South Island Tour March/April 2010

[corosafari]

Hi there looking at travelling the Mainland next year for 6 to 8 weeks, family of 4 and camper in tow. Looking for any suggestions where to go and sights to see. Nissan Safari lwb tow wagon but not a tough truck yet but looking to improve a bit with susp lift, 33 tyres, snorkle and winch. So more semi shiny runs without scaring the misses, she is still a bit nervous from being a passenger in a morri minor that rolled down a bank 30 year ago, get over it. I am sure a couple of good scenics trips with good company should see to that.
As I will have camper in tow the main touring routes will have to be camper friendly, metal roads with the odd pothole no prob.
We are planning to spend at least two in each location and fully self contained, set up camp and head off for day trips.
I will have my fly fishing gear but havent had much luck yet so would be primo to hook up people for fishing and trips. Havent decided about taking kayaks yet as will have mountain bikes so need to consider loading factor.
Anyone from NI or SI that want to join us more than welcome , I dont want to have a fixed plan, just go with the flow, so maybe catch as its
suits everyone, taking young fulla out of school to give him a lesson on what an awsome country we live in.
My Job as Marine Engineer has taken me all around the world, but cant wait to have a good look at my backyard, misses is part time artist so as long as she has wine and something to paint shell be right.

Look forward to replies
Thanks
Dave

[corosafari]

Oh yeh, It will be my pleasure to repay any hospitality.
Live in Coromandel Town, 30 years experience in salt water fishing, a few years running fishing charter business specialising in the sportfishing , light tackle, salt water fly, kingies . Spare section next door with fish smoker.
ty

[ActyonMan]

At that time of year include the Molesworth Road in your tour (It's open until the end of March). Look it up on the DoC website.

You may not be allowed to tow your camper through the route - though check with DoC.

You could leave the camper at either end of the road and drive through, stay in a motel at the other end, drive back the next day!

We did the road in March, it isn't hard driving, could just about have got through with out 4wd (only used it in a couple of spots). It is a great trip.

ActyonMan

[albundy]

Central Otago, Westcoast, Southland. Be cold, but spectacular scenery. You could base yourself in Reefton do some tracks, head down the westcoat to central, base yaself in cromwell or alex, plenty of tracks and fishing lakes around. Head back up the eat coast via Catlins and big eastcoast river for fishing. Keep u all posted on what ya doin g in case we get bored and join ya, easter around then.

[nuts]

hey if ya decide to come this way there is the operarah arches and the begining of the heaphy track ... and there are light tracks from karamea to hast if ya know where to go

[corosafari]

Cheers guys, awsome, I have NI 4wd guide book by someone Andy Cokcroft at home will have to get Si version as it has ex track info. Thanks again for guideance , have been thinking will have to get laptop set up for mobile internet so I can keep in touch and keep a running report.
Ship in Tauranga for the day so caught up with bro in law for coffee, told him about our plans, now him and misses keen to tag along, he is now out looking for a 4wd.Also his mate has a tyre shop so I looked at some bf goodrich muds Km2, new tread pattern, will they be good for trip, originally looking at AT but after surfing this forum I know IF i hook up with any of you lot I will need these, and look at two sets of rims, keep my kumho 825 road venture I have now.
THANKS AGAIN.