NSZ 2501 NEW ZEALAND TOUR

Welcome to our first day of the tour!!! Today it is time that we start the Tour. The last customers are moving into their rooms and unpacking & the tour guides are making the final preparations in the meeting room and the sun is shining. So from that point of view it's the perfect start to the tour. And now welcome to the tour because it's 5pm and we're introducing the tour to our new New Zealnad group. Not quite new, because there are a few of us who have already been on tour with Michaela and me, so it was a warm welcome at the same time. After introducing the highlights and explaining some of the procedures, it was time for the supposedly best part of the first day: handing over the motorbike keys. All the riders' eyes lit up as they happily signed the form and then finally inspected the motorbike they would be riding for the next few weeks. Then it was time for the first meal together and how could it be otherwise? There were the first motorbike stories that made us laugh heartily. The first day is over and tomorrow it's finally off and the New Zealand explorers are on their way south. It will be interesting to see what we have to report tomorrow. Michaela and Axel

And off we go on our journey - from Christchurch to Lake Tekapo After a good breakfast and our first morning briefing, we finally set off with a smile on our faces. The New Zealand adventure begins. The weather, well how can I put it, looked quite promising at the start of our day. But later we had a few rainy kilometers on our first day of driving. But that didn't stop us from having a great first day of riding. The first highlight was getting out of Christchurch and up the Summit Road where we had a fantastic view of the coast and a really nice winding road. From there we headed inland towards Raika Gorge and a few photos later it was lunch time and The Farm Shop is the perfect place for it. Local produce and prepared with love !!! What more could you want. From there our journey continued south to Lake Tekapo where we will sleep tonight. The landscape changed more and more and you could feel that we were getting closer and closer to Mt. Cook, because from the flat plain we went into the hilly mountains and finally we had blue skies and a perfect view of the majestic Alps of New Zealand. I would say despite the weather it was a successful start to the tour and tomorrow? Well, we won't tell you that, so you'll have to check back here tomorrow. We're off to dinner now and we are already looking forward to day 3 Michaela and Axel

Hallo Again from Day 3 Today we went from Lake Tekapo to Te Anau - 426 km pure joy. Waking up with sunshine in the face that is something!!! Well where do I start? Did I say sunshine ??? The dayly briefing has been with almost no cloud on the sky and the weather forecast put already a smile on everyone's face. So we startet first to the Lake Punaki which is similar to the Lake Tekapo but with one little difference - after we have been around 30 km on the road there have been a massiv cloud formation in front of us and the temperature dropped from around 20 C to 10 C, what a shame!!! It was not raining but the view towards Mt. Cook was totally blocked so we stopped and I told the story of the mountain and the lake and the rest has been up to our fantasy. Shortly after stop we came to Twizel (Mackenzie Region's) where wepassed the lake with famous highland salmon Farm. So if you are in in New Zealnd you have to eat at least once a Salmon from that area! After this it was Tim to drop down from the highlands to Omaru which is well known for the clay rock formation and we had a coffee and spend some time there, so that Petrus got a chance to clear up the sky for the next section of the day. And it was working!!! The hall ride over the Lindis Pass has been in sunshine and on top, the 971 m up and down has been curvy as we like it!!! From there we went towards Cromwell where we stopped at the Kawarau Gorge to get in touch with the history of the gold mining history of New Zealand. After that it was time for some action, so next stop was the birthplace of bunny jumping. It was nice to watch but we also had some appetite and for that we moved on towards Queenstown, where we had an awesome lunch. From there we had still around 180 km to the hotel and so we hoped back on our steel horses and enjoyed the ride along the Lake Wakatipu. And I got to say this section of the day let us smile once more. All in one this day was long but worth it!!!! Now we are in Te Anau and tomorrow we will have an early bird because we will ride to the breathtaking beautiful Milford Sound. And that why we got to go to bed early today. See you tomorrow Michaela and Axel

The early bird catches the worm Or ..drives off early has empty streets. So at 7:00 we start our motorcycles and our goal this morning is after 120 km The Milford Sound. Rudyard Kipling calls it the "8. Wonders of the world ” So through rainforests and daring curves we drive joyfully waiting to our boat. Which we almost 2 hours shower drives the Milford Sound. Cliffs vertically 500 metres high, already impressive. Apart from the colour of the water. Because the way was so beautiful in the morning, there is no other ;-) we drive back to Te Anau have a delicious lunch and then head to our final destination today, Queenstown. At the 3rd largest lake in New Zealand, Lake Wakatipu, we let our motorcycles run free. Now it's a day of rest Stay tuned, we will still experience a lot Axel and Michaela

What a wonderful Rest Day did we have!!!! Servus from Queenstown on day 5 of our journey through New Zealand. Today we started totally relaxed into the day. First of all a wonderful breakfast and then who ever liked to ride met at 10 in the garage. From there we started our rest day ride to Glenorchy along one of the largest lakes of New Zealand - lake Wakatipu. This road out to the first coffee stop in Glenorchy is made for motorcycles!!!! Twisty curvy and framed with a stunning landscape, there is nothing else what cut top this section of the day. As I said as we arrived in Glenorchy we had a coffee and I can tell you everybody was already smiling because of this breathtaking nice road, but the best thing has been that we had to go the same way back to Queenstown. From there we went up to Coronet Peak, almost 1200m over sea level, where we had an stunning view towards Queenstown and actually we cut step back in time because from up there we saw where we came from to days ago and we had a look in the future because you could see the road where we will be on tomorrow. After all this curves we stopped by a little restaurant where we shared a some pizza before we dropped of two of our riders to the Shotover boot ride. Meanwhile they both went for an adventure ride through the gorge in a jet boot, I brought the rest of the group to the hotel where they got changed and enjoyed the afternoon in town with what ever they like to do. There are so many options what you can do on the rest day here - from hiking to off road quad ride over paragliding .... So if you having your rest day here!!! The hardest part will be to decide what you gone do because the day got only 24 h. That was our first rest day on the tour and tomorrow we will ride to the west coast of the South Island, where we will ride up in the next view days until we arrive in Picton. So, have a nice day and see you tomorrow Michaela and Axel

It should be an unforgettable beautiful day. Right at the beginning we drive to the highest asphalt road in New Zealand, the CrownRange Road, 1073 m. The few drops of rain should not bother us. A short stop at the oldest hotel in New Zealand in Cardono and continue past the beautiful lakes of Wanaka and Lake Hawea. The Hasst Pass is one of three ways to cross the Alps. It's not really high, but beautiful to drive. Through rainforests and beautiful green through the rain. We come to the Tasman Sea the west coast, rough and salty. The West Coast Highway is one of the most beautiful coastal roads in the world. What a great day And tomorrow it's in the air

Good morning and Goodbye Fox Glacier Welcome to day 7 on the tour. But anyway not so quick bacause before we leaf Fox Glacier ther is our first highlight of the day!!! Just arround the corner - The flight with an helicotor tas clos and comftable as you can get to Mt. Cook. Each of our fearles explorer cam with a big smile on the face back to the hotel where we had the riders briefing. But now we say goodbye and the next stop is not far away - Franz Josef - the place to be to get a look at the famouse Kiwi (Bird not fruit!!!). And in between a stunning curvy road where you should be wake to enjoy it!!! From ther we took of to the first coffee break and once more we had a plesent time on the road. Lunch was later in Hokitika , what has been from 1860 to let´s say 1920 one of the most well known habours to export over 15 tonnes of gold out of New Zealand - Crazy or !? and the storry of the town goes on but for that you should be at the briefing!!! Next highlight has been for sure the Arthur Pass , a hot spot for the Kea´s!!!! The ride was great up ther and also the way back to the coastline, but the only thing what has been rare, that was the amount of Kea´s. But we saw some and we had one more suprise for today!!! And that why we had to get to the Hotel!!! Michaela was waiting with a cold welcome drink - IT IS BOOT BEER TIME!!!!!! So all in one - after an fantastic curvy road combind once more with an stunning landscape - a perfect day Michaela und Axel

And again a day comes to an end with a lot of impressions and even more curves. New Zealand offers so much variety that our guests can hardly catch their breath. The Pancake Rocks, shaped over millions of years, are an absolute natural wonder. Limestone layers make the rocks look like stacked pancakes. But the seal colony at the Cape Foulwind also fascinates us. All the little young animals like them play in the water. But the spectacular Buller Gorge Road makes every motorcyclist's heart beat faster. Before we arrive in Nelson, a detour to the "fruit basket" from the South Island. In the Abel Tasman NP and the Nelson region, the most hours of sunshine in the year with 2000 are a great helper for fruit, wine and hop cultivation. Now we need a beer. See you tomorrow When we ride a big boat Axel and Michaela

It is Rollercoaster Day!!!! Welcom on day 9 and we only got arround 120 km in front of us because than we will take the ferry to Wellington. First you would think: only 120 km, but this 120 km they are the paradise of riding a bike!!! Just out of Nelson we dive into the Marlbrough arear and that is a mountain side which is stunning. Leanangle, good roads and almost no traffic and in the middle of the ride in Havelock it was time for an coffee stop. From there we started towards the Queen Charlotte Sound and that is for sure the Rollercoaster of the day. Tide turns along the bays, up and down just the way it should be for us. The weather today has been also on our side, what means it started wet but on the parts where we needed it was dry and just as we parked the motorcycles on the ferry it started raining again. I would say we have been the lucky one. The rest of the ride was up to the captain of the ferry so that we could enjoy the view of the Queen Charlotte Sound. A great day came to an end as we parkt in the heart of Wellington, where we will stay for 2 nights and get ready for the north island. Well i would say thats it for today Michaela and Axel

Goooooooood Morning it is time to move on Welcome to our day 11 of the tour!!! After 9 days on the south island we have seen a lot and the the restday gave us the chance to reflect all the things we have seen. Just amazing and this word is way to less to dircripe how wonderful the south island has been. But anyway the new chapter is right in front of us and its called: THE NORTH ISLAND!!!! And so the journey begins. After our daily briefing we went out of Wellington and lucky us we are on the way out, so we had no traffic jam. Just out of town we went up a stunning pass called Remutaka Hill and this road got a little flair of the Großglockner Highalpine Road, because the road is with nice twistys and also long sweepers which made us smile right away. But i got to say there have been 2 Buses which has been not the best thing. And that why we stopped as well on top of the hill where we enjoyed the view and waited until we had an almost emty road. Nice start into the riding day! The next stop was not far away and it´s called Martinborough and is famouse for the Pinot Noir down here. Of course we could not trink wine so early in the morning so that we had insted an coffee stop. Beautyful little town, a must stop if you around here. And now it was time so enjoy the backcountry roads and i can tell you they have been not disapointing at all. On top the landscape was totaly different to the south. Wide open farmland inbetween the hills and heaps of sheeps along the way. In the mittle of the day we had lunch befor we stopped at this place: taumatawhakatangihangakoauauotamateapokaiwhenuakitanatahu!!!! Yes thats no fake thats the real deal. I just say try to say it. several pictures later we went on towards Napier, because you don´t want to miss this place! Why? Well for that you have to come with us and that why i will say now more. This start on the north island was perfect in any direction you could think of. And now it is time to catch up on the table - So see you tomorrow Michaela and Axel

And again it goes on the motorcycle for a fantastic day with many impressions. The landscape will change its image a few times today. We start with a beautiful sunrise by the sea. And turn off quite quickly and in nowhere to experience pure freedom. The "Gentle Annie", a road newly asphalted only a few years ago, allows us to enchant. A lunchtime stop combined with a visit to the National Army Museum in Waiouru is our goal at noon. Since the Desert Road is closed for 3 months for road works we take a small detour in the west of the three volcanos. We pass Mt. Ruahepu, Ngauruhoe, Tongariro and incredible forests and giant ferns. The lake Taupo in the crater of a volcano and the largest lake in New Zealand invites us to a coffee stop. The raging Huka Fall impresses us all before we start our final sprint to ROTORUA. What an eventful day. But we still have two more days ahead of us before our adventure here in New Zealand comes to an end. Stay tuned Axel and Michaela

Every giant comes to an end , last riding day with Michaela Today is the last day of travel for some of the group. But we don't let our mood be spoiled and start in the morning in the best weather to spend another wonderful day. The beautiful coastal road on the Coromadel peninsula should be a beautiful conclusion. Curvy roads uphill and downhill, along turquoise sea, makes us dream there. Along the Kawakawa Bay on One last coffee, one last lunch and one last ice cream before the traffic of Auckland swallows us. With a heavy heart we hand over our motorcycles. But happy and the luggage full of impressions and emotions we still have an absolutely brilliant dinner at the Skytower high up above Auckland. It was a fantastic journey, new friendship gained existing deepened. After the trip is before the trip is many ideas where you can meet again. Come home well everyone It was a special pleasure to present you to New Zealand on two wheels. See you soon your tour guides with heart Axel and Michaela

Welcom to the the final ride with Axel on this tour Every tour comes to an end and so it will be my last ride withe explorer group of the NSZ 2501. And for the last ride we had some specials along the way. First of all we had to get away from Rotorua and to the remote coastline close to Tairua. Becaus the traffic and the construction work along the way is nothing what we have been used to. And so we did !!! Goodby Rotorua and 2 h later and heaps of Kiwi plant pockets later we had our coffe on the famouse Waihi Beach. What a release to get away from all this traffic!!! From here on the fun level went from -2 to +50!!!! The straight roads turned into rollercoaster roads, with everything what we have been dreamed of for the last 2 hours and almost no cars on the road. Just us, a wild bunch of riders, who like to see the beauty of New Zealand. And we did, with every km we smiled more and more. Sudenly it was time to have some lunch, but today we had a suprise!!! We stopped at Tairua for an Picknick and each in our New Zealnd Explorer Class got his personal prepaired Lunch. It was great and totaly relaxed. We parket the motorcycles at the waterfront and enjoyed every bite of our wraps. And after recharging the batteries we kept on suprising our costumers. How? We went to the Hot Water Beach and this place is unique! If you got a shovel and you can dig and on the end you got your own hot top at the beach. But only until the tide comes back. After that we used the perfect weather for another picture stop and than it was time for the last highlight of the day. The Hotel where we stay tonight. In the middle of the jungle - there we have our owne cabins andthat is somthing special. You got to see it to understand who unique this place is. Well and now it is almost dinner time, so see you tomorrow at our last riding day Michaela and Axel

Every journey comes to an end and so will be this day the last one of the tour. Some of us stay one night longer to explore the town and some already leafing back home. But befor we say goodbye we had one last breakfast together. One more laughing together and one more time thinking of all what we have seen together. It was a great pleasure to explore New Zealnd with all of you and we are looking forward when we will meet you for the next welcome briefing. Thanks again for wonderful 15 days Michaela and Axel