Napier

Napier was an art deco city that was destroyed by an earth quake back in the 1930's; re-built it retains that feel of those by gone years and is an interesting place to visit. Arlene V particularly wanted to see the city and has embarked on a tour, with Paul, around it's buildings.

We had a short ride of 200km and got here by about 2pm so we have had a relaxing time today. Although the ride here was fantastic. Another gorge and mountain range to get across with heaps more bends but smoother turns made for a fast ride, it was awesome today. It rained on us good and proper too, the last hour we endured a soaking and I found out how crap my waterproofs are. Just been to buy some new ones. Big Bruv... if your reading this it's such a shame your not here, you would be loving the riding, probably the best riding roads I have ever experienced. Off to Wellington tomorrow.

Kappa Hakka - Maori warriors

Our journey from Waihi to Gisborne would be about 380km. It took us through more outstanding scenery, dramatic mountain passes, gorges and wide open pasture land. We stopped a few times for comfort and drink breaks but there was this old pub that used to house sheep herders and loggers back in the 1920's was a highlight. One of our guides, Colin, he reminds you of Yassemiti Sam, with his huge beard had pictures of his grandfather on the wall of the place, he had been a logger.

At Gisborne we had an opportunity to go to visit a Maori Par site ( a fortified Maori hill ). We were privileged to take part in the kappa Hakka ceremony in which I was chosen to speak to them on our behalf. I had to state our intent to them and tell a story of our journey. In reply they performed the Hakka, sang, and carried out a demonstration of Maori martial arts. It was fantastic. We were stood on the same ground that Capt Cook himself had stood when he and his crew from the Endeavour first encountered the Maori people. It has been the highlight of the trip so far and afterwards we were able to meet them and did the nose touching greeting...It was brilliant.

whitianga and the lost springs

After the gruelling ride of yesterday we had a more gentle day out that took us through the mountains with steep roads and lots of srummy bends. If we were not confident with bend riding before, we should be now as these ones went on for most of the 200km we covered.
We passed through a lovely town where we had coffee and enjoyed the beaming sunshine before making our way to a place called Hot Water Beech. At low tide people come here and dig a shallow hole in the sand, which then fills with naturally hot spring water. It was absolutely beautiful. We carried on to Whitianga and the springs. We spent a relaxing hour bathing in the hot springs and then had a late lunch before making our way back to Waihi Beech for the night.

Our Ride To Waihi Beach

We new today was going to be a long one, we had over 400 km to ride, which ended up taking us 11 hours. The morning was slow as we made our south from The Bay of Islands towards Auckland, So many road works and heavy traffic. The road builders lay down a concrete layer first then wash it down, we arrived just as the washing began and ended up covered in the stuff !

Tony, our Maori guide, had to leave us at Auckland, which was sad as we had formed a huge respect for him. He was the NZ version of RL Stockard, for those who knew him. He will rejoin us at the end of our tour for the farewell dinner though.

The afternoon saw us clear Aucklands heavy traffic, a bit like the M25 in the rush! We rode on to Kawakawa Bay where we had a stop for a whopping ice cream but then had a two and a half hour ride to finish.

Wahi beech is a lovely place and we are here for two nights, riding the Coromandel Loop tomorrow before returning here. The landscapes just keep getting better but we were too tired to appreciate the last 100km today.

Bed calls but a later start is most welcome for sat.

Bay of Islands & Maouri treaty grounds

We had a great day today, the sun came out and it was beautiful. We rode about 200 miles through more staggering countryside and fantastic fish and chip lunch (cant spell the name of the fish) but it was great. The country is mountainous and spectacular and we rode on to the bay of islands where we are staying tonight. We went to the treaty grounds where Maori and Britain signed a treaty that has stood the test of time, still in place today. There's is a complex culture but one that should be admired, this fair but warrior people are charming, welcoming and trusting. They are the true custodians of these beautiful islands.

Departing Auclkand

We had our first day on the bikes today, leaving the city in a drizzle of rain did not dampen our spirits. We were soon out in the beautiful country. I have never seen land so fertile, green and lush. As we headed north we passed through a rain forest where huge ferns trees and Kourie stood. This tree can have a girth of up to 21 meters...yes 21 metres ! and be over 200 feet tall.

The roads are great with only light traffic or nothing at all and our guide BAZ is a good lad. His friend Tony, a Maori, is guiding us around his home area for the first three days, He is a smashing guy. Our first hotel is very nice and has the best view of the sea ..ever...well we are right on it ! Its 6.30 am and as I do this blog I have just watched a Maori canoe with about six paddlers take it out to the reef. The surf is up and I think they will have some fun.

Day 1 Auckland

After a very long journey I finally arrived tired but excited. I met up with John & Arl who got here before me and we had dinner before retiring for the night.

Tues was our first proper day so we hit the town to explore. We had breakfast in a nice cafe then checked out the city centre. We ended up In an aquarium where sharks and sting rays swam all around us.

We returned to our hotel to meet Ali & Baz ( tour company) and did the paperwork before having our bikes handed over. Beauties all, we now just await the arrival of Paul & Arlene, due here about 11pm. Off to bed now as all suffering with jet lag, me the most!....We ride with the tide !!!! Yahoo