• When on Tour through NZ its always a good idea to pack extra gear including wet weather gear! Even in the height of summer, rain showers can come and cold snaps can hit.
• Some mountain passes can be significantly colder than surrounding lowlands.
• Our sun is stronger here. Its true. You will notice that even on overcast days you can get sunburnt whilst riding.
• High winds particularly around spring and autumn.
• Check weather conditions online before your ride. There are also webcams in alpine passes that you can view online.
  
  https://www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz/highway-conditions
  
  https://wheelsoffreedom.co.uk/riding-advice-weather-motorcycle/

• New Zealand roads can vary a lot in condition. A lot of our roads haven’t been built with larger numbers of traffic in mind. Because of this we have plenty of bumps ups and downs and uneven patches. Compared to riding on a perfectly even Motorway, it is important to keep alert and concentrated at all times during your ride.
• Gravel patches on corners, next to driveways and farm entrances.
• Mud on road left over from stock and farm vehicles.
• Loose or wild animals on the road. (report to NZTA 0800 44 44 49 )
• During a spring/summer tour on a motorcycle ice generally shouldn’t be an issue, however during the beginning or end of the riding season it may still be possible on more alpine roads particularly early in the morning or late at night.
• Grit can also still be present on many rural roads and main highways. Around higher mountain passes keep an eye on the road surface particularly around corners.

https://www.rideforever.co.nz/riding-in-new-zealand/on-the-road-2/different-road-conditions/

• Watch for distracted drivers admiring the views or locals who think their road is a racetrack (give these road users a wide berth).
• Please ride defensively, if you don’t know the road ride with care and take your time.
• Try to be as visible as possible on your bike. We provide free high visibility vests in a range of sizes that you are able to use throughout your hire.

• Can be a distraction, If the view is that good then pull over and admire it! There are plenty of places to stop and take your snaps. (just dont stand in the road like these two!)
• Remember some of the most scenic routes can be accident hotspots.
• Typically, hotspots for accidents will have a number of road signs in the vicinity. If our councils have paid to have road signs put there then there is a reason for it.

https://www.nzta.govt.nz/safety/driving-safely/driver-distraction/

• Our speed limit is 100kph on the open road with the exception of some motorways in the North Island which have a limit of 110kph.
• The majority of towns and built-up areas are 50kph.
• Traffic management road works areas are nearly always 30kph.
• Schools are usually 30 or 40kph.
• Passing a school bus that has stopped to let children on or off the speed limit is 20kph.

• Relatively rare but still an occurance in New Zealand.
• Parking overnight always park as out of sight from roads as possible.
• Lock away your belongings in your panniers when in public particularly in bigger towns and cities.

• Typically, your bike will take 95 octane (premium) petrol.
• Fuel stations usually do not allow motorcyclists to fill the bike whilst seated on it in NZ
• If the fuel station has a shop you can usually fill up then pay after.
• If it is a Self Serve with no attached shop you may have to pay first via machine.
• GASPY is a great app for finding the best fuel prices in your location.
• In the South Island and the West Coast there can be significant distances between fuel stops.

• A head nod or a wave is sufficient passing greeting in our country!

• Sticking to main highways It is relatively easy to navigate your way around NZ without need for satellite navigation.
• Typically main towns and cities are well signposted on highways including distances in kms.
• On smaller rural roads there may not be the same amount of signposting.
• Phone signal is generally ok in the South Island, however there are still plenty of areas where it lacks so always know your route before your ride, or at least know some of the town names that you will pass through.

• In the event of a breakdown, you can use AA service for roadside recovery.
• Depending on the location however recovery may take a while.
• Bare in mind phone service may not be available during all parts of your ride.
• Callouts do incur a fee.

• A Lack of motorways and plenty of technical roads in NZ. Shorter distances may be more suitable.
• We recommend anything between 200 and 350km per day.
• Remember when planning to provide plenty of time for stopping, strolling around and exploring places you travel through. This also ensures you break up your journey and stay fresh whilst riding!

• Parking in most places on motorcycle shouldn’t be an issue.
• Major cities usually provide free motorcycle parking in multistorey car parks (Auckland and Christchurch).
• If unsure, park as if you were a car.