New Zealand Jan 2015
 

Hi,
I am travelling to see some friends in Auckland in Jan 2015. We will be spending some time in Taupo up until the 23rd. After that I would like to spend some time on the South Island, visiting the sounds and the fjords. Due to work commitments of my friends, I will more than likely be travelling solo at this point.
I would like to do the South Island by motorcycle if possible and so would ask...

1) Is there a recommended place for hiring of motorcycles?
2) Are there any sights I really shouldn't miss, or routes you would recommend, and best places to stay?

Thanks in anticipation of your advice (always happy to meet up for a Beer/ride along the way)
Brian

N.Z..
 

HI MATE, don't worry about missing the sights in NZ ....they are so on the ball for touring and everything is signed & advertised. NZ also have the A.A who do a FREE!! guild to accommodation its a bit heavy as it covers ( in-depth all of NZ) but its free so you could always rip out the pages you need?? pick up a copy in the airport / garages / bike hire shop .
Motel's are reasonably prices and always (in my eyes) clean & tidy, but if it was me i would aim for "back-packers" hostel's ....cheaper, 9 times out of 10 clean & tidy.......& you can ask the other guests where they have been?? The vineyard's are a great distraction but it's zero tolerance against alcohol! but on the plus side don't worry about speeding !!:thumbup1: you will be sent a fine to your home address ?? but hey how do they enforce it ?? come & take you back to N.Z. ?? lol......i wish they would !! Avoid "beach" camping as the sand flies will "git ya !!"
YOU WILL LOVE THE PLACE !! swat up on your sport ....rugby ect. everybody is sport mad !
feel free to drop me any questions or if you need a touring atlas ? i'm ya fella !:thumbup1:

Lord of the Rings and Hobbit film locations are throughout NZ! NZ is beautiful in its own right but it becomes an even more desirable destination that these Epic films were shot here.

This is my Google map for a planned LOTR/Hobbit tour of NZ... this will be the foundation of the NZ leg of my RTW tour in 2016.

bier

Hi Brian, check out Casbolts Motorcycles : Ducati & Honda Motorcycle Store, Christchurch, I called in there two years ago on my way home and the guy there said he would give a good deal for bike hire or he would sell a bike to you and buy it back when your finished with it. Hostels are the way to go as Simon said, get your book on the hostels, they are rated, priced, contact nos, etc. Enjoy the trip its a fantastic country.http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...es/scooter.gif