Kia Ora, the weather in November can be changeable, so pack gear for everything from a frosty morning or crossing a mountain pass with rain & a few snowflakes around, through to warm sunshine & 25 degC.
The best way to approach the South Is is to stay flexible & go where the weather is good. Often if it's raining on one side of the Southern Alps, it's sunny on the other.
Have Fun
Clint
Thread: Riding South Island Nov 2009  |
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Started 4 months, 2 weeks ago by GSGIRL
Hello all,
If the exchange rate cooperates, I am planning on riding the south island second week of November.
Can you guys give me some input on weather conditions during this time. Hitting all the must see's but really want to spend a good amount of time in Milford Sound and Fjordland.
10 days on an R12GS starting out of Christchurch. Desperately wanting to make it happen....
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clintnz replied 4 months, 2 weeks ago
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cooneyr replied 4 months, 2 weeks ago
+1 on Clints post. Preparing for NZ south island weather is pretty simple really -any weather, anywhere, anytime. Being little island in a big ocean with a mountain range down its back we do not have stable weather conditions like the continents. Bit colder in winter and a bit warmer in summer but thats about as generic and you can get.
Good luck
Cheers R
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Rosie! replied 4 months, 2 weeks ago
Hi GSGIRL!
I hope you manage to make it over here, the South Island is very cool
Hema Maps make a Motorcycle atlas of New Zealand, if you are looking for some manner of map, or for route ideas. It has a variety of road and gravel routes marked, and some tourist info as well.
As Clint said, the weather conditions can vary a lot over fairly short distances, so it's good to have a ...
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Padmei replied 4 months, 2 weeks ago
+1 on all the posts. No matter where you head in the Sth Island it is beautiful. The Top of the South were we live (Nelson Marlborough Golden bay) is unreal - Deep water sounds to miles of grape vines to beautiful golden sandy beaches - all accessed via twisty scenic roads.
The West coast has lush green bush, fast flowing rivers, fantastic roads, interesting history & boutique cafes (as ...
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SnowParrot replied 4 months, 2 weeks ago
Quote:
Originally Posted by GSGIRL
If the exchange rate cooperates, I am planning on riding the south island second week of November.
Good choice... the mountains look their best in spring. Green with crisp snow topping, spring flowers.
Can be damn cold at times and with the odd dump of snow on the passes.
Keep an eye on the...
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GSGIRL replied 4 months, 2 weeks ago
Thanks for the input.
Do you guys thing that Nov is too early to ride? I can plan to delay a bit and come back, but the opportunity is presenting itself best around Nov 7 - 17.
I was told I would not need electrics, but layering is essential.
I will have all my routes planned ahead of time for me in a GPS. All I have to do is show up and ride...
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clintnz replied 4 months, 2 weeks ago
Nov is OK. Just do it!
Jan/Feb/March is generally the warmest & driest time to be touring over here but you can get rained & snowed on then too, & as noted, spring aint too bad weather wise & does have other advantages.
Some of us soft buggers use hot grips, but no one uses any other heated gear over here. Layers is right.
Cheers
Clint
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SnowParrot replied 4 months, 2 weeks ago
Depends a bit on what you want. If you want dry (on the east coast at least) and warm enough to swim naked (or near naked) in the sea.... jan/feb/march is better.
Most of the touristy types come Jan/Feb/March and Motorhomes are an omnipresent feature of the roads and campgrounds.
Personally I like the green / spring flower / snow cap combo of spring.... and I wear a wet suit when I go ...
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warewolf replied 4 months, 2 weeks ago
Go whenever you can. November is generally less settled weather than say Jan onwards, but prior to the summer peak crowds. We've travelled extensively in February because the majority of Kiwis still holiday in January; by Feb the tourism operators are catching their breath and the roads & ppl are more relaxed. But do remember this is NZ; compared to US/UK it never gets busy.
The 7-day ...
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GSGIRL replied 4 months, 2 weeks ago
Thanks again for the input. I am a bit nervous about riding in bad weather (cold, ice, snow) as I will be on a pretty fixed schedule and need to be at each destination each day. Although it is not a group tour, I am doing an independent tour in which all days are planned out for me and off I go.
Now the problem seems to be the exchange rate. The Kiwi Dollar is quite strong against the ...
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