Hard & Fast

A really great ride taking in some of the best roads the South Island has to offer.  

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Leave our premises then follow SH1 down the coast south to Dunedin, don’t forget to stop off at Stream Punk HQ in Oamaru along the way. From Dunedin head into the spectacular remoteness of the Catlins, a wild, rugged landscape with some great riding. 

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Next head north through Gore, Roxburgh, Alexandra & Lauder, be sure to drop into the lake at St Bathans for a quick dip, especially if it’s a hot day and you need to cool off with a quick swim.  On to Naseby (motorcycle collections and museums) then it’s onto the shingle to go through Danseys Pass. 

Theres a treat for you along the way but we won’t tell you what it is, the photos might give you a hint.  Danseys Pass is around 50km of shingle road so allow at least an hour of travelling.  There’s a great campsite at the northern end plus its a great spot to stop off and explore – see the Elephants Rocks, follow the Fossil Trail from Duntroon and have a walk up to Earthquakes.

 

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Back on the bike, head northwest towards the hydrolakes, it’s worth a trip around the north side of Lake Benmore if you have the time, the view of the dam is fantastic. At Omarama turn right and follow SH8 towards Tekapo.  If you feel like it leave the route for a while and drop in to Mt Cook village, it will add around 100km so make sure you have enough fuel as the village is ‘dry’.  Wander around the Sir Edmund Hillary Centre, he was the first bloke to climb Mt Everest and we’re very proud of him!

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Next it’s on to Tekapo, through Burkes Pass (see quaint old shop selling all manner of interesting things) and onto Fairlie, if you like fast cornering the you’ll just love the next 50km to Geraldine. From there head north on SH77 following the line of the foothills.  Maybe dive off to you left and explore some of the valleys if you have the time or drop down into Methven for lunch at the Blue Pub.  Rakaia Gorge is spectacular.  But hey, lets keep going.

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Now we’re into the West Coast Road, mile after mile of sweeping bends, mountainous views and lakes.  Watch out for the one lane bridges and don’t wander too far from your bike as the Kea would just love to eat its seat for you.  There’s limited accommodation in Arthurs Pass so unless you’re camping it would be best to book.

So over the Pass we go and down through the Otira Gorge (low gear as it’s pretty steep in places) then turn left towards Lake Brunner and Reefton.  From here you have to option of a side trip to Hanmer Springs – wouldn’t it be great to soak in the hot pools after a hard days riding?  Through the Buller Gorge (you’ll love it) and into St Arnaud where you must stop at Lake Rotoiti to count how many eels you can see under the wharf.  Keep heading north to Blenheim, back onto SH1 and south to Kaikoura.  Now you’re riding along the coastline so watch out for seals on the road and whales out at sea.  Kaikoura is famous for it’s whale watching operation, you can swim with the dolphins or simply stop to admire the view. 

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The route then takes the Inland Road through Waiau and gives you the opportunity to dip into Hanmer Springs if you missed it the first time.  Then it’s back onto SH1 for the trip back to our headquarters or leave the bike at our depot in Christchurch ready for your flight home.

We promise you will want to come back for more.

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