h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

We went in February 2005 and although we have toured a lot in Europe this has got to be one of THE best motorcycle experiences. Can't wait till we go again. A few things to mention that may have changed since 2002 when the BBC research bit was done - it isn't that cheap anymore (currency fluctuations have seen to that) but still definitely worth it. Be careful about policy excess on insurance of hire bikes - due to the peculiar "no fault" insurance arrangements it can be a big hit financially if you do have an accident. Check out your liabilities in advance. Make sure your hire bike has new tyres - we found the asphalt is aggressively sharp and seems to shred tyres much more quickly than you would expect. Allow at least three days in Queenstown on your tour -it really is the adventure capital of the South Island. Other MUST DOs are whale watching at Kaikoura, jet boating up the dart River, and the wineries near Nelson and at Queenstown are definitely worth a visit. The ride up the west coast (if you get decent weather) was sublime. Come to think of it, so was the ride up to Mount Cook, and the ride through Arthurs pass, and the ride up to Milford Sound... Yep, can't wait to go back again. It is like England thirty years ago and the people ARE genuinely friendly and helpful. Just do it...