2024 Headed to North Island of NZ

January 6th I fly back up to North Island.The reason being, another ADVrider I met back in 2013 – has loaned me his older 1150GS that is there.

As the Moto community does, Another Advrider that olds the GS drove up to Auckland to pick me up and bring me back to the bike. Amazingly kind and generous Moto community. Forever grateful!

Got to love the sticker on the bike  😉

Did a short sort out ride back up to Auckland to have dinner with another friend.

I stayed in nice fairly cheap guest house.

As a traveler, it is always good to look around and enjoy the little things.

Loved this giant Statue on edge of a park.

Had to stop for some “Brekky”. Loving the Egg Benedict KIWI style and a “flat White” coffee.

As I road down to Cambridge. Another AdvRider reached out to connect me with another rider/friend. So I have learned to reach out and connect. Met Mike in Cambridge for a pint and walk about town.

Was not going to do it…. But Hobbiton was just 20 minutes away. So booked myself in for the 2.5 Hour movie tour. Super glad a I did.

It’s an amazing place. After Lord of Rings they took out the Hobbit homes, but people kept coming … So they capitalized and rebuilt it all. Touristy but Truly very cool.

The trick is to get photos without the people 🙂

Of course I am not really hobbit sized. :-).  ( which is 5′ 5″ or less)  But Gandolf maybe! 

Then into a hobbit house.

The details were amazing.

Writing a few notes

Then down the trail to Red Dragon inn

Served a pint of Ale.

Then back to meet up with Stu.

And a ride around Mt Pirongia

Amazing paved and unsealed roads

And some fuel. It’s about $6.70 per Gallon. Sold in Liters of course

Winding my way to southwest.

Arriving in New Plymouth around 7 PM. Summer here so plenty of Sunshine.

One big Volcano, so lots of twisty roads and farms with Sheep and Cows.

Taking a couple days to explore the local area.