Hello NZ! The Grand New Zealand Roadtrip

[motoGrapher]

Hey mates. How's it going? I am Sunny and I love New Zealand. (Duh!)

I am an Indian but currently based off Melbourne. And I am a little nuts. Why? Because this is the second time I will be going around your country on a motorcycle (and I hope I dont get buggered by the rain too much this time around!).

I hope the sheep are doing well, there are still zillion shades of green and the sky is as blue as it was.

And I hope the people are nice as they were - carrying on the legendary Kiwi hospitality!:Playnice:

A little introduction on myself and the intents of this trip. I am a motorcycle and travel photographer in my free time, but a graphic designer otherwise. I did a pan NZ roadtrip in Jan 2008 on a Kawasaki Concours. Some of you may vaguely remember be via the Bike Rider Magazine which carried my article.

This time too I will be writing for a few magazine - one in NZ, Australia and two back in India. I plan to make people go nuts about NZ when they see my photos and the riding landscapes and hopefully more people will land here and go around.

Not only this but India's largest motorcycling community will also be watching me, so y'all better be good to me! :beer:

Jokes apart, this trip is sponsored and has a mission - to promote motorcycling back in India, inspiring by riding and other such stuff which may seem a little wierd to you. But do remember, India is undergoing a boom in the high capacity motorcycle economy and most of things that you guys are used to here are just coming into being back there.

For example Nicky Hayden was there in India to launch the first Ducati Showroom in India last week etc etc.

Now ill shut up and let the photos and the trip do the talking.

Ill start by posting the route map:

155713

For those interested in my previous roadtrip 2 years ago here is the website : http://www.theGreatNewZealandRoadtrip.com

I am alanding in Auckland tommorrow and will be busy preparing the bike (getting the luggage on it, pasting the company stickers [sponsorship, remember!] and getting my camera all charged...

The route:

Day 1 : December 26th 2009

Auckland – Opua : 225 kms


Day 2 : December 27th 2009 Opua – Cape Reinga – Kaitaia : 330 kms
To the northernmost point in New Zealand - Cape Reinga


Day 3 : December 28th 2009

Kaitaia – Paihia : 101 kms
I will be doing the Dolphin - Otehie Bay full day Cruise .


Day 4 : December 29th 2009

Paihia – Auckland via west coast and Dargaville: 353 kms


Day 5 : December 30th 2009 In Auckland



Day 6 : December 31st 2009
Auckland – Whangamata : 317 kms
Travel via the Coromandel coast and to Whangamata, the surfing capital of NZ.


Day 7 : January 1st 2010
Whangamata – Roturua : 180 kms



Day 8 : January 2nd 2010 Roturua – Gisborne via Tokomaru Bay : 470 kms


Day 9 : January 3rd 2010 Gisborne – Wellington : 530 kms


Day 10 : January 4th 2010 In Wellington




Day 11 : January 5th 2010 Wellington - Picton via the Interislander Ferry and then Picton – Greymouth (172 kms)




Day 12 : January 6th 2010 Westport - Franz Joseph : 275 kms
Possible activities: Helihike in the Glaciers!


Day 13 : January 7th 2010 Franz Josef – Haast – Wanaka – Queenstown 365 kms. And then Queenstown to Glenorchy and back : 100 kms return. Total : 460 kms for the day.


Day 14 : January 8th 2010 Queenstown – Omarama – Twizel – Mount Cook : 258 kms


Day 15 : January 9th 2010 Mount Cook – Te Anau : 417 kms


Day 16 : January 10th 2010 Te Anau – Milford Sound – Te Anau : 235 kms
Do a cruise with Real Journeys at Milford Sound.


Day 17 : January 11th 2010 Te Anau – Invercargill – Curio – Bay – Dunedin : 462 kms



Day 18 : January 12th 2010 In Dunedin


Day 19 : January 13th 2010 Dunedin – Sheffield then Sheffied – Otira (Arthur’s Pass) – Christchurch : 630 kms


Day 20 : January 14th 2010 In and Around Christchurch (Banks Peninsula) : 170 kms


Day 21 : January 15th 2010 Christchurch – Reefton – Kaikoura : 504 kms



Day 22 : January 16th 2010 Kaikoura – Picton to Wellington via the Interislander Ferry: 170 kms


Day 23 : January 17th 2010 Wellington – New Plymouth via the Mt Taranaki circuit : 390 kms


Day 24 : January 18th 2010 New Plymouth – Auckland : 360 kms


Day 25 : January 19th 2010 Auckland - Melbourne



Last time around I did not post anything here, but this time i hope to meet more people along the way than I did previously!

Alright then, I have got a flight to catch to your corner of the world in 12 hours.

I am off!

155720

P.S: Someone must add Thread prefix called "Pan New Zealand" !

[DidJit]

Good on ya, motoGrapher! Enjoy your ride. :ride:

[MIXONE]

What bike are you riding this time.We are up Coromandel way at the same time and will look out for you.

[cave weta]

Come see me for a dirt ride! Southern Coromandel.

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[shrub]

you're always welcome for a beer/bite to eat or some company when you ride.

[paddy]

Day 5 : December 30th 2009 In Auckland

I'll be in the office that day. I don't know who else is around, but if you are wanting to meet some folk, I suspect we could probably attract a small crown to Galbraith's Ale House for lunch. Is that of interest to you (or anyone else for that matter)?

[motoGrapher]

Good on ya, motoGrapher! Enjoy your ride. :ride:

Thanks mate


What bike are you riding this time.We are up Coromandel way at the same time and will look out for you.

I will be riding a 2010 Suzuki Bking.


Come see me for a dirt ride! Southern Coromandel.




On the Bking i will be kissing the mud in less than a nanosecond! :dodge:


you're always welcome for a beer/bite to eat or some company when you ride.

Sure, ca you pm me your number and location please.


I'll be in the office that day. I don't know who else is around, but if you are wanting to meet some folk, I suspect we could probably attract a small crown to Galbraith's Ale House for lunch. Is that of interest to you (or anyone else for that matter)?

i am interested in meeting you though. i have to figure out a solution where i can meet up with people.

Perhaps posting my cell number here would be good.

Can i request you mates to please TEXT me your name and location so that i can give you a shout when i am near you. Whether it will be possible to meet up or not can be decided when i call you guys.

My number is : 02102275105
Send me a text with your name and location, thanks!

P.S: can anyone tell me how to include images in the posts hosted elswehere. I am a photojunkie and attaching images one by one here will not be possible for me in the short time i would have on the road.

Signing off from a B&B in Auckland...

[motoGrapher]

Updates: Met BigDave yesterday in Auckald by happenchance.

155908

Sheeps, goats and horses. Common and cute they are, and they are everywhere.

A tribute to the bovine creatures of this land and for my love of 'Prison Break'. The picture perhaps is meant to depict that even the goats want to break out and ride a motorcycle! :headbang:

155909

Did Auckland to Opua yesterday and Opua to Cape Reinga to Kaitia today.

Met three more members from Kiwi Biker today at Cape Reinga:

Neil on the Ducati Multistrada
Michelle on the Tiger
Alistar on the Buell

Lot more pics and updates soon! Tommorrow i will be in Paihia, and on 29th Auckland.

[motoGrapher]

The first blog is up (if I am breaking any forum rule please let me know as this is my first blog post here!):

Day 1 : 26th Dec 2009" Auckland to Opua

Another journey begins. Giving way to good and bad memories from past and possibilities from the future. One of the perks of being on the road on a motorcycle is the freedom to go anywhere. After almost 5 months of being in a prison created by urban, social and financial necessities I broke out. My faculties were spread wide open in superior reception mode, throbbing with anticipation of a sensory overload by rding one of the finest countries on Earth – New Zealand, but Middle Earth for me (being an ardent LOTR fan.)


Route: (Auckland – Wellsford – Oakura – Okiato – Opua)

Distance: Done: 290 kms

Weather: Sunny and Blue Skies


<img src="http://www.xbhp.com/gnz2/travelogue/days/day1_dec26_auck_opua/2.jpg"/>


<img src="http://www.xbhp.com/gnz2/travelogue/days/day1_dec26_auck_opua/6.jpg"/>

<img src="http://www.xbhp.com/gnz2/travelogue/days/day1_dec26_auck_opua/13.jpg"/>


<img src="http://www.xbhp.com/gnz2/travelogue/days/day1_dec26_auck_opua/17.jpg"/>

<img src="http://www.xbhp.com/gnz2/travelogue/days/day1_dec26_auck_opua/18.jpg"/>


<img src="http://www.xbhp.com/gnz2/travelogue/days/day1_dec26_auck_opua/21.jpg"/>

<img src="http://www.xbhp.com/gnz2/travelogue/days/day1_dec26_auck_opua/22.jpg"/>

<img src="http://www.xbhp.com/gnz2/travelogue/days/day1_dec26_auck_opua/27.jpg"/>



<img src="http://www.xbhp.com/gnz2/travelogue/days/day1_dec26_auck_opua/25a.jpg"/>


<img src="http://www.xbhp.com/gnz2/travelogue/days/day1_dec26_auck_opua/28.jpg"/>

You can read the full blog with photos here: http://www.xbhp.com/gnz2/travelogue/?p=14

I will be leaving for Auckland tommorrow. Currently am in Paihia.

[cave weta]

You are using all our pixels up!














the sky is falling the sky is falling!

[YellowDog]

Looks good so far.

Hope the great weather holds out for you.

[86GSXR]

Great pics Sunny :yes: Very cool to meet you at the top of the North Island, that place is absolute magic isn't it! We made it to Coromandel after some big miles, glad the weather has left us alone for now! Keep on with the posting and enjoy :niceone:

[motoGrapher]

Thanks everyone.
@86GSX (is that Alistar?): It was great meeting you too! Yes the weather of last three days has been quiet benevolent.

The blue waters and green land makes for a stunning color pallete indeed!

[motoGrapher]

I cut across to Kaitaia in western Northland and dropped off some of my stuff at my lodge for today – the Northerner Inn. Then I started off to Cape Reinga, the northernmost point of NZ mainland accessible by road.

The road to the cape has to be retraced, so thats what I did back till Kaitaia. While returning I noticed two roads, one after another being named as – Salvation Road and Cemetery Road, both with NO EXITS. Was that a deliberate coincidence, but whatever it was, it had deep nestled meanings and I was in no hurry to find out!

<img src="http://www.xbhp.com/gnz2/travelogue/days/day2_dec27th_opua_capereinga_kaitaia/3.jpg" />

<img src="http://www.xbhp.com/gnz2/travelogue/days/day2_dec27th_opua_capereinga_kaitaia/6.jpg" />


<img src="http://www.xbhp.com/gnz2/travelogue/days/day2_dec27th_opua_capereinga_kaitaia/13.jpg" />

<img src="http://www.xbhp.com/gnz2/travelogue/days/day2_dec27th_opua_capereinga_kaitaia/14.jpg" />

<img src="http://www.xbhp.com/gnz2/travelogue/days/day2_dec27th_opua_capereinga_kaitaia/17.jpg" />
From L – R: Alistar, Michelle, Neil and your truly.

<img src="http://www.xbhp.com/gnz2/travelogue/days/day2_dec27th_opua_capereinga_kaitaia/20.jpg" />

<img src="http://www.xbhp.com/gnz2/travelogue/days/day2_dec27th_opua_capereinga_kaitaia/23.jpg" />


<img src="http://www.xbhp.com/gnz2/travelogue/days/day2_dec27th_opua_capereinga_kaitaia/24.jpg" />

I will be riding the Coromandel tommorrow and making Whitianga my night stopover.

Read complete blog: http://www.xbhp.com/gnz2/travelogue/?p=24

[phill-k]

You have a great eye for a photo, looking forward to more

ride safe and enjoy

[banditrider]

Great photos. Hope you enjoy your travels! Happy New Year!

[motoGrapher]

Thanks everyone!

I reached Roturua today. Tommorrow it will be Gisborne.

Here is he Day 3 blog, with the Dolphin Cruise in Paihia.


<img src="http://www.xbhp.com/gnz2/travelogue/days/day3_dec28th_kaitaia_paihia/2a.jpg" />


<img src="http://www.xbhp.com/gnz2/travelogue/days/day3_dec28th_kaitaia_paihia/9.jpg" />

<img src="http://www.xbhp.com/gnz2/travelogue/days/day3_dec28th_kaitaia_paihia/11.jpg" />

<img src="http://www.xbhp.com/gnz2/travelogue/days/day3_dec28th_kaitaia_paihia/18a.jpg" />

<img src="http://www.xbhp.com/gnz2/travelogue/days/day3_dec28th_kaitaia_paihia/25.jpg" />

<img src="http://www.xbhp.com/gnz2/travelogue/days/day3_dec28th_kaitaia_paihia/34.jpg" />

<img src="http://www.xbhp.com/gnz2/travelogue/days/day3_dec28th_kaitaia_paihia/35.jpg" />

<img src="http://www.xbhp.com/gnz2/travelogue/days/day3_dec28th_kaitaia_paihia/38.jpg" />

For the complete blog and lots more photos, please see: http://www.xbhp.com/gnz2/travelogue/?p=29

[McJim]

I'll wave if I see you but I go back to work the day you pass through Invercargill. Happy trails.

[motoGrapher]

Where do you work ? PM me your number and ill see if I can come over to meet up with you at your office if I have time and click a snap for times sake.

[cave weta]

Thanks everyone!

I reached Roturua today. Tommorrow it will be Gisborne.



Bugger - seem to have mised you!

[motoGrapher]

I was just banging my head on the table! I realized you are in Waihi, and that was yesterday! I just didnt realize it was in Waikato and on the route! Feeling really bad and sorry for that. :(

[Hopeful Bastard]

You planning on Heading down through Masterton Or down through Levin?

[Mrs Cowboyz]

wow what beautiful photos! I see you are travelling this way tomorrow...hopefully the weather holds out for you!

[cowboyz]

incredible photos! awesome journey

[Kemet]

Will have to keep an eye out for you. Plan to be in Milford myself around the same day you're there. At a rally in Waikaia (outside Gore on road to Q'town kinda) on the Friday and Saturday nights.

You can't miss me if I happen to be there. I'll be the chick on the red bike with a nasty little unmedicated rash on the lower fairing of my bike. (haven't had the $$ to fix)

[motoGrapher]

Thanks all for appreciating the pics!

@kemet: Milford will not let me ride unsoaked I reckon!

@hopeful biker : I came in through Masterton with 100+kph gales pver the Rimutakas. No wonder Wellington is one of the windiest places on this planet! Went to the Haywards Hill meetup today (was invited by Paul (BMWST?)). There were four people present there. Unfortunately Paul had a flat and I wasnt going for a ride, so couldnt meet up with him. Thanks anyways Paul!

heading tommorrow for Westport. Will be taking the 8.30 Interislander ferry towards Picton.

The blogs for Day 4 and 5 have been updated:

<img src="http://www.xbhp.com/gnz2/travelogue/days/day4_5dec29th_30th_paihia_auckland/3.jpg" />

<img src="http://www.xbhp.com/gnz2/travelogue/days/day4_5dec29th_30th_paihia_auckland/6.jpg" />

<img src="http://www.xbhp.com/gnz2/travelogue/days/day4_5dec29th_30th_paihia_auckland/15.jpg" />

You can read the full blog here: http://www.xbhp.com/gnz2/travelogue/?p=33

Have done 3000 kays and have been 9 days on the road now.

[Hopeful Bastard]

Awesome stuff man! Should've come down this side of the island.. ALOT less windy ;)

haha. More awesome photo's man.. Is it ok if i get some printed off and stuck up as framed posters around my room?

[cowboyz]

haha. More awesome photo's man.. Is it ok if i get some printed off and stuck up as framed posters around my room?

if your gonna do that you want some photos of me too?

[Dutchee]

http://www.stuff.co.nz/life-style/motoring/3207472/A-Kiwi-safety-lesson-for-Indias-motorcyclists
Heck Sunny, you even made the paper :)
If you're going to do a DVD, would you be willing to sell copies over here? (even if we can't understand them, it'd be awesome to see NZ through your lens) :)
(fliplid posted the link to the paper in the general forum)

[motoGrapher]

@dutchee: Thanks for the link. I wont be doing a DVD though a short video would be in order and can be seen on the website later. I concentrate more on on photos when riding solo.

I did roturua 3 days ago and today I did the half day Fox Glacier walk (very tired now!). The weather is unbelievabley bad now and looks worse tommorrow. I will have to see how far I get to Queenstown. Lake Wanaka will not look at its best under a grey sky.

Some photos:

Roturua at 9 PM:
<img src="http://www.xbhp.com/autopictorials/data/788/qqq.jpg" />

Fox Glacier today (very dark and gloomy day):

<img src="http://www.xbhp.com/autopictorials/data/788/franzjosef2.jpg" />

[Mrs Cowboyz]

absolutely stunning! I look forward to your next blog and lot of photos!

[motoGrapher]

Day 6 blog updated: Auckland - Coromandel - Oputere

It was the new year eve and here I was riding. The only thing on my mind was the brash young crowd that was sure to create a ruckus tonight. I was going to stay in a YHA and I am always afraid of them. Many times they harbour sleepless youngsters with loud mouths and radios. Ideally I would like to rest in amidst nature after a ride, didnt have any tent (or the space for it) to carry around....

<img src="http://www.xbhp.com/gnz2/travelogue/days/day6_31stdec%20_auckland_oputere/5.jpg" />

<img src="http://www.xbhp.com/gnz2/travelogue/days/day6_31stdec%20_auckland_oputere/11.jpg" />

<img src="http://www.xbhp.com/gnz2/travelogue/days/day6_31stdec%20_auckland_oputere/14.jpg" />

Read the full blog here: http://www.xbhp.com/gnz2/travelogue/?p=38

[motoGrapher]

Am stuck here in Franz Josef today because of rains. Have tweaked my itinenary a little to accomodate this 'wastage of a day'.

However this gave me more time to update blogs. So here is one more:
Day 7: Jan 1st 2010: Oputere – Roturua

<img src="http://www.xbhp.com/gnz2/travelogue/days/day7_1stjan_oputere_roturua/9a.jpg" />


<img src="http://www.xbhp.com/gnz2/travelogue/days/day7_1stjan_oputere_roturua/14.jpg" />

<img src="http://www.xbhp.com/gnz2/travelogue/days/day7_1stjan_oputere_roturua/20.jpg" />

<img src="http://www.xbhp.com/gnz2/travelogue/days/day7_1stjan_oputere_roturua/21.jpg" />

<img src="http://www.xbhp.com/gnz2/travelogue/days/day7_1stjan_oputere_roturua/2.jpg" />

<img src="http://www.xbhp.com/gnz2/travelogue/days/day7_1stjan_oputere_roturua/3.jpg" />

<img src="http://www.xbhp.com/gnz2/travelogue/days/day7_1stjan_oputere_roturua/7.jpg" />

<img src="http://www.xbhp.com/gnz2/travelogue/days/day7_1stjan_oputere_roturua/24.jpg" />

<img src="http://www.xbhp.com/gnz2/travelogue/days/day7_1stjan_oputere_roturua/25.jpg" />

<img src="http://www.xbhp.com/gnz2/travelogue/days/day7_1stjan_oputere_roturua/23.jpg" />

Read the whole blog at : http://www.xbhp.com/gnz2/travelogue/?p=49

[shrub]

Nice work mate. That's some of the best HDS photography I've seen in a long time and am looking forward to meeting you in ChCh.

[lankyman]

Good work mate! Excellent photography. Where will we be able to see the final footage of this roadtrip? I'll keep an eye out for you when you head through the naki on the way back up

[BMWST?]

stunning Photos Sunny!Are they "tweaked" or filtered?Esp 5,6,and 7

[Blackbird]

Day 6 blog updated: Auckland - Coromandel - Oputere



The top photo looking down into Wilson's Bay on the Coro-Thames road is stunning:Punk: I ride that road a couple of times a week and after several years, it still hasn't lost any of its magic. One of my riding partners nearly went off the road on his first ride up there, simply through getting distracted by the landscape!

[motoGrapher]

I am glad you all like my photos.

@lanky: I dont know when the final footage ( the video) will come out, but I am basically a photographer and dont spend too much effort on my videos!
@Paul: Thanks. The photos are generally tweaked (contrast, a little more color vibrance when required, and a technique called HDRI). I use Canon DSLRs and use Lightroom Photoshop and Photomatix to process the photos. No elements or colors are changed drastically.

Yesterday I did Franz Josef to Queenstown and then Glenorchy - Queenstown. It was total magic. One of the best rides in my life. The weather was amazing, the views of the mountains, the sheep, the cows, the clouds and the greens all go together to make it one hell of a ride. It even snowed a little while i was riding just a little before Queenstown!

here are some of the photos from yesterday, I will update the complete blog for yesterday when it's turn comes:

<img src="http://www.xbhp.com/autopictorials/data/788/day13_5.jpg" />

<img src="http://www.xbhp.com/autopictorials/data/788/day13_6.jpg" />


<img src="http://www.xbhp.com/autopictorials/data/788/day13_4.jpg" />

<img src="http://www.xbhp.com/autopictorials/data/788/day13_3.jpg" />

<img src="http://www.xbhp.com/autopictorials/data/788/day13_2.jpg" />

<img src="http://www.xbhp.com/autopictorials/data/788/day13_1.jpg" />

Today i met Vicky (Honda Fireblade Repsol) and her friend (Triumph Speedmaster) in Queenstown before riding to te Anau. Tommorrow I will doing a Milford Sound Cruise, if weather permits I will click some photos!

More updates soon!

[BMWST?]

Tommorrow I will doing a Milford Sound Cruise, if weather permits I will click some photos!


Be careful on that road if you take the bike.Tourists,narrow road ,mad bus drivers.....Make sure you take wet weather gear,it rains a lot and it rains HARD

[motoGrapher]

Blog updated for Day 8 : 2nd Jan : Rotorua – East Cape – Gisborne : http://www.xbhp.com/gnz2/travelogue/?p=54

<img src="http://www.xbhp.com/gnz2/travelogue/days/day8_2ndjan_roturua_eastcape_gisborne/10.jpg" />

<img src="http://www.xbhp.com/gnz2/travelogue/days/day8_2ndjan_roturua_eastcape_gisborne/6.jpg" />

[motoGrapher]

Some people look interested in photograohy so here goes a recent technique I used in the roadtrip.

A Quick Video mount system for motorcycles : 500D + Gorrlia Pod + 10-22 mm
While I was making the NZ roadtrip website I had come up with this, a sort of cyborg comprised of the BKing head, a lens and my face ( i used 3d studio and photoshop for this).

<img src="http://www.thephotographer.in/galleries/data/500/camera_head.jpg" />

I didn’t realize that it would somehow be implemented in reality in the middle of the roadtrip. The need to take HD videos led me to experiment by mounting the 500D (which is a DSLR with video capabilities and a solid state memory which don’t mind the jolts a motorcycle may have when ridden) on Joby’s Gorrila Pod (a fantastic innovation) around the BKings handle mount head. The 500D was fitted with a Canon 10-22 mm with Manual Focus and focal length at infinity. The result was very nice and involving ride videos with 15 MP photos to boot! The camera can take photos while recording video. A photo taken at 100kmph while entering Nelson in South Island, NZ is below.

<img src="http://www.thephotographer.in/galleries/data/500/camera_mount_shot_100kph.jpg" />

This system could be perfected with a L lens with IS and a special mount (probably from RAM mounts, the mount on which the TomTom GPS was mounted) would give you almost bluer free motion photos and videos.

I will be using the videos in the 15 minutes video that will be produced for online viewing post roadtrip.

And this is one of the main reasons why I didn’t buy the 50D and went for the 500D. The headache of lugging around a camcorder is removed + you cant get this ultra wide view from a normal cam without convertors).

of course this is not weather proof but it is cheap and the DSLR doubles up as an excellent video camera!

<img src="http://www.thephotographer.in/galleries/data/500/camera_mount.jpg" />

<img src="http://blog.pricegrabber.co.uk/gottahave/files/2009/06/joby_gorillapod_slr-mini-tripod_grip_slr_cameras.jpg" />

More later!

[motoGrapher]

Today I went to Milford Sound from Te Anau Downs. I decided to take a tour bus (yaking vicki’s advise yesterday) and I was almost glad I did. It rained very heavily in some parts of the drive and I couldn’t have even dreamt of taking out a camera.
However the highlight was the Milford Sound cruise with Real Journeys. I experienced a primeval part of this world with thousands of waterfalls, lust green mountains rising hundreds of metres high, glaciers, seals and what not!
A preview:

<img src="http://www.xbhp.com/autopictorials/data/788/milford_1.jpg" />


<img src="http://www.xbhp.com/autopictorials/data/788/milford_2.jpg" />


<img src="http://www.xbhp.com/autopictorials/data/788/milford_3.jpg" />



I will be heading to Dunedin tomorrow and then Mt Cook day after, Will reach Christchurch on 13th.

[BMWST?]

milford sound is at its best after /during a good rainfall...

[motoGrapher]

@Paul: yep, true. Last time I did Milford just after rains on the Concours, had a wonderful ride but could do the cruise then.

Heres the link: http://www.xbhp.com/gnz/day16.php

<mig src="http://www.xbhp.com/gnz/media/images/travelogue/day16/day16.jpg" />

Also day 9 blog updated: Day 9 & 10 : Jan 2nd and 3rd : Gisborne to Wellington : http://www.xbhp.com/gnz2/travelogue/?p=57

<img src="http://www.xbhp.com/gnz2/travelogue/days/day9_10_2nd3rdjan_gisborne_wellington/1.jpg" />

<img src="http://www.xbhp.com/gnz2/travelogue/days/day9_10_2nd3rdjan_gisborne_wellington/25.jpg" />
^With some KiwiBiker members in Wellington

<img src="http://www.xbhp.com/gnz2/travelogue/days/day9_10_2nd3rdjan_gisborne_wellington/7.jpg" />

<img src="http://www.xbhp.com/gnz2/travelogue/days/day9_10_2nd3rdjan_gisborne_wellington/10.jpg" />

<img src="http://www.xbhp.com/gnz2/travelogue/days/day9_10_2nd3rdjan_gisborne_wellington/23.jpg" />

[gijoe1313]

Absolutely amazing, loving your photo tour of NZ, been to many of those places and the way you have captured them is awe-inspiring! Makes me want to go back and ride them all over again and again :yes: Loving your urban ninja camo look, I can well relate to it :msn-wink: Looking forward to more of your unique perspective of our wee part of the world. :niceone:

[KrazyGixxerBoy]

Dunno about the rest but the guy in the middle, 4 pictures up is handsome! :rofl: Some great pics mate, keep up the good work!

[motoGrapher]

Reached Dunedin today. Rode 300 kays in rain. This was the first time i could not take oiut my camera for even one photo in a day. I was cold and wet, very dissapointed. Tommorrow I will be going to Mt Cook and day after ChCh.

[Dutchee]

Weather this week is meant to be very unsettled, and I think the worst is hitting the south island :(

[motoGrapher]

I have reached ChCh, decided to go to Akaroa, went for 15kays and then tuned back. Horrible cloudy weather and dull sunlight. Will be staying in ChCh tommorrow as well. The visit to Mt Cook was amazing a couple of days ago though, here are a couple of pics:

<img src="http://www.xbhp.com/autopictorials/data/788/aoraki.jpg" />

<img src="http://www.xbhp.com/autopictorials/data/788/IMG_5671.jpg" />

[Mrs Cowboyz]

Brilliant brilliant pics sunny! Keep up the good work...hope the weather clears up a bit for you!

[motoGrapher]

Thanks Cowboy!

Another blog updated: Day 11: Jan 5th : Wellington – Greymouth : http://www.xbhp.com/gnz2/travelogue/?p=61

<img src="" />

<img src="http://www.xbhp.com/gnz2/travelogue/days/day11_jan5th_wellington_greymouth/22.jpg" />

<img src="http://www.xbhp.com/gnz2/travelogue/days/day11_jan5th_wellington_greymouth/21.jpg" />

<img src="http://www.xbhp.com/gnz2/travelogue/days/day11_jan5th_wellington_greymouth/2a.jpg" />

[motoGrapher]

6600kms done. Tommorow will be the last riding day. I reached New Plymouth today, tommorrow i will reach Auckland. I will be flying out on 19th night.

Blog for Days 12 and 13 updated: http://www.xbhp.com/gnz2/travelogue/?p=64


<img src="http://www.xbhp.com/gnz2/travelogue/days/day12_jan6th_greymouth_foxglacier/8.jpg" />

<img src="http://www.xbhp.com/gnz2/travelogue/days/day12_jan6th_greymouth_foxglacier/19.jpg" />

<img src="http://www.xbhp.com/gnz2/travelogue/days/day12_jan6th_greymouth_foxglacier/23.jpg" />

[SDU]

Bloodly awesome photos!!!!!!!!!!!!

Just read this thread otherwise we could have got something sorted in Chch with some off the kb crew- some off them did a wednesday night ride to Kaikoura & back & some to duvouchles (1/2 way to Akaroa) . Pity you got bad weather in our neck off the woods.

[motoGrapher]

@SDU: thanks and yes, it is sad that many members didnt read it on time or at all. Would have loved to meet up with more KBs!

I reached Auckland today, the trip officially finishes today. The Odo stands at 7150 kms, no close calls, no accidents (touch wood). The bike performed flawlessly, tremendous punch and power, supersmooth. Did a top speed of XXX kmph (i am not disclosing unless i am far away from this country and its law enforcers :D). The stunning Mount Cook has been very memorable for me, as well as the Southern Alps. In fact the whole of NZ has been one huge bombastic package of goodness and unparalleled beauty.

Loved meeting up with some members in wellington and queenstown. I am sure i passed a lot of you while on the ride and greeted you with a nod!

So here I am, after 23 days of being on the road, packing and unpacking my stuff from the bike, downloading the 5000+ photos on the laptop. Writing blogs, getting went in the rain, taking one corner after another, endlessly (this country has so few straight roads!), filling in 100s of litres of fuel, twisting that throttle to properl me 0-100 in less than 3 seconds umpteen number of time, here I am again in a closed cublicle wondering what my next adventiure could be, or what could bring me again to NZ...

But hold on, I have to write update many more blogs. They will be done regularly in the next 10 odd days and I will keep updating this thread.

Till then people of the Middle Earth, ride on!

[motoGrapher]

I am back in Mel. Have started work on getting the blogs upto date. Was fidling around with my photos and created a digital composition. The main photo is taken near Queenstown:

<img src="http://www.thephotographer.in/galleries/data/500/middle_earth.jpg" />

FOr those who want to see how it was created please have a look here: http://www.thephotographer.in/darkroom/showthread.php?p=12551#post12551

[MIXONE]

My new screen saver
Top stuff mate and I'm glad you enjoyed your visit.

[motoGrapher]

Thanks!

Riding the Southern Alps:
Day 14: Jan 8th : Franz Josef to Queentown and Glenorchy :Blog Link (http://www.xbhp.com/gnz2/travelogue/?p=69)

<img src="http://www.xbhp.com/gnz2/travelogue/days/day14_jan8th_franzjosef_queenstown_glenorchy/1.jpg"/>

<img src="http://www.xbhp.com/gnz2/travelogue/days/day14_jan8th_franzjosef_queenstown_glenorchy/2.jpg"/>
^Clearing the Glacier highway post rains

<img src="http://www.xbhp.com/gnz2/travelogue/days/day14_jan8th_franzjosef_queenstown_glenorchy/9.jpg"/>

<img src="http://www.xbhp.com/gnz2/travelogue/days/day14_jan8th_franzjosef_queenstown_glenorchy/16c.jpg"/>

<img src="http://www.xbhp.com/gnz2/travelogue/days/day14_jan8th_franzjosef_queenstown_glenorchy/20.jpg"/>

<img src="http://www.xbhp.com/gnz2/travelogue/days/day14_jan8th_franzjosef_queenstown_glenorchy/37.jpg"/>

<img src="http://www.xbhp.com/gnz2/travelogue/days/day14_jan8th_franzjosef_queenstown_glenorchy/43.jpg"/>

[motoGrapher]

The ride (rather drive) to Milford Sound blog updated: http://www.xbhp.com/gnz2/travelogue/?p=74

<img src="http://www.xbhp.com/gnz2/travelogue/days/day15_16_jan9th_10th_queentown_tanau_milford/13.jpg" />

<img src="http://www.xbhp.com/gnz2/travelogue/days/day15_16_jan9th_10th_queentown_tanau_milford/47.jpg" />

<img src="http://www.xbhp.com/gnz2/travelogue/days/day15_16_jan9th_10th_queentown_tanau_milford/3.jpg" />
^WIth Vicky (from here, KB) in Queenstown

<img src="http://www.xbhp.com/gnz2/travelogue/days/day15_16_jan9th_10th_queentown_tanau_milford/10.jpg" />

<img src="http://www.xbhp.com/gnz2/travelogue/days/day15_16_jan9th_10th_queentown_tanau_milford/21.jpg" />

<img src="http://www.xbhp.com/gnz2/travelogue/days/day15_16_jan9th_10th_queentown_tanau_milford/48.jpg" />

<img src="http://www.xbhp.com/gnz2/travelogue/days/day15_16_jan9th_10th_queentown_tanau_milford/16.jpg" />

[Firebladegirl]

Great photo's Sunny and it was a pleasure to meet you in Frankton. Some how you've managed to turn the rotten weather to your advantaga and capture some amazing images.
This hasn't been a good summer for motorcycling in the South Island!

Cheers
Vicki

[KiwiPhoenix]

Amazing pictures Sunny!!! Glad you enjoyed your trip. Off to read the blogs.....

[motoGrapher]

Ride to Mount Cook: http://www.xbhp.com/gnz2/travelogue/?p=81

<img src="http://www.xbhp.com/gnz2/travelogue/days/day18_jan12th_dunedin_mtcook/20.jpg" />

<img src="http://www.xbhp.com/gnz2/travelogue/days/day18_jan12th_dunedin_mtcook/9.jpg" />

<img src="http://www.xbhp.com/gnz2/travelogue/days/day18_jan12th_dunedin_mtcook/15.jpg" />

<img src="http://www.xbhp.com/gnz2/travelogue/days/day18_jan12th_dunedin_mtcook/22.jpg" />

[kit]

WOW Love those Pics

[motoGrapher]

Updated after a long time. This blog is for Day 12: Christchurch - Akaroa - Kaikoura

http://www.xbhp.com/gnz2/travelogue/?p=88

<img src="http://www.xbhp.com/gnz2/travelogue/days/day21_jan15_christchurch_kaikoura/2.jpg" />

<img src="http://www.xbhp.com/gnz2/travelogue/days/day21_jan15_christchurch_kaikoura/6.jpg" />

<img src="http://www.xbhp.com/gnz2/travelogue/days/day21_jan15_christchurch_kaikoura/12.jpg" />

<http://www.xbhp.com/gnz2/travelogue/days/day21_jan15_christchurch_kaikoura/13.jpg" />