New Zealand

[Dave.ett]

Anyone ever toured New Zealand?

Anyone fancy going?

 

[Geoff James]

Russ Fae Fyvie did earlier this year. For starters, get yourself a copy of New Zealand Motorcycle Atlas by Peter Mitchell, ISBN 10: 1-877302-32-5 from Amazon. Got one myself as it's the best touring guide on the market. Here's Russ' post, he takes a good picture (understatement :bow: ): http://www.bikersoracle.com/blackbird/forum/showthread.php?t=31682&highlight=zealand

 

[Dave.ett]

Thanks Geoff!

 

[Geoff James]

No worries Dave. Depends how long you plan to come for with respect to where you go but if you're thinking about 2 or 3 weeks, I'd go for the South Island. February is the most predictable month weather-wise. There are a wide range of hire options from VFR 800's to Beemer adventure bikes. Russ went for a package which included high class accomodation and he's best placed to tell you about that option. When we went on our "Birds Galore" tour of the south island in March, we just carried sleeping bags and mainly stayed in cabins belonging to the Top 10 camping ground chain (www.top10.co.nz/) for about 15 quid a night. There are a heap of options depending on your budget.

Having been a local for over 30 years, I'm probably not best placed to give you an unbiased view of touring here, but Russ certainly can. I don't think you will be disappointed! I'm certainly happy to help with any questions you may have though. If you want a copy of my south island tour report (lots of photos), just send me your email addy to: geoff.james@chh.co.nz seeing as I am stuck at work for the next 8 hours!

All the best

Geoff

 

[Melzibub]

I spent a month in NZ in 2000 - we went in Nov. Totally amazing country! We did it by car but itd be stunning by bike. Loads of super cheap yet good quality places to stay, friendly people, good weather, amazing sights - in short.....DO IT!!!!


If ur plannin to go in Sept next year I may be up for it! Looking for something to keep me occupied when my current contract is up lol!

 

[Dave.ett]

I'm definitely gonna do it, and I reckon it'd be nice to have company. Careful what you wish for, it might just happen!

 

[Artemis]

Ooh, do we need to buy the posh hats yet?

CODDY!!!!

Another wedding in the offing mate!

 

[Melzibub]

I'm definitely gonna do it, and I reckon it'd be nice to have company. Careful what you wish for, it might just happen!

truly amazin place, would love to go back esp on a bike! sooo...California or NZ when my contracts up? lol

 

[Dave.ett]

Well I've spent bag loads of time in California, but never been to NZ, so if ya don't mind hun, can we go there first? Pwetty pwease?:k

 

[Dark Angel]

...New Zealand...? Who said: "New Zealand"...?!

Anyone ever toured New Zealand? Anyone fancy going?

Hi Dave - and a big "Hello!" to the James boy! w;;v
Long time no parley, Geoff, but it's nice to see that both you and Jennie are well and keeping the place alive and kickin'!

Lorraine and I will be going to Phillip Island next year and then on to NZ - hopefully to meet up with G&J and also Davey (Freebird) who nipped out there a while ago and decided to stay for good. I appreciate that October-ish might be the wrong time of year for you, Dave.ett, but if you fancy a meet-up somewhere along the way just let me know.

Ride Safe, Guys - see ya soon! :-:

 

[Melzibub]

Ooh, do we need to buy the posh hats yet?

CODDY!!!!

Another wedding in the offing mate!

i think im too far gone for taming now! ha ha!

 

[Geoff James]

Hi Dave - and a big "Hello!" to the James boy! w;;v
Long time no parley, Geoff, but it's nice to see that both you and Jennie are well and keeping the place alive and kickin'!

Lorraine and I will be going to Phillip Island next year and then on to NZ - hopefully to meet up with G&J and also Davey (Freebird) who nipped out there a while ago and decided to stay for good. I appreciate that October-ish might be the wrong time of year for you, Dave.ett, but if you fancy a meet-up somewhere along the way just let me know.

Ride Safe, Guys - see ya soon! :-:

Howdy Eric - great to hear from you. We're all great thanks, hope you guys are too. Summer's coming on, riding the Blackbird 200 km to the beach on Friday nights - what could be better? Really looking forward to catching up with you and Lorraine!

G

 

[Dave.ett]

i think im too far gone for taming now! ha ha!

Doesn't that just make the challenge more interesting?

 

[Dave.ett]

I appreciate that October-ish might be the wrong time of year for you, Dave.ett, but if you fancy a meet-up somewhere along the way just let me know.

Ride Safe, Guys - see ya soon! :-:

To be honest October is more like it. Should be into Spring by then shouldn't it?

 

[Geoff James]

To be honest October is more like it. Should be into Spring by then shouldn't it?

Weather is still fairly changeable in spring and don't forget that the interesting bits of the south island are alpine climate with Mt Cook at 13000 ft! If you're coming all that way to ride, you want to back the percentages and statistically, Jan, Feb and March are pretty predictable.

 

[Melzibub]

Doesn't that just make the challenge more interesting?

lmao! that made me laugh!

 

[Dark Angel]

Summer's coming on, riding the Blackbird 200 km to the beach on Friday nights - what could be better?

...Nope! Can't think of anything :dunno: ... Well... at least - anything that's printable!

Stay Safe, Jamesy. R#?

 

[Dave.ett]

lmao! that made me laugh!

I'd like to think that was with me, or just a nervous titter, but I have a sneaky feeling it was loud belly laughs at me!

I'm sure under all those spikey bits and pieces you're a pussycat really.:}

 

[Melzibub]

I'd like to think that was with me, or just a nervous titter, but I have a sneaky feeling it was loud belly laughs at me!

I'm sure under all those spikey bits and pieces you're a pussycat really.:}

damn my secrets out! te he!