Cajun & Motogirl hit the SI

**Cajun** · 25th October 2007, 14:21

Okay, me and motogirl with a few tag alongs are heading down to SI March next year.

I have never previously been to the SI, so know nothing really.

We are looking at 2 weeks in SI,

Only dates set in stone are
Saturday 8th March = Hokitika Food Festival
Friday 14th March - 16th March = Dunedin for meetings

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Anyone have any thoughts on what should see and do while down there, i know the war birds is weekend of 23(easter weekend), which won't be able to attend due to time constrants.

Only idea i have at moment is i want to do the 3 passes. at least in my travels, any other roads interesting should be looked at, we are resticted to tarseal roads also.

Any help, ideas would be awsome

Cheers.

**skelstar** · 25th October 2007, 14:29

Haast Pass a must, Buller Gorge, Crown Range (Qt to Wanaka), road between Fox and Franz J is awesome. Lewis Pass is good, very fast though... inland Kaikoura road is quite knarly.

I'd read some trip reports Cajun. Anything mentioning three/four passes, maybe some of Hitcher's stuff.

**Highlander** · 25th October 2007, 14:46

I'll be heading down at much the same time for this: http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/sh...ad.php?t=51034

Thinking of taking the roads not covered by the Mini Run on the way down.

Will watch this thread.

**Joni** · 25th October 2007, 14:47

Yes I have a great idea... pop in and say hi to us!

I was keen to go to Hokotika for the festival too... should be a goodie!

Some great roads and things to do here bananaman... will chat with Kick and let you know what he suggests.

**Cajun** · 25th October 2007, 14:50

Originally Posted by Joni

Yes I have a great idea... pop in and say hi to us!

That was already on the cards Jo

**k14** · 25th October 2007, 14:57

Well if you are going to hokitika then I think the best route to take would be down the west coast and over haast pass to wanaka/qtown area. Then you could continue onto dunedin after a few days around there. Maybe a trip to milford sound. I wouldn't waste my time doing the lindis from a bike riding point of view. From a tourist view the mackenzie country is spectacular. I've driven over the lewis pass in the van but it was pretty boring. Not sure about arthurs though, haven't ridden over there. The road between chch and picton isn't too bad either, yeah there are some straight bits but along the kaikoura coast is quite a good ride.

**NighthawkNZ:Me** · 25th October 2007, 15:30

Originally Posted by Cajun

Friday 14th March - 16th March = Dunedin for meetings

Let me know when you get to Dunedin and we will try and organise something...

**scumdog** · 25th October 2007, 17:55

Originally Posted by Cajun

Okay, me and motogirl with a few tag alongs are heading down to SI March next year.

I have never previously been to the SI, so know nothing really.

Any help, ideas would be awsome

Cheers.

The South Island does not exist - it is actually an area just south of Masterton that those from further north jokingly refer to as "The South Island"

March is probably THE worse time to go looking for the 'South Island', however should you persist in this folly and need an abode for a night or two please PM me for further guidance and (mis)information.

**doc** · 25th October 2007, 18:02

Originally Posted by scumdog

The South Island does not exist - it is actually an area just south of Masterton that those from further north jokingly refer to as "The South Island"

March is probably THE worse time to go looking for the 'South Island', however should you persist in this folly and need an abode for a night or two please PM me for further guidance and (mis)information.

People have disappeared in the South Island. I have heard that some of them can be constantly seen travelling the road from Haast to Westport. Some just think of the coast as Haast to Greymouth , but those in the know carry on from Greymouth past the Punakaki rocks. If it's dry its awesome, but it is the Wet Coast.

**MotoGirl** · 25th October 2007, 20:09

Originally Posted by skelstar

Haast Pass a must, Buller Gorge, Crown Range (Qt to Wanaka), road between Fox and Franz J is awesome. Lewis Pass is good, very fast though... inland Kaikoura road is quite knarly.

I'd read some trip reports Cajun. Anything mentioning three/four passes, maybe some of Hitcher's stuff.

Is the Buller Gorge the road through to Murchison? I shameless went for a road trip in August and don't know the names of the places I've been.

I loved the Pancake Rocks at Punakaiki and Lake Matheson too. I'm happy to go places with good scenery, even if I have to walk for a few mins to get there...

**Daffyd** · 25th October 2007, 21:12

Don't forget the 'Southern Scenic Route' from Balclutha to Invercargill.
It has been said that it's one of the best biker's roads in the country - if not the world. Mind you, I could be a little biased as I live on it.

**shafty** · 25th October 2007, 21:47

Originally Posted by Cajun

Okay, me and motogirl with a few tag alongs are heading down to SI March next year.

I have never previously been to the SI, so know nothing really.

Cajun, what a sheltered life you've had!! Just as well you'll have a Worldly Woman with you! Have fun.

**MotoGirl** · 26th October 2007, 07:31

Originally Posted by Daffyd

Don't forget the 'Southern Scenic Route' from Balclutha to Invercargill.
It has been said that it's one of the best biker's roads in the country - if not the world. Mind you, I could be a little biased as I live on it.

Oh goodie, someone to show us around it then