Bike Hire in NZ
Wed, 28/12/2011 - 19:33
Hi All
My wife and I are looking to start organizing a trip to NZ late in 2012 and we're looking at bike hire possibilities.
Does anyone have any suggestions or experiences that they'd like to share?
Thu, 29/12/2011 - 18:31
#2
Re: Bike Hire in NZ
These have been going a very long time and apparently good: http://www.vfrnewzealand.com/
Fri, 30/12/2011 - 09:30
#3
Re: Bike Hire in NZ
Thanks CS
I've heard/read about this lot before and they seem to attract some positive reviews.
Fri, 30/12/2011 - 13:18
#4
Re: Bike Hire in NZ
Navy Boy - I have a biking friend who just moved over to NZ so I shall drop him a line to ask if he has any reccomendations. It may be a little early for him to know but at the same time he shall perhaps enquire. If I get anything back then I shall let you know.
Fri, 30/12/2011 - 16:42
#5
Re: Bike Hire in NZ
Thanks Shuggie.
Fri, 30/12/2011 - 22:16
#6
Re: Bike Hire in NZ
Hi Navy Boy,
What and where are you planning to ride?
You won't do the North and South Island in a week, both have awesome rides. There are companies on both Islands that can help.
The weather is variable, pouring down in Auckland for the last couple of days. The roads are generally twisty and well surfaced. Don't expect to go as far as you think in a day unless you like long days. There's only a few bits of dual carriageway! It's like Devon in the 70's.
People are great and there's loads of accommodation.
Sudz (retired RN) R1150GS
Sat, 31/12/2011 - 00:09
#7
Re: Bike Hire in NZ
Hi Navy Boy
What a great place to tour . I did it myself a couple of years ago, luckily on a bike (Ducati ST2) I borrowed from a very generous mate. Highway 5 on the west coast of South Island remains one of the best roads I have ridden in nearly 40 years of very varied riding and the scenery, people and feel of the place will stay with you for a long time.
As Sudz says, be realistic with distances - it's not like touring in Europe or the US - and watch your speed; even open roads have a 100kph limit and their big white Holden police cars have forward facing cameras, meaning you're nicked before you see them.
Enjoy the trip
Sat, 31/12/2011 - 10:45
#8
Re: Bike Hire in NZ
Navy boy. New Zealand is a spectacular country in many ways. One recommendation is to start a tour in Auckland and work your way to Wellington then cross over to the South Island and keep going. If you are short on time then just focus on the South Island.
There are so many changes to the scenery that it just defies description. Take your time as the pace is civilised, rushing about gets you no where. The food and wine(BYO) is top class.
Two weeks is minimum, three ideal.
Sat, 31/12/2011 - 17:00
#9
Re: Bike Hire in NZ
Sudz
We have friends who live in Picton and we'd be looking to base ourselves there, at least to begin with. Therefore its looking as though the South Island will be the one to explore - On this trip at least.
I've heard the comments about the police before and I know that the vast majority of roads are single carriageway so distances won't be huge.
My only concern with the VFRNZ option is that it'd be a lot like my Sprint STs - That is rather too easy to ride too quickly for the conditions. I'm thinking a Guzzi or Harley may be better suited.
Once I'm back from this year's RN adventures (In early Aug) then Mrs NB and I are looking to make this our big trip for the year.
Anyone got any suggestions for where to go on the South Island?
Sat, 31/12/2011 - 21:07
#10
Re: Bike Hire in NZ
Hi NB,
Picton is a fabulous place to start from. Road signs for "twistys" for the next 50Km!!.
Speed Camera Locations http://www.eadz.co.nz/speed-camera-map/nz.html
Picton to Nelson via Havelock return via the Wairu Valley (St. Arnaud) is a great 1/2 day shakedown to give you an idea.
The west coast obviously fantastic as are the unpaved roads around the Marlborough Sounds.
I don't know what you like? History, scenery, wildlife etc. North of Kaikoura (HWY 1 outta Blenheim) is a small stop at Ohau Point (train tunnel). Mrs. NB will love the short walk up the track to the seal pup play ground!!
Remember August is winter down under and the roads can get icy and stay icy when in the shade of the hills. Also, snow falls can close quite a few roads once up off the coastal plains.
As far as a bike, lazy with loads of torque is not a bad way to go. That's why I ride the tractor with it's gravel road ability.
Enjoy your ship time.
Sudz
Sun, 01/01/2012 - 12:40
#11
Re: Bike Hire in NZ
Back in 2004 I rented from http://www.gotournz.com/ run by the Fitzgerald brothers. They picked us up from the airport everything was set up and ready when we got there.
We had two bikes from them (TransAlp & F650Dakar) and did our own route through the South Island. Back then they had a B&B which we stayed in first night and they brought the bike round to the B&B so that we could just load up and ride away.
Based in Nelson at the north of the South Island, they were good people to deal with. They also run http://www.thunderbike.co.nz/
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We've no specific preference as to make of bike. Just something suited to touring for a week plus in comfort.
Thanks in advance.