3 days in the Northland

We just got back from an amazing 3 day ride to Cape Reinga, the northern tip of the Northern Island. Two days of sunshine, one rainy final day, all on 2 motorcycles. We started our trek from Auckland where we rented the bikes and rode up to our first day destination, Paihia, where we based our camp for the 2 nights. On the way, we had to make an impromptu stop in Mangawhai Heads to wait for a replacement motorcycle for Louis. Yes, one the of BMW's had a 'little' oil issue, and so we decided to play it safe. Not a problem, the new bike arrived in two and a half hours, which was barely enough for a lunch in Mangawhai where we experienced really, really slow service (and unbelievably expensive food!). But it all worked out, and we were soon back on the road. About and hour and a half and 8000 sheep later, we arrived in Paihia where we were now ready to set up camp, find some food and wine! Not much in Paihia, a small vacation town, other than beautiful views out on the bay called the Bay of Islands. Our view from the hotel was quite amazing as you can see from the photo (I tried to get Jen to move out of the way but she was insisting on starting her modeling career right there and then!).



The next morning, we set out for Cape Reinga. What an amazing ride surrounded by beautiful lush greens, sheep, rolling hills, cows, bits of the coastal sea, more sheep and overall amazing windy roads. Our first pit stop was at a old car and tractor "museum" which drew our attention as we blew by it. So we checked it out, and this is where Jen got to pet her first New Zealand sheep and pony!
We then made a final gas-up stop in Awanui, the last place for gas before we engaged into the 90 KM up to the Cape. We also grabbed lunch at the Big River cafe, in Awanui, and were pleasantly surprised by the fast and good food. The river however was a disappointment... t'was a bit dry.
Our next stop up the island was in Te Paki, where we surfed giant sand dunes! It was awesome, and definitely an experience. The dunes were huge and lengthy to climb, but quite a thrill to slide down. Leaving Te Paki, we encountered our first heard of sheep, kept in line by a few good working dogs. Amazing to see these little guys put some order amongst hundreds of sheep!


Click to enlarge

From there, and after a good 10 kilometers of butt clenching off road riding, we made it to the tip of the island, ooh, ah, it's, well the tip of the island.
Back at the hotel that night, we all faded away to some good NZ Pinot noir, only to wake up to rain! It was yet another experience, albeit a good one, riding back from Paihia to Auckland in the rain. But we made it and that night, we treated ourselves to yet our best meal, which was this whole time under our noses, at the Westin's very own Q restaurant.

'night.
J, A, L


View Larger Map