From OZ to NZ... We ain't in Kansas anymore!

**ValkRider** · 10th March 2008, 01:21

Hello friends!

My name is Darren, my wife Cheryl and I are from Kansas back here in the States. We don't have a little dog named Toto, but we do have a cat named Yoda.

We are flying into Auckland April 3rd and plan to see as much of NZ as possible. As you probably have figured I ride a Honda Valkyrie... she's a beauty... but she's staying home in the garage.

I am trying to gather some information on renting, or as you all say "hire" a bike while on our vacation. I have contacted a few rental companies, matter of fact, Ian Fitzwater from GOTOURNZ.COM should be calling me later today to possibly help put something together for us.

We are looking at renting any wheres from a single day to possibly a week. If I was going by myself I would ride a bike my entire visit, but my wife is a good passenger and great company... but probably wouldn't enjoy that much time on a pillion seat.

So, I am wanting to get something like a Goldwing so she can be comfortable as possible.

Another concern is the weather conditions for early April. I wouldn't want her to get cold and uncomfortable while on our vacation - Just trying to keep the momma happy if you know what I mean!

Our plan is to fly into Auckland spend the day and night there and head out the next day driving south and taking plenty of stops to see and visit. Eventually we would make it to Milford Sound then to Queenstown to fly back north to Auckland to catch our flight back to the USA.

I found a couple places that will hire us a bike in Auckland and let us drop it off at Christchurch or Nelson... that might be good for about half our trip, then we could hire a car for the rest of the vacation.

Another place had a 3-day Northland Self-Guided Tour starting in Auckland and heading north then back to Auckland where we would hire a car to begin our adventure down southward.

So, I guess I would appreciate any information, suggestions, hospitality you may want to share from one biker to another.

Thanks in advance!

Darren

**Edbear** · 10th March 2008, 06:56

You're probably on the right track re: hiring a bike, although there may be some here who can offer suggestions.

If you're heading North from Auckland we're just at the end of the motorway, (freeway), and you would be welcome to pop in for a coffee either going or coming, just PM me closer to the time.

All the best with your plans!

**tri boy** · 10th March 2008, 08:16

Welcome ValkRider. Hope you have an awesome time in NZ.
April shouldn't be too cold for the trip. Most kiwi riders are happily cruising around at that time of year. (some times, it can be one of the more settled times in the year).
Try and get a copy of the NZ m/cycle atlas, so you can plan a scenic ride, (plus ask heaps of Q's here)

**pete376403** · 10th March 2008, 08:18

It will be great to have you here but PLEASE note - we ride (and drive) on the wrong side of the road here (in your terms)

Too many people get taken out when a tourist looses concentration and moves over to where they "think" they should be.

a "KEEP LEFT" notice on the speedo should be mandatory in rental vehicles.

**ValkRider** · 10th March 2008, 17:10

Thanks for the suggestions! I am used to riding on the wrong side of the road... especially after a few too many drinks!

I did speak with Ian from GOTOURNZ and he spent about an hour with us on the phone. He really suggested us getting to the South Island for the best scenery and bike riding, spending just a few days in the North Island.

I am considering hiring a car for the first few days while in NZ as we travel south. Then once in Nelson, pick up a Goldwing from GOTOURNZ. From there Ian has a pre-planned route with suggested places to sight see and activities to do, with each night ending at nice Bed and Breakfast. With this route covering a large portion of the South Island it gives us about 10 or 11 days on a bike. According to Ian this route allows for about an average of 4 hours daily bike riding.

This 11 Day Self Guided Tour on a 2007 GoldWing would cost us about $8750NZ (includes bike, riding gear, accommodations, breakfasts, detailed itenarary with maps, road service) other meals and activities would be on us.

Thoughts or further suggestions?
Anyone have experience with Ian or GOTOURNZ.COM/

Thanks again for your support and input... truly would like to meet some of you Kiwi's while venturing about your backyard!

Darren

**Dances With Poultry** · 10th March 2008, 18:04

I have a mate who works for him, and he has lots of good things to say. So that's from the inside, so to speak.
South Island has the spectacular, "in your face" scenery, but don't discount the North Island. It has it's charms.

My advice is get thee south ASAP as the winter comes from that way. At that time of the year it's also the best time the see the autumn colours, (that's "fall colors" in seppo-speak) especially around Central Otago. Stop in at the Vulcan Hotel and have a cold one for me.

Kind regards

Nigel in Rangiora

**ValkRider** · 10th March 2008, 18:19

Nigel,

Thanks for the "inside" scoop!
What sorta weather do you suppose I should expect in early April in the south?

Darren

**Dances With Poultry** · 10th March 2008, 18:31

At that time of the year, mate, expect every kind of weather. It's usually wetter near the coast and in the south. The West Coast has some of the highest rainfall averages in the world. How does more than an inch a day sound to you? That's further south than the roads go, but you can get the general idea. Bring rain gear for the coast road down to Haast, then take it off when you pop east over the Haast Pass into some of the lowest rainfall averages in NZ! That's one of the joys of traveling in NZ. So many different climates and topographies in a very short distances.
Temperature? Well, it's going to be cool at nights, but the days can be hot, or if the wicked southerly blows, in single figures (that's degrees C BTW). More good days then bad at that time of the year. The Pillion-in-a-Million and I were down that way last year at the same time and, honest to god, it felt like were we in an expensive travel documentary!

Kind regards

Nigel in Rangiora

**fredie** · 11th March 2008, 00:01

follow the yellow brick road

are in aussie now

**ValkRider** · 11th March 2008, 00:50

I'll gladly trade you three "munchkins" for a pair of hobbits!

**fredie** · 15th March 2008, 02:11

hobbits are not in australia . only yowies

**Swoop** · 15th March 2008, 20:11

Originally Posted by ValkRider

This 11 Day Self Guided Tour on a 2007 GoldWing would cost us about $8750NZ (includes bike, riding gear, accommodations, breakfasts, detailed itenarary with maps, road service) other meals and activities would be on us.

To me, that looks like a good price!
At some stage of your journey you will be in need of a raincoat, while the opposite will also apply with suntan lotion. Possibly a sweater for the mornings, but otherwise it will still be reasonably comfortable temperature wise. The winter weather starts to take hold at the end of May.

Enjoy your time here, and take plenty of photo's!

**karla** · 15th March 2008, 21:29

Hi Darren and Mrs Darren - I was in Kansas last summer - hope you have as enjoyable time as I did over there, and meet as many equally friendly people here. We drove (cage) first day from KC in Missouri thru to Colorado - Kansas really is a flat as a pancake! Expect a few more hills and corners in NZ.

Our weather won't be as extreme, but it may be getting a little cooler by then so have your polar fleeces handy. I think April is a great time (the best) to travel in NZ - there won't be so many tourists on the roads in the South at that time of the year and people will be more relaxed / have more time to chat etc.

I'd suggest that you plan your trip down the coast (Franz and Fox Glaciers, Wanaka and Queenstown) around petrol stops as there can be a bit of distance between them and some isolated roads. If you've got time include Milford, it is apsolutely breathtaking. Get a bottle of insect repellent (Dimp is a good one) for the coast. If it's raining there will be some great waterfalls, so look at the positive. If it's raining on the West Coast the East Coast will generally be fine.

I'm in Christchurch - there's not a lot tourist-wise to see here in the city (the Antartic Center and Tamaki Village?) but there are some lovely places nearby - Kaikoura for crayfish (Kai is Maori for food) whale watching and seals, hot pools at Hamner and cute French settlement at Akaroa.

Feel free to email if you have any questions - I'm pretty new to bikes but have been in tourism for a lifetime

**ValkRider** · 17th March 2008, 13:35

Originally Posted by karla

Hi Darren and Mrs Darren - I was in Kansas last summer - hope you have as enjoyable time as I did over there, and meet as many equally friendly people here. We drove (cage) first day from KC in Missouri thru to Colorado - Kansas really is a flat as a pancake! Expect a few more hills and corners in NZ.

Our weather won't be as extreme, but it may be getting a little cooler by then so have your polar fleeces handy. I think April is a great time (the best) to travel in NZ - there won't be so many tourists on the roads in the South at that time of the year and people will be more relaxed / have more time to chat etc.

I'd suggest that you plan your trip down the coast (Franz and Fox Glaciers, Wanaka and Queenstown) around petrol stops as there can be a bit of distance between them and some isolated roads. If you've got time include Milford, it is apsolutely breathtaking. Get a bottle of insect repellent (Dimp is a good one) for the coast. If it's raining there will be some great waterfalls, so look at the positive. If it's raining on the West Coast the East Coast will generally be fine.

I'm in Christchurch - there's not a lot tourist-wise to see here in the city (the Antartic Center and Tamaki Village?) but there are some lovely places nearby - Kaikoura for crayfish (Kai is Maori for food) whale watching and seals, hot pools at Hamner and cute French settlement at Akaroa.

Feel free to email if you have any questions - I'm pretty new to bikes but have been in tourism for a lifetime

Ian has planned us a very thorough route thru all those locations... needless to say we are STOKED!

We will be layering our clothes, and are prepared for the rain.
The Goldwing has heated grips, saddles and backrests for those chilly mornings!

Kansas is just plain old flat lands. I can put two years of riding on my bike tires.... the center tread will be worn thin... but the sidewall tread looks new!
I have ridden the Rocky Mountains, Grand Titons, Ozark Mountains and the Blue Ridge Mountains here in the US on my bikes... so I am ready for some REAL riding!

Thanks!

Darren

**Banesto John** · 22nd March 2008, 11:49

You noted on my other thread that it is good to work on your own bike when it has issues. Amen to that. I find that washing the car by hand lets be see most things that might be about to go wrong, preventative maintenance, as it were.

Anyways, the West Coast down south loop is a stunner, having just done it last week. I lived in the North Island for 20 or so years, and it is beautiful too, but you can't go past the lower traffic volumes and stunning scenery down here.

Get in touch when you are nearing Christchurch, it would be nice to stop and have a chat with some travellers.

Ka Kite (see you soon)