Biking in New Zealand - routes and hire company advice
Discussion
Which island? I lived on the South Island for a year, there's incredible roads everywhere, there's also roads that you can be sat on for what feels like hours in the middle of nowhere just going in a straight line. There was a road that had a twisties for 75km sign on it, perfectly surfaced and dead quiet I'll try and remember where it was.
The only thing you really need to look out for is the road suddenly turning into a gravel track with river crossings etc, these can be fairly major roads and go on for miles and miles
The only thing you really need to look out for is the road suddenly turning into a gravel track with river crossings etc, these can be fairly major roads and go on for miles and miles
patchb said:
Which island? I lived on the South Island for a year, there's incredible roads everywhere, there's also roads that you can be sat on for what feels like hours in the middle of nowhere just going in a straight line. There was a road that had a twisties for 75km sign on it, perfectly surfaced and dead quiet I'll try and remember where it was.
The only thing you really need to look out for is the road suddenly turning into a gravel track with river crossings etc, these can be fairly major roads and go on for miles and miles
Yes and when it does there will be a livestock truck coming hell for leather at you and he will be in the centre of the road ,you will be showered with stones and engulfed in a cloud of dust The only thing you really need to look out for is the road suddenly turning into a gravel track with river crossings etc, these can be fairly major roads and go on for miles and miles
Just come back from New Zealand (month holiday) - i did north and south island (whistle stop tour) during the shoulder between summer and winter - so it was quieter.
If i ever get to go back i would do motorcycle touring - constant twisties.
South Island was my favourite - we spent about 3 weeks there. One week in the North island. South Island is a mix of Swiss, Peak district, scotland, and wales all in one IMO.
Camping is easy - loads of campsites, however, during the summer it gets busy. You can book everything on the internet - all motorcyclists i saw were using the "top ten" campsite motels. Rooms/bunks.
Roads are great, petrol stations in all the towns - but towns are spread apart. People are lovely.
Just fly into Christchurch and head south to Queenstown, loop across to Milford sound, then fox glacier, Greymouth, westport, kai territerri, nelson, blenheim, kaikora (if you can) then back to Christchurch.
Everyone is accepting of bikes, speeding is not-tolerated tho, however you will find that you are compensating for other drivers constantly.. driving standards are poor compared to the UK IMHO.
If i ever get to go back i would do motorcycle touring - constant twisties.
South Island was my favourite - we spent about 3 weeks there. One week in the North island. South Island is a mix of Swiss, Peak district, scotland, and wales all in one IMO.
Camping is easy - loads of campsites, however, during the summer it gets busy. You can book everything on the internet - all motorcyclists i saw were using the "top ten" campsite motels. Rooms/bunks.
Roads are great, petrol stations in all the towns - but towns are spread apart. People are lovely.
Just fly into Christchurch and head south to Queenstown, loop across to Milford sound, then fox glacier, Greymouth, westport, kai territerri, nelson, blenheim, kaikora (if you can) then back to Christchurch.
Everyone is accepting of bikes, speeding is not-tolerated tho, however you will find that you are compensating for other drivers constantly.. driving standards are poor compared to the UK IMHO.
2seas said:
I was thinking about hiring a bike to explore New Zealand next month. Can anyone can recommend a good company to hire with and/or fun routes?
depending on how long you are staying its fairly common for dealers to offer a buy back , or google motor bike hire , its all good I worked on the North island up in Auckland, I just took off and tried to get lost you could get a lonely planet guide for ideas but really you can go anywhere and its good riding all the touristy places bay of islands coramandle down to bay of plenty napier , rotorua national park etc plenty of backpacker hostels , motels and camp sites ... great place and people , Warning you might not want to come back !!!! enjoy ... oh and watch out they do speed traps in the strangest places look for estate cars with the back open !!!!
Edited by powerstroke on Sunday 22 January 20:44
BobSaunders said:
Just come back from New Zealand (month holiday) - i did north and south island (whistle stop tour) during the shoulder between summer and winter - so it was quieter.
If i ever get to go back i would do motorcycle touring - constant twisties.
South Island was my favourite - we spent about 3 weeks there. One week in the North island. South Island is a mix of Swiss, Peak district, scotland, and wales all in one IMO.
Camping is easy - loads of campsites, however, during the summer it gets busy. You can book everything on the internet - all motorcyclists i saw were using the "top ten" campsite motels. Rooms/bunks.
Roads are great, petrol stations in all the towns - but towns are spread apart. People are lovely.
Just fly into Christchurch and head south to Queenstown, loop across to Milford sound, then fox glacier, Greymouth, westport, kai territerri, nelson, blenheim, kaikora (if you can) then back to Christchurch.
Everyone is accepting of bikes, speeding is not-tolerated tho, however you will find that you are compensating for other drivers constantly.. driving standards are poor compared to the UK IMHO.
By missing out the bottom half of the South Island you would be missing out on some cracking roads and scenery. Curio Bay is lovely, I spent my birthday there camping with my mates in January 2015, saw seals, sea lions, penguins and swam with wild dolphins that came so close you could touch them. Invercargill is a pretty dire town but we randomly stumbled across Burt Munro'S worlds fastest Indian in a shopping centre there. I lived in queenstown and used to drive the road to Glenorchy often as it's 40km of twisties, or up to Kingston which is about the same. Also the crown range road is probably worth doing, you can watch mike whiddett drift it on YouTube. If i ever get to go back i would do motorcycle touring - constant twisties.
South Island was my favourite - we spent about 3 weeks there. One week in the North island. South Island is a mix of Swiss, Peak district, scotland, and wales all in one IMO.
Camping is easy - loads of campsites, however, during the summer it gets busy. You can book everything on the internet - all motorcyclists i saw were using the "top ten" campsite motels. Rooms/bunks.
Roads are great, petrol stations in all the towns - but towns are spread apart. People are lovely.
Just fly into Christchurch and head south to Queenstown, loop across to Milford sound, then fox glacier, Greymouth, westport, kai territerri, nelson, blenheim, kaikora (if you can) then back to Christchurch.
Everyone is accepting of bikes, speeding is not-tolerated tho, however you will find that you are compensating for other drivers constantly.. driving standards are poor compared to the UK IMHO.
Dunedin is ok if you fancy visiting a town as a lot of the South Island is extremely rural. Queenstown is a must visit as is wanaka.
Also to echo the point above, you won't want to come home, I still question why I did and am planning on moving there permanently soon. Such a chilled out lifestyle and an amazing country where I can ride road bikes, ride off road, ski, mountain bike and do all the other things I love to my hearts content
Edited by patchb on Sunday 22 January 20:48
I spent 10 weeks there back in the late 90's. A beautifully diverse country with fabulously friendly people.
I did it in a campervan, but the pace is that slow it will make no odds if done on a bike or van. Beware if on a bike though, as previously said above, the standard of driving is pretty poor as I remember it, and even back in the 90's there was a mobile camera around every corner.
The area around Waitoma is particularly nice
I did it in a campervan, but the pace is that slow it will make no odds if done on a bike or van. Beware if on a bike though, as previously said above, the standard of driving is pretty poor as I remember it, and even back in the 90's there was a mobile camera around every corner.
The area around Waitoma is particularly nice
I've just remembered where my favourite road was, heading from Invercargill towards Dunedin, head through the Catlins on the Chaslands Highway. Go look on google streetview, its an incredible road with no traffic. I remember we turned off onto a gravel track for a good 25+ kilometres to go and look at Purakaunui Falls which was pretty awesome, bloody freezing to stand under though!
Pretty much wherever you go will be amazing
Pretty much wherever you go will be amazing
BB never disappoints! Thanks for all the great advice.
I haven't booked my flights yet but I was thinking of flying into Auckland, working my way down and flying back out of Christchurch 2 weeks later.
I doubt I'll have the funds to stretch to a 2 week point to point rental (initially thinking pickup in Auckland and Drop off in Christchurch). Also there are so many other things to do I don't really want to be on the bike the whole time. Sounds like the best bikey stuff is around the South island so I may just wait until I'm there then hire a bike for a solid 3 days of riding...
Sounds like I may have to consider something a bit more versatile than a pure road bike. I've never been on nobbly tires before!
I haven't booked my flights yet but I was thinking of flying into Auckland, working my way down and flying back out of Christchurch 2 weeks later.
I doubt I'll have the funds to stretch to a 2 week point to point rental (initially thinking pickup in Auckland and Drop off in Christchurch). Also there are so many other things to do I don't really want to be on the bike the whole time. Sounds like the best bikey stuff is around the South island so I may just wait until I'm there then hire a bike for a solid 3 days of riding...
Sounds like I may have to consider something a bit more versatile than a pure road bike. I've never been on nobbly tires before!
I did it in a cheap 15 year old Toyota Corolla in 2005. Happy days.
Also I might get bored after a bit. Still would love to live there 6 months of the year.
patchb said:
Also to echo the point above, you won't want to come home, I still question why I did and am planning on moving there permanently soon. Such a chilled out lifestyle and an amazing country where I can ride road bikes, ride off road, ski, mountain bike and do all the other things I love to my hearts content
What would you do there for work?!! That's the only reason I can think I couldn't go.Also I might get bored after a bit. Still would love to live there 6 months of the year.
Renn Sport said:
What would you do there for work?!! That's the only reason I can think I couldn't go.
Also I might get bored after a bit. Still would love to live there 6 months of the year.
I'm a marine engineer so I'd like to work at one of the jet boat companies. I did apply for a job in Wanaka last year but they were in need of someone quickly and I didn't have my visa complete. Also I might get bored after a bit. Still would love to live there 6 months of the year.
When I was there last time I worked as team leader for a car rental company doing maintenance etc. which was OK but I wouldn't want to do it long term.
I have to say if/when I go back I'd like to be based in Wanaka, Queenstown amazing as it is has it's issues with housing etc. and I think I'd like the slightly more quiet side of Wanaka, and only an hours drive to Queenstown.
I couldn't get bored there I don't think, but I love being out and doing stuff and theres always stuff to do summer or winter rain or shine, over here all my hobbies are summer focussed.
2seas said:
BB never disappoints! Thanks for all the great advice.
I haven't booked my flights yet but I was thinking of flying into Auckland, working my way down and flying back out of Christchurch 2 weeks later.
I doubt I'll have the funds to stretch to a 2 week point to point rental (initially thinking pickup in Auckland and Drop off in Christchurch). Also there are so many other things to do I don't really want to be on the bike the whole time. Sounds like the best bikey stuff is around the South island so I may just wait until I'm there then hire a bike for a solid 3 days of riding...
Sounds like I may have to consider something a bit more versatile than a pure road bike. I've never been on nobbly tires before!
Normal road going tyres are fine. Seriously. I took a three ton RV around it and not once did i think i couldn't use a bike on it.I haven't booked my flights yet but I was thinking of flying into Auckland, working my way down and flying back out of Christchurch 2 weeks later.
I doubt I'll have the funds to stretch to a 2 week point to point rental (initially thinking pickup in Auckland and Drop off in Christchurch). Also there are so many other things to do I don't really want to be on the bike the whole time. Sounds like the best bikey stuff is around the South island so I may just wait until I'm there then hire a bike for a solid 3 days of riding...
Sounds like I may have to consider something a bit more versatile than a pure road bike. I've never been on nobbly tires before!
The only bits where you will find that you want something else is when you go to the more off the beaten track stuff - this is few and far between if you are sticking on the tourist trail, and are on a rocketship visit and only doing the main attractions.
Additionally, all tourist attractions can be booked over the internet.
South Island gets different weather to the North Island. So tourist stuff like say helicopters on or up to fox glacier can get cancelled last minute - so always have a plan that you can alter a little if it's do or die.
patchb said:
Renn Sport said:
What would you do there for work?!! That's the only reason I can think I couldn't go.
Also I might get bored after a bit. Still would love to live there 6 months of the year.
I'm a marine engineer so I'd like to work at one of the jet boat companies. I did apply for a job in Wanaka last year but they were in need of someone quickly and I didn't have my visa complete. Also I might get bored after a bit. Still would love to live there 6 months of the year.
When I was there last time I worked as team leader for a car rental company doing maintenance etc. which was OK but I wouldn't want to do it long term.
I have to say if/when I go back I'd like to be based in Wanaka, Queenstown amazing as it is has it's issues with housing etc. and I think I'd like the slightly more quiet side of Wanaka, and only an hours drive to Queenstown.
I couldn't get bored there I don't think, but I love being out and doing stuff and theres always stuff to do summer or winter rain or shine, over here all my hobbies are summer focussed.
I got speaking to someone out there whilst mountain biking, and he was saying that you have to work twice as hard for money to have the same hobbies due to higher costs of living, and lower salaries - meaning that there was less time for actual hobbies. He was Welsh, and had a family with two kids who moved out 10 years ago. No idea what he did for work.
He mentioned there is a proper underlying drugs problem due to the lack of things to do for youngsters (such a sparsely populated country with little to do if your not into out door stuff).
I also found the little cultural differences interesting.. such as a lack of sarcasm, whereas British culture is full of it and can be seen to be quite offensive. it caught me out once of twice.
We went in Spring. No idea what Winter would be like - bleak possibly.
Loved New Zealand. Would i live there? Probably not. IMO.
BobSaunders said:
Queenstown was great, proper younger persons environment, and more fun and outgoing. Good mix of populations as well. Personally i think Queenstown is not at all representative of New Zealand - it's a total backpack tourist mecca.
I got speaking to someone out there whilst mountain biking, and he was saying that you have to work twice as hard for money to have the same hobbies due to higher costs of living, and lower salaries - meaning that there was less time for actual hobbies. He was Welsh, and had a family with two kids who moved out 10 years ago. No idea what he did for work.
He mentioned there is a proper underlying drugs problem due to the lack of things to do for youngsters (such a sparsely populated country with little to do if your not into out door stuff).
I also found the little cultural differences interesting.. such as a lack of sarcasm, whereas British culture is full of it and can be seen to be quite offensive. it caught me out once of twice.
We went in Spring. No idea what Winter would be like - bleak possibly.
Loved New Zealand. Would i live there? Probably not. IMO.
No Queenstown isn't representative of wider New Zealand, it's still an absolutely incredible place though. I got speaking to someone out there whilst mountain biking, and he was saying that you have to work twice as hard for money to have the same hobbies due to higher costs of living, and lower salaries - meaning that there was less time for actual hobbies. He was Welsh, and had a family with two kids who moved out 10 years ago. No idea what he did for work.
He mentioned there is a proper underlying drugs problem due to the lack of things to do for youngsters (such a sparsely populated country with little to do if your not into out door stuff).
I also found the little cultural differences interesting.. such as a lack of sarcasm, whereas British culture is full of it and can be seen to be quite offensive. it caught me out once of twice.
We went in Spring. No idea what Winter would be like - bleak possibly.
Loved New Zealand. Would i live there? Probably not. IMO.
The small towns that you drive through to get to places are more proper New Zealand, a small high street with a couple of shops and a load of farm machinery dealers and nothing else.
Queenstown was mental in terms of living costs, we paid $550 a week for a 2 bed apartment. There was 5 of us there and one of my mates literally lived in a wardrobe for the year we were there. That budget would get you a nice big house elsewhere in the country.
The drugs problem does not exist in Queenstown, I know of people who would drive for 5 hours up north to get hold of stuff. I do think there is an issue in the more rural areas though. Crime is also pretty much non existant which is nice.
Winter, not bleak. I'm proper into my skiing so that gave me something to do (although the skiing isn't brilliant) Being surrounded by snow capped mountains can't be bleak! I had a Mitsubishi challenger and my mate had a Hilux both lifted and proper tyres and stuff so we used to go out into the backcountry/high country in those in the winter which was good fun.
Anyway, gone off topic and it's making me miss the place even more!
I've thought hard about how I reply to this post so I'll start by saying this sounds like an absolutely fabulous road trip and I hope you have a fantastic time, but I must share this sad story of a friend (I’ll call him Jeff) and his visit to NZ so you don't make the same mistake.
Just to set the scene, Jeff was an older motorcyclist, recently retired in fact, with many years of life experience under this belt and an experienced motorcyclist. He was part of a group of friends of maybe 4 or 5, all experienced motorcyclists, on a NZ motorcycle touring holiday, looking forward to taking in the roads, scenery and culture. Half way through their tour they had an incident with an HGV......
Cruising along the open road, ahead they saw an HGV indicating left - the lorry started moving towards the left-hand side of the carriageway so naturally Jeff and his friends thought it was turning left and prepared to overtake on the right - biker 1 overtook, biker 2 overtook, biker 3 started to overtake but at that same time the HGV swung right into the carriageway and out into biker 3's pathway. You can you imagine the rest….. Jeff was biker 3 - biker 4 and 5 were able to stop before the incident.
The lorry was actually turning right off the carriageway - unbeknown to Jeff and his group, the lorry left turn signal and moving towards the left was not to turn left but instead was in preparation to turn right off the carriageway.
So, if you see an HGV signalling left, think twice before overtaking.
Cheers – Ade
Some further reading here – NZ Transport Agency heavy vehicles road code – an interesting part entitled “Making a right turn from the left-hand side of the road” https://www.nzta.govt.nz/resources/roadcode/heavy-...
Just to set the scene, Jeff was an older motorcyclist, recently retired in fact, with many years of life experience under this belt and an experienced motorcyclist. He was part of a group of friends of maybe 4 or 5, all experienced motorcyclists, on a NZ motorcycle touring holiday, looking forward to taking in the roads, scenery and culture. Half way through their tour they had an incident with an HGV......
Cruising along the open road, ahead they saw an HGV indicating left - the lorry started moving towards the left-hand side of the carriageway so naturally Jeff and his friends thought it was turning left and prepared to overtake on the right - biker 1 overtook, biker 2 overtook, biker 3 started to overtake but at that same time the HGV swung right into the carriageway and out into biker 3's pathway. You can you imagine the rest….. Jeff was biker 3 - biker 4 and 5 were able to stop before the incident.
The lorry was actually turning right off the carriageway - unbeknown to Jeff and his group, the lorry left turn signal and moving towards the left was not to turn left but instead was in preparation to turn right off the carriageway.
So, if you see an HGV signalling left, think twice before overtaking.
Cheers – Ade
Some further reading here – NZ Transport Agency heavy vehicles road code – an interesting part entitled “Making a right turn from the left-hand side of the road” https://www.nzta.govt.nz/resources/roadcode/heavy-...
Gassing Station | Biker Banter | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff