[arwadowd]

I've posted in the downunder regional for local knowledge.
Now I'm asking here for travelers thoughts.
How about it, folks? Comments, complements or criticize? Not that we'll feel bound in any way, you know.

The basics:
We have about 6 months total. We are hoping to head for south NZ and let the weather run us north. We are in fair shape though my wife can't do long hikes anymore and I don't really see myself dangling from a bungee cord. I'm guessing we'll hit most of the basics and we have enough time not to hurry.

So, those of you experienced, give it up. Every little bit helps. So far everyone we know that have been there say that we will absolutely love it. The negative-- They wished they had had more time.

Thanks
Jim (and Sandi)

 

[johkar]

Aussie

If your wife has trouble on long hauls think NZ not Australia - have you seen how big Oz is. Its a long way between attractions.
Having said that, if you want to do small areas pick Victoria (Oz) in March/April.
The best motorcycle touring destination in the world.
Of course I would not be biased.
I live there.

 

[tarheel_rider]

Hopefully Ralph (rmg08057) will chime in on NZ. His advice and help were spot on and tremendously valuable to us when we made the NZ trip earlier this year. We only had 10 days, so envy your being able to take six months and not hurry around. We loved the trip and are planning a return. It is a terrific country with great people and a whole host of things to see and do.

 

[arwadowd]

If your wife has trouble on long hauls think NZ not Australia - have you seen how big Oz is. Its a long way between attractions.
Having said that, if you want to do small areas pick Victoria (Oz) in March/April.
The best motorcycle touring destination in the world.
Of course I would not be biased.
I live there.

No trouble on long hauls, just long hikes. She's got some foot problems.
We're thinking further south including NZ March/April. Then Tas. Are we making a bad choice weather wise?

I'll not be shipping the LT over and rental rates are high so 'tis likely to be a campervan or perhaps buying an older motorcycle. Much depends on local market action. We have to be able to sell quickly when (if ) we're ready to go.

"The best motorcycle touring destination"? I'm gonna try to verify that.

Thanks again for the input-
Jim

 

[arwadowd]

Hey Ralph from New Zealand!
Are you out there?

Jim

 

[johkar]

Winter

Tassie in winter is a worry - a bit chilly.
I suggest you contact www.bmwmccvic.org.au for all the info you will need on touring around Victoria.
Happy to meet up when you are here and we can show you around fantastic Gippsland, Victoria.

 

[arwadowd]

What does "a bit chilly" mean to you? Is this like " Oh, Perth is just down the rosd a bit"?

As far as a meet... You betcha!

Jim

 

[rmg08057]

Actually, I'm an Australian who has lived 30 years in Australia, 15 years in NZ, 10 years in the USA and heading back soon to NZ. I am having a bit of a think...and I'll be back to you. Just to start off, I would probably spend about 6 weeks in NZ, then go across to Australia. Summer in Australia is very hot, so I would aim to get there say March, starting down south in Tassie, ending up north/west. Hey, this could be fun.....but like lots of things, timing is everything. Hey, PM me with your # and I'll give you two a ring and we can have a bit of a natter.

 

[arwadowd]

I've read the oil threads, the tire threads and the bike comparos. I just can't believe so few of you would take me up on a chance to alter my life.
And nearly no risk to yourselves.

You know you've been there and you just can't wait to tell me about it.

Clawing my way back to the top of the list-
Jim