New Zealand on a bike?

[cF^]

So i'm off backpacking around New Zealand in late August for 8-10 months and I'm starting to think about how I might get around the country. My first thought, of course, was if it was possible by bike! Has anyone done it? Anyone live out there or been out there that could give advice as to whether this is viable or not? I'm wondering if the roads/weather would be doable for that length of time on a bike or if I'm better off buying a car/van/something with heating!
Any advice appreciated! :)

[Tim in Belgium]

Try pming Luke Millar, he lives out there. Check his racing reports for exact username.

[Demonz]

Get a van or an estate car - my preference would be a small van I think as you can fit lots inside, sleep in it and park up next to a beach for a week or two with more room. You will need camp grounds with a bike as free camping will be out of the question - big disadvantage. If you want to meet more like-minded travellers then do one of the backpacker buses - Kiwi Experience or Stray - you may get more out of the experience. But if you are set on a bike and like the soul searching experience of independent travel and can manage the security/camping side - well you have the right time of year. It's cold right down South all the way through till December so stick to the North until then...

[Bluepete]

http://www.vfrnewzealand.com/

Pete ;)

[cF^]

What makes you say free camping would be out of the question with a bike? Security? I'm definitely not set on a bike, just want to get an idea if it's possible. It's not that far away now and I know how these things creep up on you so I'm trying to get organised as early as possible!
Not keen on the backpacker bus type thing. I'm sure I'll meet up with plenty of people on my travels but I'd rather not be stuck with them on a bus for days. I'm going for the nature more than anything and I'd rather not stop off at every scenic point with 30 other people!
Yea planning on staying on the North island until it gets warmer :)

[cF^]

http://www.vfrnewzealand.com/

Pete ;)

I wish! Not a chance with those prices, waaay out of my price range :(

[lukemillar]

If you are out here for 8-10 months, then I'd do most camper van and some bike. In both instances, I'd buy one, rather than rent. For that period of time, any rental costs are going to be crazy! Have a look on www.trademe.co.nz for idea's of prices (as 2nd hand bikes go for more than the UK here) but for that kind of trip I'd go for an older BMW GS 650 or similar.

I bought a camper in Oz for 5 months and sold it for $1.5k more than I bought it for. I had tidied up it and re-rego'd it so I actually broke even, but still beats handing over 4-5k to a hire company!

I'd do the lower South Island by bike (Milford Sounds, fjorland etc) but depending on when you go, it might be cold. Everything else - use the camper.

I have done a fair bit of driving around the North island as I'm based in Wellington, but not so much around the south.

You can fire me any questions if you like

Cheers
Luke

[Biker Biggles]

BB junior spent a month there last year and hired a Fazer thou for three weeks.Had camping gear but actually stayed in B&B mostly.Well worth doing but living on the road Id say four wheels a must for any length of time.

[Demonz]

What makes you say free camping would be out of the question with a bike? Security?

Practicality and security yes. If you stop at a beach somewhere you want somewhere to keep your stuff go swimming, hang out on the beach, meet some folks, enjoy a few beers... fall asleep in the van. With a bike you need to worry about your kit because someone will pinch it and you cant just pitch a tent anywhere particularly on a beach or city/town beaches - so you need to find a campground or hostel which costs more.

Also if you are staying for that period of time you probably will spend a lot of time at the beach - so you need somewhere to keep your surfboard/boogie board!

Get a van and roll a dirt bike in the back for exploring those forest and offroad trails.

[Richie]

I did it back in 1990... on a GS550ES... 6 months of fantastic adventures...
Do it... Do it...Do it... Do it...Do it... Do it...Do it... Do it...Do it... Do it...Do it... Do it...Do it... Do it...Do it... Do it...Do it... Do it...Do it... Do it...Do it... Do it...Do it... Do it...Do it... Do it...Do it... Do it...Do it... Do it...Do it... Do it...Do it... Do it...Do it... Do it...Do it... Do it...

that is all...

[cF^]

lol Richie. The roads out there do look pretty great. I don't want to get a van and just keep thinking 'This road would be f'in awesome on a bike' because I know that's exactly what will happen if the weather is nice and the roads are twisty and empty. Other hand is my budget is tight and if I can sleep in my transport I'd be saving myself a fortune.
Luke, I'll no doubt be hassling you in the near future! :)

[RichT]

I think Lukes suggestion of part bike/part camper or van is probably the best solution.

Yes there will be times where you will want the bike over the van... In August - you will want a van; from Dec until March a bike.

Where are you planning to go when you first get there?

[Littlepeahead]

And don't forget to visit Hell Pizza - you may not get the free lesbian show that is put on for those attending the Soho Massive pizza nights at Hell in Fulham - but the pizzas are still good!