Motorcycle Touring

New Zealand January 2008

It is summer in New Zealand so if you like to ride in an area known for extremes this is it.  There are two major islands, North Island and South Island with a total distance between of 1600 km.  The Islands are mountainous and situated midway between the equator and South Pole in the Pacific Ocean.  They existed for millions of years without man or animal.  There are 17 mountains over 10,000 ft. high in the Southern Alps with Mt. Cook reaching 12,349 ft.  NZ is located on the edge of the ring of fire, known for its geothermal activity with volcanoes, earthquakes and geysers as the norm.  An average of 400 earth quakes occur in or near the islands per year with only a few felt by the population.  The people arrived over 1000 years ago as Polynesians in seagoing canoes.  They settled and brought their animals and native plants.  These early settlers are the Maori, known for the science of warfare and hand to hand combat.  Capt. James Cook was the first European to set foot on the islands in 1796.  It wasn’t until the early 1800’s that the first English trading companies formed an opportunity for white settlement. 

Why NZ?  It is heavily advertised in the Cycle travel and Club magazines, known for its friendly people and my friend Masa selected Beaches MC Tours to put the package together.  We then booked our flight,  $2100 for 21 hours, and completed the forms and releases necessary.  No Visa’s required for NZ but the usual Passport and an endorsed drivers license are required.  Remember we drive on the right side of the road and they drive on the “correct” side.  Our first hiccup occurred when I got a call from Rob Beach that they, Beaches Tours, and he were pulling out and he would refund my deposit.  Nice gesture but I am now concerned about the non-refundable air ticket I am holding and what are my options.  Rob stated a “lack of communication” as his reason for pull out, which has about as much definition as “irreconcilable differences”.  Next we contacted the Tour supplier, Te Waiponamu Tours in Christchurch.  They were unaware of the Beach departure and were concerned about a new contact in the US.  They were very gracious and honored the contract with Beach to the letter so it is “trip on”.  If you want to go, contact Te Waipounamuhttp://www.dbrider.com/ Motorcycle Tours Ltd.  www.motorcycle-hire.co.nz or e-mail nzbike@motorcycle-hire.co.nz.  John Rains, Alison or Matt.