Forum whore
make sure to include wet weather gear.!Summer is absolutely no guarantee of weather inn NZ!Originally Posted by grubbytech
We pick up the bike on 17th Jan & the schedule is pretty tight for us to get around the whole of the South Island as we want to see our son who is working in Queenstown for a couple of Days. He's a biker too so hopefully he'll have his shit together & will have sorted out a bike by the time we get there. we're actually posting out his kit for him the week.
L-Plate Rider
No need to worry on the waterproofs front we always pack waterproofs. In fact most of our motorcycling touring holidays we seem to be wearing them non stop. For example on a trip to Scotland in mid July it rained for 10 out of the 14 days we were touring, In California when we were there in January a few years ago the weather was so bad that California declared a state of emergency!
You get the picture?
You guys are probably in for the worst weather in January in history this year knowing our luck!
Too much is never enough
Backroads itinerant
So that's who to blame... Been miserable in central NZ - wind and rain.
L-Plate Rider
Just checked the forecast for our first 3 days on the bike....Rain, rain & rain....Bollox!
Too much is never enough
Forum whore
Dont bank on any forecast in nz
L-Plate Rider
Did a run from Queenstown to Milford Sound yesterday & it tipped it down all the way there & til about 20 miles after the tunnel on the way back. Proper rain too that turned my waterproof kit into non waterproof kit!
Still worth the 340 mile round trip just for the ride back if for nothing else plus I managed to outfox the local old bill who thought I hadn't seen them. Always a joy that.
Waiting for my boy to get his GSXR through it's wof so we can ride to Dunedin together.
So far I'm enjoying your country, really "awesome" vistas & I've learnt that you should always blow on the pie!
Forum whore
And have wetsSo far I'm enjoying your country, really "awesome" vistas & I've learnt that you should always blow on the pie!
Hardcore Punk
Yup, thats real rain over there. You may be lucky enough to hit the west coast on some good days, if not, you know what to expect now.
For a man is a slave to whatever has mastered him.Keep an open mind, just dont let your brains fall out.
Scooter boy
safer communities???
L-Plate Rider
Rode from Greymouth to Murchison today & we did the ride from Fox Glacier to Greymouth the day before. The weather was lovely & sunny & I've been loving the coastal roads & rainforests. This country has some of the best roads in the world, no arguments about that. The road from Westport to Murchison reminded me of a ride that I did from Chang Mai to Mae Hong Song many year's ago as it's so similar in that it's very jungle like. The road however is far better as you don't come around a corner to be faced with half the road missing & a couple of red & white painted oil drums to let you know that it's not there any more....Oh & no snakes in the road or buses on your side of the road either.
Well I'm off for a bit to eat at the Cowshed restaurant. Catch you all later.
Too much is never enough
Hardcore Punk
Glad your enjoying it, may be heading back up to Franz joseph myself next week, all going to plan. Awesome roads up there allright.
For a man is a slave to whatever has mastered him.
L-Plate Rider
Forgot to mention in this thread about the Bella Vista motel in Wanaka. Seriously good place to stay. Paul, who runs the place is a biker & couldn't be more helpful. Really top bloke & the motel is spick & span.
Too much is never enough
L-Plate Rider
Yet another wet day but we're now in Pohara & it's sunny & I've got the door open & I'm listening to the sea on the beach, lush.
Have had some fun with you Kiwi's who seem a bit perplexed about how quick a fully loaded two up Triumph can go round corners in torrential rain. Riding all year round in the UK gives you a feel for this sort of thing, just look at Cal Crutchlow in the rain!
Off to Blenheim tomorrow so the twisters I've just done in torrential rain are going to get a beasting tomorrow if it's dry.
Too much is never enough
Smarty pants... since ages ago
Buses on your side DO happen ...
No snakes ... but Opossums/rats/horses/sheep/cattle (assorted heritage)/campervans ... are commonly found on your portion of roadway ...
BEWARE of vehicles with rental Co stickers on the back window (usually center bottom) usually overseas visitors (present company accepted) with NO idea of local Law/road rules ...
When life throws you a curve ... Lean into it ...
L-Plate Rider
I know exactly what you mean about the camper vans. Now I'm not fascist, can't stand 'em actually, BUT what the deck is going on with the Asians in the camper vans?!?I mean Jesus Christ they really don't have a friggin clue do they. I feel for you hugs having to put up with them turning your roads into semi lethal mobile chicanes that can be on any side of the road at any given moment.
Mind you having said that the only camper that was on the wrong side of he road today coming my way on the Queen Charlotte highway (Brilliant road by the way) was driven by a Westerner. Luckily I allow myself a good braking margin & plenty of roadspace to allow for these sort of problems, bit like riding in Thailand!
I think today's ride from Pohara to Blenheim has to be the twistiest ride so far, good fun with superb views too.....Apart from Richmond, that's a shithole.
Too much is never enough
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