THE NORTH ISLAND

People asked why New Zealand? From the little I knew it seemed like the remotest, furthest place from the UK, with the most eclectic beautiful scenery and uncongested roads ideal for any biker with itchy feet. Plus, in January and February it was their summer. Knowing it was their peak season, I’d planned the approximate routes and made sure to book in those special places which in retrospect was a pretty good move!

DAY 1

I’d flown in from London and landed in Christchurch in the South Island to pick up the Bonneville from South Pacific Motorcycle Tours. One month would be spent travelling the North Island and the second the South Island. But no one had anticipated or expected that extreme storms would seriously hit and damage the North Island as well as further south here in Christchurch. Roads here were flooded with the winds battering everything in their way and tearing trees. I was strongly advised that it was totally unsafe to take the bike! But a lot later that day with the weather having slightly calmed down, I signed the paperwork and was given the keys for a brand new 900cc T100, with two 30lb Givi side bags, my own 70lb North Face bag slung over the back seat and my tank bag. With this I had more than enough storage for two months on the road. I was ready to go!

The aim was not to ride more than four