NSX 2402 NORTH ISLAND EXTENSION

Welcome to Auckland and our first day after the last 14 days where we will not ride. It may sound at first like we don't feel like driving anymore, but there is a reason for that. After so many kilometers in the last few days and all the impressions, this is the best moment on tour for me to recharge your batteries. Auckland also offers a lot of sights and numerous restaurants where you can and should really enjoy yourself. So if you're ever here, head for the harbor district and you won't be disappointed. If you want to find out more about seafaring in the old days, you shouldn't miss the Maritime Museum. All in all it was a nice day but also a bit sad because today is also the day where we say goodbye to part of our group who were only with us until Auckland. Let me put it this way: we would all have liked to have stayed on because it really was a fantastic time. Well and now it goes on - how and where you can see here tomorrow. But I can already promise one thing: it won't stop being impressive. So stay tuned to see what else we will see here. See you tomorrow Domenico and Axel

Here we go again!!! Today it is time to say goodbye Auckland and welcome to the first ride the extension. It's Sunday and therefore not much traffic, so it was 1000 times easier to get out of Auckland than two days ago on the way in. Out of Auckland we drove along the coast past numerous bays until we reached the Coromandel turn-off, which is our destination for today. Compared to the South Island and everything we have seen and experienced so far, this area has an almost South Sea-like flair. The road practically runs alongside the water, so if you miss a turn you end up in the water. The road is framed by trees and winds its way north. Simply a dream!!!! In Coromandel itself we had by far the best sea food chowder of the whole tour and afterwards the weather even decided to get nice. Because the morning was mixed with rain and some dry spots. Yes, and then? we drove over a fantastic mountain pass to the other side of the island (East Coast) where we headed south. If you think about it from the hotel right now, we could drive around the peninsula all day because the roads are addictive. This was our first day of riding on the extension and tomorrow we head north. We can't wait to show you what we have seen / experienced tomorrow!!! See you tomorrow Domenico and Axel

A beautiful sunny day, just what we needed after a few days of uncertain weather! Today we crossed the North Island from east to west and then crossed Auckland again (luckily without too much traffic!) to get to Riverhead where we had lunch. After lunch, we got back on the bikes and headed towards Matakohe where we visited the interesting museum dedicated to the Kauri, the majestic trees of the region that once covered the entire North Island and that have now almost disappeared due to human exploitation. Finally arriving in Whangarei, a delicious dinner awaited us!

Whangarei - Waipua Forest - Hokianga Harbour - Karikari Peninsula - 297 km /184 miles of pure bliss, winding curves and bright sunshine - what more could you want!!!! The first stop was Woodturner's Gallery. Where Sue and Rick Taylor gave us an insight into the world of Kauri trees. From how he salvaged them from the swamps and forests to the process of drying and processing them. Because a tree over 4000 years old is not easy to work with!!! After the museum yesterday and the insight from Sue and Rick, it's time to visit the Kauri trees in the forest. But first we went to Baylys Beach, which is about 60 miles long and deserted except for a few surfers and fishermen. We had a couple of Tim Tam's with our coffee and it couldn't have been better. Well, and now it is time to get in touch with the rainforest and the kauri trees!!!! Once there, we parked the motorcycles and after a short walk they suddenly appeared in front of us. Yes, suddenly!!! Because in the forest they are almost inconspicuous despite their enormous size of up to 51 meters in height and 21 meters in diameter. And if you find that impressive, you should ride the road that leads there and through. Undoubtedly one of the most beautiful motorcycle roads down here. After lunch, we took a small ferry to enjoy even more beautiful roads and landscapes. Now at the destination of today's stage - Carrington Estates Resort - we parked our bikes and you could see in every single face what an incredibly beautiful day it had been. As a little bonus, we had a direct view of the coastline from our rooms/houses. It doesn't get much better than that!!! Well, what's missing is dinner, so let's have a good time and see you tomorrow. Domenico and Axel

Today we reached Cape Reinga, the northwestern most tip of the Ngatikuri peninsula, at the northern end of the North Island of New Zealand! We can't go any further, so from now on we will move back to Auckland! On the way to the Cape, we went to see the sand dunes and the famous 90 miles beach, then had lunch in the peninsula, and then came back to our hotel. But the day was not over, because tonight we had a very special dinner!!!

Goodbye Karikari it's time to move on From today we're heading south again and today is at the top of our agenda: The beauty of the East Coast, but probably the most exciting Moment or Place to see will be: the site of the signing of the first constitution between the British Crown and the Maori people of New Zealand at Waitangi Treaty Ground. This is a must-see, not only because of the place where the foundation of our tour was laid. But also because you don't just see the history of the beginning of New Zealand around 800 years ago, it goes also until the Second World War and how New Zealand has been part of it. As I said, an absolute highlight for me. On Top you can experience the famouse Haka. And all of this is rounded off today with fantastic winding roads, just thinking about the roads on the Russel Peninsula makes me smile. New Zealand is and remains one of the most beautiful places on the planet and should be on every to-do list. So now we're off towards the pier, because that's where we'll end our day tonight with a delicious meal. See you tomorrow for our last day of driving Domenico and Axel

Quite a relaxed ride on our last day, going back to Auckland we had to use the highway one in the beginning and then, after Whangarei, we switched for the coastal road that took us through Waipu, Mangawhai, Waiwera... what a beautiful coastline! After the last coffee break by the beach, we finally reached Auckland and had to face a little bit of traffic before delivering the bikes and then taking finally a cab to the hotel. Time to refresh and then we went out for dinner to a "typical" Lebanese restaurant in an historical old mall in the oldest part of the city. The food was very tasty and it was the perfect farewell dinner. Thank you for another great week together, the last Edelweiss Tour in New Zealand for 2024 is now over! Safe travels and see you hopefully soon! Axel and Domenico