New Zealand Bike Prices And All That
 

Can someone help me with the following questions:
Is the Honda Transalp (XL650V) available in NZ?
Elsewhere on the site I read insurance is not needed - is there a catch ( road tax is hundreds of dollars, for example ) ?
What are the roads like, is there any need for an off-roader at all?
General info on NZ and bike costs appreciated. I hope to go Sep 02 -Feb 2003...

Hi;
I bought a road motorcycle over in NZ six years, ago I go back every couple of years and ride it around.The roads of NZ are made for motorcycling.I register the bike for six months.have never bothered about any insurance and there is no road tax or toll ways.Most of my riding in NZ is on the black stuff, an off roader would be good for exploring the bush.
NZ is well set up for travelling with plenty of backpacker and other accommodation.
Fuel when I was over there earlier this year
was about $1'20 Kiwi a litre.A kiwi should be able to let you know the other info you require.
Ben
Great place for motorcycling.

Hi from NZ
Transalp is available in nz but was never offically imported so very few around.
lots of good tarseal, gravel roads and trails here you will have a ball.
Honda XR600 may be a better value on/off road bike here and easy to sell again. Some good second hand ones around starting at $3500nzd Go to the following website and check out some private sales. (2 transalps as well) www.silverbullet.co.nz
Insurance is not needed but min 3rd party a good idea and cheap (less than $50nzd per year)
Accident cover called ACC levie is built into bike rego (tax disk)fees here which is $275nzd per year per vehicle. Any second hand vehicle you buy should have Rego and a current warrent of fitness.
If you want an organized on/off road tour on a near new bike and a top guide check out www.kiwiadventures.co.nz
Need any other info send me a email.
Nick Pedley

Thanks for replies, chaps. Nice to know this information. Well, seems like I've just got to go!

Would it be easy for a US guy to buy a bike in NZ? How much for a used KLR or equivalent? I'd like to go there, travel and maybe stay awhile. Any advice? Jobs/housing easily available?

It is no beauraucratic hurdle for anyone to buy a motorvehicle in NZ . The biggest hurdle may be using an address to which the ownership documents may be sent after processing . In this day and age of speed cameras a seller would be foolish not to do this . But I am sure you could find some kind soul , motorbike dealer , hotel or whatever that will let you send the paperwork to their address .

Jobs ? Yes and no . There is a fruit picking circuit where casual workers are not policed ( often , anyway ) . Regular "real" jobs are harder to get , job permits are not handed out willy nilly . But there would always be something for the determined traveller .

Good luck,
Chris

The XLV650 is listed on Hondas website so it is available in NZ. The price was around NZ$16,000. I am selling for a friend a 1993 XLV600, set up for touring with Alloy panniers and tankbag and many spares for sale or maybe even a sell/buy-back scheme. I have too many bikes in the shed!!! It really is a good bike for NZ. There are many great back roads and trails that make for rewarding exploring, and has the power for the major roads. Before you come over, make sure you contact the Horizons NZ communities. You will be surprised at the welcome you get! I am the co-ordinator for the Christchurch community.

Regards

Nigel in NZ

--"Have you hugged your bike today?"--

NZ is no different to any country here - if you are on the list of desired occupations or have money to invest there ( well, lots! ) you will be welcomed with open arms. If you are a wonderful, cultured person with many skills, but no piece of official paper to say so, you will not!
Doctors, nurses, teachers etc are always in demand. There is a government site which updates this list, something like www.nz.gov.com ( try google and "working in NZ ")

True , NZ does encourage permanent migrants with itsL immigration policy . Qualified persons have a significant advantage , where hairdressers are rated as desirable as engineers . However , the application process for permanent migrants takes 3-6 months in London and longer in NZ itself , requires Police background certificates and so on .

Casual visitors may not wish to engage in this process , if they do , there is info on

www.immigration.govt.nz/work/

There may be opportunities for casual visitors to pick up work in their profession and risk of deportation adds a bit of spice to life anyway .

[This message has been edited by El Penguino (edited 10 September 2002).]