll let you know.