>>1038500>We haven't really planned route at all and that's really how we like it to be. take everything a few days beforehand.That's the way man. In most of the South Island, you'll be able to freecamp where ever you want. You could plan an hour ahead the whole time. Many people, especially Euros or Aucklanders, will get fined (normally $200) for freecamping. if you set up camp in the evening and leave in the morning, pack out all your rubbish (inc organic waste ie. an apple core),and any other rubbish there,dig a hole if you need to shit, don't light fires and are friendly to anyone you encounter, you can basically do as you please. I've camped next to no free camping signs, and met DOC rangers (department of conservation) who see us being conscientious and don't give a fuck. Some spots are legal, some are illegal, but most is a grey area. There is only 1 dangerous animal in NZ and it will only hurt you by accident (drink driving is our national passtime), if you fuck with them (no one in the city has a gun, everyone in the country has a rifle and goes pig hunting), or if they're on meth. You won't encounter many meth heads in the most isolated, beautiful spots with the best riding.
The coolest spots are in a mountain range which runs almost the whole island. When i lived down there, the 13-23 30/39/53 gears on my Moser which were perfect for Auckland (a hilly city surrounded by good climbs), were not right at all. Anything past 1:1 is 'good enough'. You'll also want shoes that are good for walking in. An Awol is an excellent bike to have.
I'd leave Christchurch immediately and head up to Arthur's Pass. The entire west coast from Picton to Milford is awesome. Fuck the East Coast, unless you like riding through boring farmland. Even though it is summer, plan for alpine conditions.
