Scooter Safari: Christchurch to Hokitika (Almost)
Travel Info > Motorcycling in NZ > “Scooter Safari: From Christchurch to Hokitika (Almost)“
Settle in, because I've got a tale for you. Imagine this: a crisp, early morning in Christchurch, a crowd of bikers donning all sorts of outrageous costumes, and a collection of scooters ready to tackle a mission for a great cause. This was the start of my adventure on the Scooter Safari – a wild charity ride from Christchurch to Hokitika.
The Gathering of the Hogs
There’s something about the sight of hundreds of scooters lined up and ready to roll that just gets the heart racing. The atmosphere was electric as riders of all shapes, sizes, and backgrounds gathered, sharing a common goal: to raise funds for the Cancer Society. You could feel the camaraderie in the air – a mix of excitement, nerves, and a dash of madness.
I rolled (screamed) up on my trusty (it was made in 1987) 2-stroke Yamaha Jog, a zippy little machine with a heart of gold and a bit of a rebellious streak (it did wheelies). She was ready for the challenge, or so I thought. But more on that later.
Kickoff: Leaving Christchurch
The starting gun went off, and away we went, a colourful parade of scooters snaking through the streets of West Christchurch. The locals turned out in droves to cheer us on, waving signs, clapping, and snapping photos. It felt like being part of a grand, rolling festival. If you’ve never ridden in a convoy of scooters, let me tell you – it’s a sight to behold.
The first leg of the journey was smooth sailing. The Yammy was purring like a kitten, riding through the Canterbury plains, the Southern Alps looming in the distance, and the crisp air freezing everything.
The Climbs and Challenges
As we approached the foothills, things started to get interesting. The climb to Porters Pass was looming ahead, a challenge for any vehicle, let alone a humble scooter. But we were undeterred. Spirits were high, and we were all in this together.
Now, let me paint you a picture of Porters Pass: it’s a steep, winding ascent that can humble even the most powerful machines (it sucks getting stuck behind a caravan driving up here). For us on our scooters, it was like trying to ride up the side of a mountain on a pushbike. The little Yamaha was giving it her all, but as the incline grew (slightly) steeper, she started to struggle.
I was coaxing her along, whispering sweet nothings into her handlebars, when suddenly, disaster struck. Just before the summit (we hadn’t even started climbing the hill), she let out a cough, a splutter, and then – nothing. Dead as a doornail. I coasted to a stop, the dream of conquering Porters Pass evaporating before my eyes. Upon trying to restart, the bike would run for a second then bog-down under any engine load.
Not a bad place to break down
A Humbling Moment
There’s nothing quite like the feeling of being stranded on the side of a mountain pass with a dead scooter. It’s humbling, to say the least. As the other riders zoomed past, offering sympathetic waves and thumbs-ups, I had to face the reality: my journey was over, at least for now.
But here’s where the magic of the Scooter Safari community kicked in. Within minutes, a support vehicle pulled up, and the volunteers sprang into action. The Yamaha was loaded onto a trailer, and I was given a ride back to the next pit stop at Lake Lyndon. Disappointed? Sure. But the experience wasn’t over yet.
After unloading the scooter at Lake Lyndon I assessed the damage.
The culprit.
Turns out, it was a minor issue – the air screw had fallen out of the carburetor. A quick browse on AliExpress found the missing part for $8 - easy fix, but not one that could be done in the middle of nowhere.
Back to Christchurch: A Different Perspective
Being driven back to Christchurch, I had a chance to reflect on the day. Sure, my scooter had given up the ghost, but the spirit of the event was still alive and well. I’d met incredible people, shared in their stories, and felt the collective energy of a community coming together for a greater cause.
It wasn’t just about reaching Hokitika; it was about the journey, the connections, and the cause.
The group collectively raised over $350,000 for the cancer society, a fact I’m proud to have been a part of.
The Aftermath
So, if you’re ever in Christchurch and feeling a bit adventurous, why not give the Scooter Safari a go? Grab a scooter, dress up in your wildest costume, and hit the road for a journey you’ll never forget. And who knows, maybe your scooter will make it over Porters Pass – just don’t forget to check that carburettor!
Until next time, ride safe, and keep the rubber side down!
Next time: Hokitika
At Tiki Tour Motorcycle Rentals, we believe in the joy of the ride, the beauty of New Zealand and the good times with friends. Whether it’s a scooter safari or a grand tour of the South Island, we’re here to help you experience the best of what our country has to offer. Ride on!
