Northland Road Trip:  6th – 7th – 8th November 2015

Mountains, river valleys, beautiful coastlines and historic townships….this was a pleasant tour of the lower 1/2 – 2/3rds of Northland (Auckland to Paihia roughly) in a small group, on sealed minor and major roads.

Accommodation was provided for the nights of Friday 6th and Saturday 7th in peaceful, scenic surroundings in Taiharuru. Overnight luggage / excess baggage etc was transported by car and made available on arrival, so  participants could enjoy the ride without loading up their motorbike!

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I bought a bike partly to experience the beautiful roads around New Zealand. This tour was an incredible first introduction into motorcycle touring. A group of different people, on different bikes, with vastly different levels of experience all on the road together – was a fantastic experience.

Stunning scenery, great accommodation, good food and wine – and ultimately improved my motorcycling skills and roadcraft significantly.

Columbus Cafe, Smales Farm, Takapuna

We will meet at Columbus Cafe, Smales Farm on Taharoto Rd, Takapuna on Friday 6th prior to starting our ride north.

 

The Bach at Taiharuru

6The bach sleeps 10. Heat pump, dishwasher, hot spa and shaded deck with BBQ. Beautiful views out to sea.Motorcycle Tours and Motorbike Road Trips

Whale Bay, Tutukaka Coast

Motorbike Trip Motorcycle Tour New Zealand

Whale Bay, Tutukaka

Matapouri

Motorbike Trip Motorcycle Tour New Zealand

Matapouri Rd on the Tutukaka Coast route

Okiato

We will use the vehicle ferry to cross to Opua – bring $5 cash!

Paihia

Paihia

Kaihoke

Kaihoke

Packard and Pioneer Museum, Maungatapere

Optional call in here on friday afternoon or sunday – vintage cars / bikes etc.

www.packardandpioneer.co.nz

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Whangarei

Whangarei

Waipu

Waipu Museum is worth a visit if we have time..

Motorbike Trip Motorcyle Tours New Zealand

 

Brynderwyn Hills

Twisty section through Brynderwyn Hills

Motorbike Trip Motorcycle Tours New Zealand

Warkworth

Warkworth

Waiwera

Motorbike Trips Motorcycle Tours New Zealand

Waiwera heading south

FlyWest Microlight Flight School @ Parakai

Optional visit to FlyWest flight experience and flying training school and/or GyrateAuckland to fly in either a Microlight or Gyroplane…

Motorcycle Tour Motorbike Road Trip Flying Options

 

 

 

Motorbike trip Motorcycle Tour New Zealand optional flight experience

This gives you the chance to try something new and see, from the air, the route that we will ride on our motorbikes  before we go and ride it!

Motorbike trip Motorcycle Tours New Zealand Optional Flight Experience

Nice view from lookout on SH16 near Wellsford

Motorbike Trip Motorcycle Tour New Zealand

Whangerai Airport

Motorbike Trip Motorcycle Tours New Zealand

Whangarei Airport on finals

Whangarei Falls

Motorbike Trip Motorcycle Tours New Zealand

Whangarei Falls

The Old Parakao Store Cafe

Motorbike Trip Motorcycle Tours New Zealand Old Parakao Store Cafe

Click on the red pins on the map above (due to size, works best on larger screen tablet or laptop) for further information about each location.  The route varied on the day depending on traffic, roadworks, weather etc., but was more or less:

DAY 1 (FRIDAY)

Auckland – Helensville (Optional scenic flight nearby) – Whangarei – Taiharuru

DAY 2 (SATURDAY)

Taiharuru – Tutukaka coast – Paihia – (possible) Opononi – Kaikohe – Maungatapere – Whangarei – Taiharuru

DAY 3 (SUNDAY)

Taiharuru – (possible visit to Packard Museum, Maungatapere) – Waipu – Wellsford – Warkworth – Auckland.

A thorough, well thought out route and well led ride. It was not too structured, so if you wanted to do your own thing from time to time it was agreeable. David made everyone feel comfortable with their own ability and speed. Great ride with great company. Looking forward to the next one….