November or March?

**peasea** · 5th September 2007, 13:34

Originally Posted by Coldrider

I'm born & bred South Islander, I moved north for better weather & pay rates.
The weather is more settled in March, but the SI is definitely cooling down by then. You could try & get a new boss.

I don't need a better pay rate, what I need is less of everything; traffic especially. I'll never live in a big city again; hate it.

**peasea** · 5th September 2007, 13:37

Originally Posted by scumdog

I would go for March for sure - and drop if if you're so inclined.

....if if.......

Fumble fingers.

**duckonin** · 5th September 2007, 14:28

Feb or March is the go rode tandem pushbike towing trailer for two years in a row both times in November. Last November wife and I, rode from Picton to CC then on to Greymouth where it all turned to custard with plenty of snow on the top of that, bloody cold on the way to Westport and even colder getting back to Picton, took the motorbike back in late Feb stayed till mid March great weather, will be going back in 08 late Feb March again.

**flyingscotsman** · 5th September 2007, 14:51

Welcome to KB. Nice choice of bike too. Go in Feb or Mar. Don't go in November - anyone remember the Burt Munro Rally - it was snowing on the way down the West Coast, and it blew like forty bastards for the entire week. Sounds like your boss may have done you a favour !!

**Grub** · 5th September 2007, 14:51

Originally Posted by Blackbird

My March tour: The weather was superb until we hit the west coast ...

The west coast is *always* wet

But the winds really blow in November, March (as you're finding out) is the preferrable choice

**Joey1007** · 5th September 2007, 19:55

Originally Posted by Hitcher

Do both. Then you can compare.

Great shout, if only i could!

Thanks for the advice guys, it's much appreciated. Looks like the time to go is definatly next year then. But man, that bike is just crying out to be taken for a 'proper' ride!

Typicaly, in a slightly annoying twist of fate, the boss has granted me leave in November! I now have to explain that, well, thanks, but...

I Think we'll stick in a quick tour of the NI - maybe 5 days - at the end of Nov, then attack the SI in March.

cheers

**Joey1007** · 5th September 2007, 19:57

Btw Blackbird, love the report - great reading!

**mbazza** · 5th September 2007, 20:24

Go for March and enjoy yourself. Cheers.

**banditrider** · 6th September 2007, 16:59

Originally Posted by Grub

The west coast is *always* wet

But the winds really blow in November, March (as you're finding out) is the preferrable choice

Not always wet - can be totally stunning. Can't let the rain put you off - it's a great ride.

**Coldrider** · 6th September 2007, 17:11

It still a good ride no matter what time of the year it is, you take your chances weather wise on any given day, I lived in Franz Josef for two years and rain isn't too bad, only when it bounces up off the road by a metre.
Hawkes Bay appears to get wetter every year, must be the climate change thingy.

**RentaTriumph** · 6th September 2007, 21:16

March. I took my new 1050 Tiger in February this Year and I doubt I saw one cloud over the three day trip. Through Haast and Lake Hawea there wasn't a cloud or breathe of wind. Only thing I would suggest is look at the three day weather report and choose which side of the coast you ride subject to the weather as usally one side is fine while the other is raining. I take it you will do both sides of the Island. Catlins is beautiful riding also.

**5cotty** · 7th September 2007, 20:09

Hey There

March is generally an excellent month down here

with still days and clear skys. An additional bonus is the March Hare Rally and is worth a visit if your a rally whore like me

.

We have awesome riding and scenery across most of the island but a special treat in March is a visit to the Hakataramea river by Kourau to watch the Salmon spawning and another personal favourite is the southern lakes.... On a crisp still morning they are totally awesome

I have found the best way to tour down here is to make sure if the wind is from any westerly quarter, "stick to the east" and if its from an easterly quarter "stick to the west". The trips through the passes from coast to coast are awesome and in my opinion the Arthurs is one of the best rides around. Lakes mahinapua and kineary are worth a visit as well.

We (The Wife and I) are going up North for Xmas and while I have been around up there in a cage I dont have much knowlege... Can anyone offer anything they think is worth a look? and what are the best Roads to take? we will be taking 2 weeks off so I have enough time to get to anywhere. I seem to remember the roads around the central lakes were pretty good but heaps of tourists and cages.... Anyways any advice welcome

**ynot slow** · 7th September 2007, 21:50

What don't ya want too see lol,have a gander around Taranaki coast, must stay at least a couple of days (weeks)to see what we have here,3 different roads up the mountain to try,and whanga to see,keep an eye on the Manawatu rides thread they never stay home. Enjoy the break,look forward to seeing ya this way,bed if needed.

**5cotty** · 8th September 2007, 09:02

LMAO Awesome "Thanks for That" (what dont ya want to see)

hmmm ... I guess when you break it down to days we're gonna need the 10 best rides we can fit in with a doc camping ground at the end of each day. I dont really want to go too far north (ie stay south of the Bombay hills) because I have been told it is pretty tropical, humid and rainy above Auckland at christmas time... The Naki sounds good.. I'll look in my "Great Escapes" book and the "New Zealand Camping Guide" and post what I think might be good. If you could give me some feedback on stuff you know about that would be great.

As for the offer of the Bed... "Thanks that is just awesome" but we usually like to set up our own wee home ;-). I would love to catch up with you for a beer and maybe a meal at a pub though ... "What do you reckon?"

Anyway I gotta split now but I'll post a couple of rides later for your feedback if thats OK?

thanks