That's fantastic! NZ is my dream next motorcycle trip. Are you renting? What will you be riding? Are you experienced with long-distance motorcycle touring (if not, I could ramble on with tips for hours).

I test rode the new BMW R1200RT, which is available for rent in NZ. It is a fantastic machine. Big, waterproof, removable luggage; heated grips; adjustable windscreen; awesome ABS brakes -- and a power to weight ratio the same as a CBR600RR. The thing cranks. It would do a throttle-only wheelies at 60mph (which got some looks!).

My R1150GS will keep up with anything in the twisties (though not on the straights) and the RT handled as well. My GS has wider bars, but the RT is 50lbs lighter and was amazingly "flickable".

<jealous>

Jim