New Zealand Bike Tour | Bike Paradise

South Island Autumn Experience

I didn’t know this was going to be an Autumn trip till I set off and almost froze. With all my expertise planning motorbike excursions I nonetheless get it incorrect generally.

I’ve been to New Zealand earlier than and twice to the south island so I’m not a noob right here. First two weeks of March 2024 the temperatures have been nonetheless summer time like in New Zealand, it was 30 levels at some point within the north. Therefore I didn’t pack my thermal liners or my critical winter gloves. I left Townsville oblivious to the sudden arrival of Autumn whereas having fun with a short meet up with a pal in route, consuming beer and taking part in pinball.

I’m renting a Suzuki GSR 1250 Bandit for this trip. I favored the Bandit 1200 I beforehand rented on a North Island trip so with out a lot thought selected this revised mannequin.

Christchurch is an easy metropolis to get out of. I actually rode north previous town coronary heart and on to the northern expressway with simply three or 4 site visitors gentle stops and without having my GPS which as can occur at the beginning of trip couldn’t overlay the route onto the map correctly.

I ended at a McDonald’s for a espresso and use the oldest trick within the unwritten Garmin handbook. Delete the imported route then import it once more. Bingo it has calculated it and displayed it appropriately. I feel the difficulty is in the best way Experience with GPS exports the route file and I’m beginning to use My Route App because it export recordsdata extra precisely nevertheless it’s nonetheless not pretty much as good for route planning as RWGPS. My routes are so easy right here I may have simply used Google maps.

I flip inland at Waipara to trip the mountainous route north however I’m being too intelligent on this chilly day and as I climb larger the temperature falls and it’s mighty chilly. “Nicely least it’s not raining”. These phrases mustn’t ever be uttered by any rider. When you even suppose this then guess what is going to occur subsequent…

I had my rain liners already in as wind breakers and now I double bag with outer rain gear as a result of the Merlin gear outer ‘sturdy water resistance’ coating lasted all of 1 publicity to rain and it doesn’t matter what therapies I strive nothing lasts greater than an hour earlier than failing. In Japan I rode in a lot rain I bought to the the purpose if it was not heavy it didn’t trouble me. Nonetheless my Yamaha FJR1300 protected me from rain and chilly wind and my Macna gear labored effectively in chilly and rain. I’ve neither of these gadgets right here.

The GoldWing has DCT gearbox that shifts for you however driving the Bandit you don’t want to alter gears both. Arrive at a 50kph zone, depart it in high gear. 40 kph college zone, high gear. Passing grandpa in his Corolla doing 60 in 100 zone, simply twist and surge ahead in high gear. This engine is excellent.

Finally I trip out of the mountains and away from the rain prompting a change out of rain gear and lunch.

I don’t actually eat pies again residence however on tour right here in the present day this was fast and hit the spot

Driving north the climate is threatening however stays dry. The coastal street jogs my memory of Hokkaido Japan west coast.

Nonetheless I’m actually chilly and my thoughts is already drawing a query mark about my capacity to do that tour in these situations. I cease at a fishing and searching store with the thought to get one other layer. I find yourself shopping for their high rated base layer clothes which I’m assured will hold me driving.

Subsequent up, hotter gloves.

These don’t supply a lot crash safety however they’re hotter than what I’ve with me and versatile not like the current Tough and Street winter gloves I bought. The gloves have a novel design of a elastic cuff with none wrap round enclosure strap which makes the glove a lot thinner on the cuff. This could work effectively with my Merlin jacket sleeve cuff the place the velcro has virtually completely failed and solely stays closed if no stress. It was an event inconvenience in South America the place it was stinking sizzling however here’s a a lot greater drawback within the chilly.

The solar makes a late look and the temperature lastly reaches double digits late afternoon. The various vineyards are a stark distinction to the barren deforested panorama of the South.

Solo driving means I can cease as many instances as I really feel like for images not like on the current excursions I joined.

I’m staying in Picton tonight. I verify Google maps for what eateries are close by and see a Thai restaurant. I verify the menu and see Khao Soi. I’m excited as a result of that is one among my favorite dishes. In fact I’m an fool to suppose a Thai takeaway in Picton NZ goes to have real Khao Soi. It’s simply curry rooster with some fried noodles on high ha-ha 😀

Day 2

It’s 8 levels at 9.00am nevertheless my new thermal layers are heat. The Bandit bikini display screen is a poor design for winter driving and funnels air to my higher chest thus inflicting chilly air to enter the decrease entrance of my helmet which usually is calm inside. Additionally that wind blast is making an attempt to get inside my collar. Luckily my wonderful Harvassons neck gator made it from Japan and will likely be my savior on this trip.

Very scenic twisty route alongside the water from Picton to Havelock this morning. Sluggish tempo is welcome within the chilly and I’m grateful the solar is shining.

One among my neighbors informed me she may see no motive to go to New Zealand. Yeah proper – it’s a horrible place.

When you suppose you’re paying a variety of gasoline simply spare a thought for Kiwi’s. $3.06 a litre for 95 octane gasoline this morning at Havelock. No marvel I see so many electrical automobiles on the street right here regardless of little charging infrastructure.

One other pie for lunch. I’m having fun with the simplicity of consuming at bakeries on tour right here. I may await a big city however each village appears to have a bakery with easy accessibility.

After an early lunch I trip to Okiwi bay and on to French’s Go however I’m foiled by street work with size delays. I waited for ages at lights till I used to be beginning to cook dinner and determined to show round. By no means thoughts it’s been very twisty and scenic trip out.

Wonderful street then over what I feel is named the Whangomoa Saddle to the massive metropolis of Nelson the place I took a espresso break.

I bought a automobile free trip over your complete vary, woot!

Then one other wonderful little bit of tar, the Tanaka Hill.

Small city Tanaka with no bank cards accepted any store. Possibly some native protest as solely place in NZ I encountered this, in any other case it’s all cashless.

I took a protracted take a look at the forecasts and bounced issues off my climate guru and former trip associate again in Alstonville NSW who agreed the modelling exhibits dangerous climate forward. Determined to switch my route tomorrow to remain east which suggests loosing some cash on lodge reserving however in any other case it could be driving again over the central vary tomorrow in bitterly chilly rain.

Moreover I see subsequent week the forecasts all are displaying rain then snow within the southern area with temps down as little as 1 diploma. The times right here don’t get gentle until 7.30 and don’t heat up till noon so driving in 3-4 levels and rain isn’t one thing I want to do no matter price so I chunk the bullet and cancel most of my resorts for the remainder of my tour and can plan day-to-day from right here.

Day 3

Stunning crisp clear morning and the solar shining takes the sting off the chilly.

I’ve a pleasant trip over Tanaka hill the place the air is tremendous clear this morning. Onerous to seize the views on the jap facet which stretch out to the ocean in the present day however elude the lens of my cellphone. Been toying with shopping for one other actual digicam however merely updating my cellphone most likely makes extra sense.

Some beautiful driving by the Motueka Valley, a route I used to be not anticipating to be something besides bypassing Nelson however turned out excellent.

You had me at Mad Max burger – Tapawera village.

But it surely was an excessive amount of for me so I accept one other pie. Pepper steak in the present day.

Being the ex rail man I’m all the time considering previous prepare stations. There was as soon as one referred to as Kiwi, a part of the Nelson department line. That is it in the present day.

Some nice driving subsequent on route 63 and route 65 as I make my method south. Delighted with these routes which I used to be not initially planning to trip.

Then on to the recent spring city of Hammer Springs. I didn’t take a dip, Japanese onsens just about turned me off sizzling springs for all times however the city is sweet.

Day 4

One other modified route in the present day that can finally have me arrive on the identical lodge I might have reached if I had been on my authentic route coming over the ranges from the west. It’s a chilly overcast chilly day however least I’m dry.

All over the place I cease for a espresso there appears to be previous railway stations. I suppose the title was a giveaway.

A lot of the day will likely be following freeway 72, The Inland Scenic Route.

Plenty of these wind breaks, thankfully in the present day there isn’t any robust crosswinds as a result of it’s chilly sufficient already.

I’m a sucker for any ‘route themed’ store so there was no going previous this cafe the place I had an enormous bowl of sizzling soup.

At the moment turned a little bit of a chore within the chilly on largely straight farm roads that jogged my memory of Hokkaido. I had a few these what am I doing right here on a motorbike ideas. Then I noticed a pair touring on bicycles which cheered me up. Least I’m not that loopy.

Get your self a few of these pegs with hooks from Aliexpress. My routine on tour is get myself and the times garments washed quickly as I’m within the lodge. Utilizing the hand basin and boiling sizzling water (I convey a pair of dishwashing gloves with me) add some shampoo within the sizzling water then rinse once more in clear water. If it’s not attainable to dry them outdoors I’ve a trick I’ll share with you later on this trip report. Simply don’t be like the blokes on my Colombia tour who mocked me for laundry garments and have been carrying the identical unwashed t-shirts for two weeks in 40 diploma warmth. Simply machismo bs.

Day 5

Todays first tree appreciation photograph.

I get the impression New Zealand South Island may most likely transfer the clock palms ahead in Autumn a minimum of an hour or probably two. This photograph seems to be like early morning besides the clock says it’s already 10.30.

I seize a espresso and take a while out to benefit from the autumn foliage which I’ve not seen since leaving Japan and am reminded of the actor in Japanese film Good Days I watched just lately who discovered inside peace in routine and appreciating the small issues in life.

A roadside attraction with an enormous assortment. There are 5 buildings stuffed with Americana street journey memorability in addition to many massive gadgets. Texaco is the Tex in Caltex in case you by no means knew.

Gorgeous view and a style of what lies forward. I’m very fortunate to have excellent climate for in the present day which is an important a part of this tour for me. Extra on that in a second.

I’ve been right here earlier than however not in effective climate. Since that journey way back I’ve needed to go to once more to see Mt Cook dinner in clear climate. At the moment is that day.

And it doesn’t get a lot better that this. I’m virtually scared to cease in case the view abruptly turns into obscured as occurs with excessive mountains.

This can sound bizarre however this bridge is the primary place I needed to go to this trip. It’s a location I noticed on Google images years in the past and ever since have needed to go to. And right here in the present day I achieved that aim with excellent climate. Mainly this trip is a hit from this level on it doesn’t matter what else I do.

Right here is the trick I discussed earlier on this trip. If you’re unable to dry your issues in any other case then use these hook pegs like this and set air conditioning to dry mode if it has it but when not any mode will quickly dry your issues.

Day 6

Deep Freezer.

Lewis go. Gorgeous however bitterly chilly 4 levels.

Stunning driving all morning alongside the shores of lakes. The images push the panorama away from the viewer however in actual life it’s rather more grand.

I ended for warm soup however bought a pie as that was what they’d and it turned out to be the very best pie of the tour.

Final evening I made a decision to trip south slightly extra in the present day then reluctantly flip east, then north away from chilly and rain.

Stark but stunning.

I used to be near Queenstown right here I needed to verify however nah, I’ve made the best name to skip it.

My modified route in the present day has been fairly pleasant by the Otago highlands this afternoon. I detour in to Ranfurly for gasoline and take a look at it’s previous prepare station which is now a part of an intensive bicycle Rail Path community within the South Island. Very attention-grabbing historical past to the city additionally, click on to learn.

Award for greatest public bogs additionally goes to Ranfurly which made me once more recall once more my current favorite film Good Days.

From Ranfury route 86 all the best way to the coast is the very best street of the tour thus far and probably top-of-the-line roads I’ve ridden within the South Island and one I used to be not even planning to trip. It’s a protracted descent from the tablelands by way of a set of sweeping effectively surveyed curves that may be loved at 100kph and it flows as such for about 50km. I attempted to seize the texture of it with my little Casio cam however failed and resolve I’ll substitute that machine once I get residence.

Town of Oamaru was a shock. A pleasant assortment of Victorian period buildings downtown and the Steampunk HQ. Alas regardless of it being 3.20pm once I bought to their door they have been closing for the day quickly.

Day 7

Chilly and damp morning.

This space is named valley of the whales as a result of it was underneath the ocean. That’s New Zealand for you.

No quantity of photograph modifying goes to make this look good. It’s chilly and it’s gray.

Took an prolonged espresso break to defrost in Kurow. I ventured north slightly extra to the lake then mentioned to hell with it, too chilly and rotated.

Had some tasty sizzling soup in Waingate then I rode to my lodging, checked in early and took a sizzling bathe then bought underneath the blankets and took a nap. This moto touring stuff will get tougher as you become older. Don’t wait too lengthy.

Day 8

The forecasts have been saying tomorrow was positively going to be moist. I booked two nights at a motel west of Christchurch with the thought if the climate is okay tomorrow then I’ll trip up Authurs go if not then sit within the motel dry and heat.

It was chilly all morning with some gentle showers. I ended in a restaurant to thaw out over a espresso then stopped once more for an early lunch.

I used to be going to desert my concept to go to Akaroa, the skies have been darkish but I famous a couple of bikes have been going that path, even a man on a shiny new Panigale V4 and I believed if a Ducati sports activities bike rider goes that method in a race go well with then native information says it’s not going to rain. I adopted.

The solar made a half assed effort however I used to be pleased with that. I rode alongside the Summit Street which is the place my mate and I completed our moto tour of the South island in 2011.

The tree trunk beneath jogged my memory of a tune from a band I liked in my teen age years who hail from New Zealand. Mi-Intercourse had some massive hits within the 80’s and their tune However You Don’t Care from their debut album Graffiti Crimes in 1979 stays a private favorite.

“A tree stump twists, your love won’t be missed” (Mi-Intercourse, However You Don’t Care)

There isn’t many honest individuals on this world. One thing the ceaselessly optimist in me is sluggish to be taught.

Nonetheless so many roads I wish to trip, hope my well being permits me to maintain doing this slightly extra.

Day 9

That is what day 9 regarded like. Moist and icy chilly.

Nonetheless I used to be toasty heat and dry inside scripting this trip report and having fun with an excellent Italian Primitivo from Salento.

Day 10

My final day and I’m glad to be wrapping this tour up because it actually is getting too chilly for me.

I’ve 4 hours to kill earlier than I can verify into my lodging so I resolve to discover across the bay adjoining to Christchurch. First I went to Gebbies valley then over the go of identical title and out to Diamond Harbour.

Subsequent good corners to Governors Bay and among the street up excessive referred to as (once more) Summit Street. All good roads. Native riders are spoilt with this and Akaroa close by.

It was bitterly chilly up right here and spitting rain as I used to be taking the above photograph so I gave up and made my method again down the mountain and into the primary cafe to heat up. Then I returned the bike to Te Waipounama Bike Leases who I can advocate, effectively maintained bike {and professional} rental settlement. My lodge is simply across the nook so no taxi is required, too simple.

My trip of the South Island didn’t go as deliberate nevertheless I nonetheless bought to take pleasure in loads, together with many locations and roads unplanned which I all the time discover pleasant. I miscalculated the climate however stayed calm and bought on with it. By altering my routes I prevented some very poor climate additional south and had largely effective days and no main dramas. All issues thought of it’s one other trip efficiently accomplished.