Day 6: from Russell back to Auckland

Day 5: Along the Bay of Islands

Day 4: The end of the road

We waive goodbye to Kaitaia and head out on the most northen section of paved road in New Zealand. Gently sweeping turns take us all the way to Cape Reinga, where the Tasman Sea meets the Pacific Ocean and the most northern point of this tour. We turn around and head back south to our lunch stop at the Karikari vineyard, which is also our stop of the night. We spend the afternoon either relaxing in the sun, riding the Managmuka Gorge or riding quads on 90 Mile Beach. The day ends with a fantastic meal in vineyard's restaurant where we might have sampled some of the local liquid produce.

Day 3: Kauris, picnics and some of the world's best roads!

Our day starts with clear blue skies as the sun rises over the Pacific. We head west across New Zealnds Northland and towards Ripiro Beach. Stretching north this 110km long beach is is part on New Zealand's highway system and open for all traffic. Except, unfortunately, for rented vehicles such as our own. Instead we have a quick coffee before we tackle the twisties through Waipoua Forest and pay our respect to some of the last remaining Kauri trees in New Zealand. In the meantime Tom and Manfred have prepared a classic Edelweiss picnic on the shore of Hokianga Harbour. After a veritable feast we cross Hokiang Harbour by ferry and head straight for one of the best roads in the world, the fantastic Magamuka Gorge! 20km of perfectly banked twists and turns wind their way through dense forest before depositing us in Kaitiaia, the most northern town in New Zealand.

Day 2: East Coast to West Coast and back

We set out on a glorious spring morning, across the Coromandel Peninsula and north along the west coast past Auckland. Along the way we stop at Piha Beach (one of the locations used in "The Piano")  and then head inland to the Kauri museum. Although it might seem strange to have a whole museum dedicated to a single species of tree, it is one of the best museums in New Zealand and offers us glimpse into the history of this fascinating country. Our day ends in the excellently named village of Tutukaka, where we rejoin the Pacific Ocean.

Day 1: Coromandel Ho!

Welcome to the North Island Extension. This is the perfect opportunity to expore some of the hidden gems that we missed on our regular New Zealand Tour.

We start our day's ride in Auckland, New Zealand's largest city, and head east towards the tranquil seaside towns along Kawakawa Bay. After a quick coffee on the beach we set out for some of the best riding on the planet. Hugging the coast of the Coromande peninsula we find some of the best twists and turns we have ever seen, all combined with breathtaking views of the coast and clear blue skies. We feast on locally farmed greenlipped mussels, cross the peninsula on the stunning highway 25 and end the day with an ice cold beverage in the sun. What an fantastic first day!