Rentals rider briefing Motorcycling has inherent risks. You can minimise the risks, but you cannot eliminate them completely, even if you’re an experienced motorcycle operator or passenger. To stay safe when riding we suggest you wear high visibility clothing, know your skills and limits, and ride within them.
To make your experience as seamless and enjoyable as possible we’ve put together some key information to consider when planning your trip and tips as you make your journey around the country.
On arrival to the Central Otago To ensure you are well rested for your journey we recommend that all international visitors spend the first night near your arrival destination. We encourage you to arrive at the dealership at least 1 hour before your scheduled ride commences to allow plenty of time for the vehicle hand over.
Some riding basics Rules of the road In New Zealand we drive on the left. The centre line is always on your right. Don’t cut corners or cross the centre line unless safely passing or turning off the road. Enjoy the ride but remember to adhere to all speed limits. No use of mobile phones or electronic devices while driving. Stop for police. If you are required to stop your vehicle the police vehicle will drive behind you, activate red and blue flashing lights and a siren. You must pull over as soon as possible in a safe location. Park you vehicle off to the side of the road safely and wait for the officer to approach you.
Ride defensively Regularly perform head checks in your blind spots whenever changing lanes, merging, overtaking, turning, diverging, reversing. Check your mirrors every 10 seconds. Look for vehicles at intersections and side roads, Never overtake a vehicle when a side road is approaching. Adhere to the following distance rule; Apply the 2 second rule when dry and increase your distance to 4 second when wet. Unless you can see through the corner, always assume there is oncoming traffic and ride in the first ½ of your lane. Ride wide – tight – wide.
When overtaking, apply the 4 ‘P’ principle; Position – get in position for the clearest view ahead. Check down the LH side of the vehicle & RH for oncoming vehicles. Change in the correct gear to accelerate and be ready to go. Scan you surrounding for hazards & perform a head check Pull out – hold off accelerating confirm the road ahead is clear. Pass – get the overtaking done quickly and safely Pull in – once you have passed the vehicle, indicate and pull in. stay off the centre line
When parking, or leaving the motorcycle unattended Park the motorcycle on a firm, level surface. Check for parking restrictions and turn the engine off. Remove the fob key. Cover bike if necessary.
Drive to the conditions New Zealand roads cover impressive terrain and can pass through amazing scenery, but they can also be treacherous in certain weather conditions. New Zealand roads are narrower, more winding and sometimes steeper than you might expect.
Be aware of changing road conditions and dangers like hidden curves and switchbacks, loose gravel, livestock and ice grit. Frost & ice is possible at any time of the year over high country passes. Some roads in New Zealand, particularly in the South Island have one-lane bridges. Slow down and check for oncoming traffic coming the other way and stop if you need to. The red (smaller) arrow shows which direction has to give away.
Enjoy the views safely There will be many beautiful places to stop for photo opportunities, be sure to pull off the road completely in an appropriate area.
Ride fresh
Remember, it’s easy to underestimate New Zealand riding times due to our winding roads. We recommend only riding 1-2 hours at a time with regular breaks. There is a lot to see, so stop often, stretch your legs, take some photos, or enjoy a bite to eat. Avoid riding during the hours you would normally be sleeping. If you begin to feel sleepy, stop at a safe place and try to have a refreshment break or find a place to stay overnight.
We recommend you use this Driving Time and Distance Calculator to get an idea of riding times while planning your trip, allowing additional time for rest stops.
Plan ahead Unless you are hiring an adventure motorcycle, we recommend you avoid gravel roads where possible, as they can be slippery to ride on. Not all public roads in New Zealand are sealed, so if you find yourself on a gravel road keep left, reduce your speed. Slow down even more when approaching oncoming traffic as dust can obscure your vision and loose stones become projectiles. Keep in mind the possibility of ice grit during the spring and autumn months when travelling on high country roads, particularly in the South Island. Note: Programming the shortest route into your GPS unit may take you on gravel shortcut roads.
Weather conditions
Keep an eye on the weather conditions before each journey so you can drive to the conditions. Allow extra time on the suggested driving times and adjust riding style where needed. During May – September be prepared for snow & ice (though understand that snow can fall any time of the year over high country passes in the South Island). Drive at a safe speed travelling distances as it takes longer to stop on slippery roads. Avoid sudden braking or turning that could cause you to skid. In winter the sun is lower in the sky and can cause prolonged glare.
Don't ride under the influence
Fatigue, illness, alcohol and drugs can cause drowsiness, loss of coordination and loss of balance. They also affect your awareness and judgement. Do not ride when you’re fatigued, ill or under the influence of alcohol, prescription drugs, over-the-counter drugs or any other drugs that may cause drowsiness.
Assistance
For emergency services call 111 for Fire, Ambulance & Police
To report road incidents but are non-life threatening call *555 to report non-emergency In the event of a breakdown, or mechanical assistance call 0800 734 453 AA Roadside assistance. If the vehicle breaks down or has a mechanical problem that cannot be mobilised at the scene, the AA will tow the vehicle to the nearest place of safety or repair, where arrangements can be made for its repair. Any cost incurred above $200.00 will be the driver’s responsibility, and payable at the time of the incident. In the case of mechanical faults, the dealer shall reimburse any additional costs incurred from the breakdown. Where the breakdown is non-mechanical a call out fee will be charged to the driver at the time of the breakdown and payable by credit card. “Mechanical” means a breakdown that relates directly to the vehicle, or a breakdown that is outside the drivers control (e.g. starter motor or radiator). “Non-mechanical” means a breakdown that indirectly relates to the vehicle, and can often be attributed to action by the Driver of the vehicle (e.g. lost keys, lights left on, fuel etc).
COVID-19 Provisions A number of services offered by AA shall be conducted in a contactless manner as they have been classified as 'Close Contact' by the Ministry of Health. To view current up to date information in line with the traffic light settings, refer to the link below. https://www.aa.co.nz/membership/important-covid-19-update/ In case of an accident Refer to Accident Procedure contained in your Rental Agreement Terms and Conditions. If you’re involved in an accident, please stop and check if anyone has been injured. Give practical help if you can and call Emergency Services, 111. If Police have not attended the accident and an injury is involved you must stay at the scene. If the accident involved damage to property and the owners cannot be located, contact Emergency services by calling 111 within 48 hours. If another vehicle is involved in the incident, you must gather the name, address, vehicle registration, driver license details and the insurance company of the other person involved. We request that damages are reported to the dealer as soon as possible by calling Wanaka Powersports on 027 292 7915.
Interisland travel If you are planning on interisland travel, we recommend that you familarise yourself with the guidance provided in the link below. It is the riders responsibility to ensure the motorcycle is fully secured for the crossing. We will provide tie downs and guidelines for appropriate points to ensure the motorcycle is secured.
https://www.greatjourneysofnz.co.nz/interislander/plan/check-in/motorcycles/
Some pointers before you leave Your motorbike will be provided to you with a full tank of petrol when you leave the dealer but keep an eye on the level! Always check you have plenty of petrol (gasoline) in the tank to avoid getting caught out. Expect longer distances between fuel stops, particularly in the South Island.
Always carry water and a mobile phone. Many places are isolated without full mobile reception. Always communicate your intentions to someone who cares about your wellbeing.
Take the time to read and understand the rider’s manual before riding. Before each ride, perform a quick pre-ride inspection checking all lights and turn signals operate.
If you are unfamiliar with the area you are visiting, we recommend the use of GPS navigation.
You're all set! Let the planning begin
Now that your all set to go, we recommend reviewing your maps and any other visitor information before heading off. Remember, if you're unsure, be sure to ask our team for recommendations and directions.
Thank you for taking the time to complete our Rider Safety Briefing. We look forward to being apart of your riding journey and welcoming you to store!
December 22, 2024
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