Featured Touring Cape Reinga

With the Bay of Plenty Chapter planning activities north, a had to accept the opportunity to have a break from work.

Bags packed and sitting on the local overbridge, I could see them coming.
Once I caught up, it was first stop for lunch at Huapai Tavern

 

With the weather a bit fickle on day 1, we saw the odd shower heading west and then north.

 

With over 1111km to travel we had 3 planned overnight stops for the old bodies to rest Day 1 had a slight detour to the Old Parakao Store for a refreshment and cozy fire, before heading to Dargaville holiday camp

 

Second day and we're off to the cape, the northern most point if NZ, which has two ajoining seas (Tasman Sea and Pacific Ocean). We stopped to view the Grand Kauri tree, Tane Mahuta before heading for lunch and ferry ride.

 

Next it was the winding trip north.
You can see the currents fighting at the peak of the cape, beautiful scenery and a great ride up.

 

Back to another holiday park and dinner, before a well earned rest.

 

Good to see you back @Dartplayer
I've missed your photos of the stunning views of NZ

 

@Dartplayer Fantastic photography and scenery. Now you know why we all missed you so much. We will watch with eagerness for future posts and pics that are outstanding.

 

Heading east, we stopped at Maunganui for lunch, with a wide pic on the wharf, then another ferry to historic Russell.

 

@Dartplayer:
Many thanks for sharing your great impressions with us!!!
Your chapter looks great when parked together.
Are you using a drone for the "elevated" photos?

 

We then hit the old Russell road for the trip south. Getting home after 1111km/679miles Stormy needed a clean, a new rear (that had bubbles after the Russel Road heat and riding) and rear shoes

 

the photo was taken from above on the Ferry driver cab and the Maunganui hotel. We had 3 from Auckland, 1 Waikato, 2 Taupo, 1 Manawatu, and the rest from BOP

 

@Dartplayer Great shots. Please keep them coming.

 

As has been said already, great to have you, and pictures of stunning New Zealand back again.

 

@Dartplayer, I'm quite late to this thread but have just now finished enjoying all your great photos and your commentary. Thank you for posting! As always, your group looks like a great bunch to ride and to hang out with. I have to say, your posts always include two of my most favorite things in the world--bikes (and bikers) and the ocean! Being able to combine those two things is a dream of mine. Merry (belated) Christmas, Dartplayer, and a very happy New Year to you.

 

Thank you Sandi, Happy 2026.
Just back from a big dice run, so will post today.
I had a minor slow speed off on some gravel, on a sharp corner downhill, so bike and body a little sad today.
First in 50 years of riding

 

Hopefully not too much damage to you or your bike.

 

Thanks mate, appreciated.
Slow motion, impact, then slide.
Bike on top of e on blind corner, with fuel running onto the exhaust, so could gave been slot worse. Guys behind lifted off and we straightened the crash bar.
Just 5 hours left to home
Head lamp - L
Indicator- L
Horn
Crash bar - L
Tank Left and top
Screen
Check gear lever

 

Bloody nuisance, looking at your lid there's definitely a case for full face helmet, it could have been a lot worse for you on a personal basis without it.

 

All the best for your and your bikes recovery!