A Place to sleep in Kiwiland

[Malindi]

Originally Posted by Lard

Ooooh, good time to be here, Weather will be nice but not too warm. Feel free to ask or PM for info.

Might do.. Lots to find out.

We're planning (me and a buddy) on renting and riding, no tour. I recently (last year) rode from Brussels to Cambodia via the Middle East and loved it (www.nohorizons.net). The bug has bitten deep. This will be MUCH more civilized (and MUCH more expensive). I live in BC, Canada, and a few conversations have led me to the point of debating whether Kiwiland is that much more enticing versus Canada's BC and interior.... The jury is out and as such I am gathering info. It's an expensive idea, so I want to make sure I get the bang for the buck. I estimate it will cost upwards of $7K Cad to do this, so that means a LOT of riding in the rest of the world for 3 weeks... see where I am going?

A good start would be to know where to rent (preferably close to a place we fly in). And should we start in the South Island or North? Do we need to book a ferry to get across? How long does it take to cross? Cost? Anyway .. those would be some starter questions...

[Lard]

Originally Posted by Malindi

Might do.. Lots to find out.

We're planning (me and a buddy) on renting and riding, no tour. I recently (last year) rode from Brussels to Cambodia via the Middle East and loved it (www.nohorizons.net). The bug has bitten deep. This will be MUCH more civilized (and MUCH more expensive). I live in BC, Canada, and a few conversations have led me to the point of debating whether Kiwiland is that much more enticing versus Canada's BC and interior.... The jury is out and as such I am gathering info. It's an expensive idea, so I want to make sure I get the bang for the buck. I estimate it will cost upwards of $7K Cad to do this, so that means a LOT of riding in the rest of the world for 3 weeks... see where I am going?

A good start would be to know where to rent (preferably close to a place we fly in). And should we start in the South Island or North? Do we need to book a ferry to get across? How long does it take to cross? Cost? Anyway .. those would be some starter questions...

The Interislander http://www.interislander.co.nz is the way to go. Great views as you enter/leave from Picton.

Starting in the north or south island, hmmm, depends on how long you're here, but you'll most likely spend the bulk of your time in the south island so start there. These guys http://www.motorcycle-hire.co.nz/index.html are in both Auckland and Christchurch, these guys http://www.motorcyclesnewzealand.co.nz/default.asp are in Christchurch too.

If gravel is your thing, you're coming to the right place!

[Malindi]

Originally Posted by Lard

The Interislander http://www.interislander.co.nz is the way to go. Great views as you enter/leave from Picton.

Starting in the north or south island, hmmm, depends on how long you're here, but you'll most likely spend the bulk of your time in the south island so start there. These guys http://www.motorcycle-hire.co.nz/index.html are in both Auckland and Christchurch, these guys http://www.motorcyclesnewzealand.co.nz/default.asp are in Christchurch too.

If gravel is your thing, you're coming to the right place!

Thanks! Not so much gravel .. good roads are good. Lots of info to digest already...

[susieshiner]

Originally Posted by 4chinitgrl

I can have three weeks off from Dec 15 2007 to Jan 5 2008. That is the only time I have off. I wanted to explore NZ on a bike. I considered taking a bike tour but I couldn't find any tours over that period of time besides, I really want to just explore and take my time and I don't want to have to be at any certain place at any specific time. The companies who hire out bikes are all advising against this. They say that, without sleeping reservations I will never be able to find a place to sleep at night; from hostles to hotels and everything thing in between. For that time of year, it is impossible to find a place to stay without reservation is what I am told. Is this true?

Should I just scrap my plan to hire a bike and drive around? If I just hired a bike, went over there and started driving around would it turn out to be a nightmare because I couldn't find a place to stay?



Also, it is unclear to me about camping over there. You have camping don't you? Can't I camp? The folks I've been emailing are giving me the impression that I wouldn't be able to camp either.

Any thoughts on this?

4 chins

Hi there

Having pretty much done what you are planning last summer, except I took my BMW I suggest renting the bike and packing the camping gear and going from there.
Last summer I rode for 3 weeks in South Island from 2 Jan to 28th Jan and had no problem with accomodation. Some very popular tourist areas you will find the camp ground full as I did but they can always fit a lone motorcyclist with small tent. However if you keep to the slightly less touristy areas, which I recommend anyway you will have no trouble. I camped at camp grounds , DOC sites , stayed at backpackers and the odd motel with no problems. One good idea that I do is to travel early in the day get to destination slightly earlier to ensure getting a place, then setting up camp or unpacking and then go exploring.

I am doing a similar thing this summer in Australia. Renting a bike from Melbourne and exploring Vic, NSW and SA with camping gear and no fixed plan. I find it best to be flexible as you are bond to meet cool people on the way to hang out with or what ever.

Any queries I am happy to help with if you wish send a private email

All the best and have a blast!
sue

[susieshiner]

Originally Posted by Malindi

Thanks! Not so much gravel .. good roads are good. Lots of info to digest already...

HI
I recommend Bluebridge, as it is often cheaper and has good tie down loops on the boat. I used them both ways with my bike last summer. They are often less packed out too.

Have a good one

[Shmerel]

Hi sue
if you;re heading down to oz then, i'm happy to mail you some great roads trips we did with bmw tourensport, of vic + nsw. pm me your postal address and i'll copy and post you the maps and way points.
gad