Need a local "guide" for Auckland area

**Tone165** · 20th April 2009, 10:20

I have a couple of friends (yes, hard to believe) on holiday in NZ. They are off to Wellington for a few days but will return to Auckland around Wed or Thurs.

They will be picking my bike up from Tuakau (if they can find Tuakau) and want to go shopping at Cycletreads, and do the Coromandel loop.

I thought it might be worth a try to see if there was anyone in here that might be able to act as a guide, to lead them to Tuakau, show them the way to Cycletreads, and point them in the right direction for Thames!

The good news is thay are very nice ppl, the bad news, there is no $ in this, and only selfless, friendly, bike ppl should offer their time.

I have a contact ph no for them.

Hoping to hear from someone soon.

Cheers

Tone

**jaymzw** · 20th April 2009, 12:30

Okay, well I dont know where Tuakau is?

And I cant help Thursday afternoon.

But if i could be of any help let me know.

If not this is a free bump for your thread atleast

**Tone165** · 20th April 2009, 12:33

Appreciate the reply/bump.

If someone who does know where Tuakau is comes along, perhaps you could ride along, and broaden your horizons!

http://maps.google.com.au/maps?clien...l&hl=en&tab=wl

**Tubbsy** · 20th April 2009, 13:54

Tuakau is South of the Bombays, that's why most Aucklanders won't know where it is.

It's about a 50-ish minute drive/ride South of Auckers(traffic dependant). Not tough to find. Haven't been there, but been close enough. When are they here to pick it up?

I could possibly (depending on when) ride down there with them and take them to cycletreads no sweat and then point them in the right direction for the 'mandel loop.

**Tone165** · 20th April 2009, 14:39

Now we are getting somwhere!

a "possibly"

any asdvance on possibly? do I hear a "probably"...can I get a "definitely"

There must be someone, with time on their hands, looking for a reason to ride, that would look after my mates!

I will tell them not to tell sheep jokes..well...I'll tell them to try anyway!

**Tubbsy** · 20th April 2009, 14:46

I could give you a probably, or even a definitely if you told me a 'when' they will be here and need to pick up your bike.

Also, how are they planning on getting to Tuakau? Bike/Pillion or car?

I'm keen, but just need to know the details.

**Tubbsy** · 20th April 2009, 14:50

If it's this weekend, probably best Saturday, it shouldn't be a problem.

**Tone165** · 20th April 2009, 15:18

Dont have exact details, but I think its likely to be Wed or Thurs.

I have sent PM Tubbsy, with ph no to contact.

I think they are in NZ till May 1st.

They have accomodation available in Whitianga and I told them not top try coming back to Qld till they have ridden the loop.

I think that they will likely want to do it in both directions...I know I do...!

**Tubbsy** · 20th April 2009, 15:30

I might even be keen to do the Coromandel loop too if I have time (although I'm on a toofiddy), if they have accomodation in Whitianga, they'd be best to do the loop clockwise first as the West coast of it is stunning, just in case they don't have time to do both. If they do have the time, I'd highly highly recomend they do only 1 loop and then maybe do a Rotorua/Taupo excursion also.

**Gremlin** · 20th April 2009, 15:56

pity its mid week... I'd lead them everywhere if it was the weekend.

If no-one can help, I may be able to skive off work and give them a few pointers, but they need their own transport etc.

**The Pastor** · 20th April 2009, 16:14

mate i'll be free on thursday - but dont they have a map

**Tubbsy** · 20th April 2009, 16:29

Hmmmmm.......if this was moved to Saturday.....do I see the beginnings of a KB group ride?

**Marmoot** · 20th April 2009, 17:01

Originally Posted by Tone165

They will be picking my bike up from Tuakau (if they can find Tuakau) and want to go shopping at Cycletreads, and do the Coromandel loop.

If they ever get to Tuakau, they should instead go to Hamilton (via certain famous scenic ride through backroads around there

) for accessory shopping. From there another scenic ride to Coromandel Loop awaits.

Much more recommended than the long parking lot they call SH1.

**Tone165** · 20th April 2009, 17:07

Excellent!

Agree on the head south from Tuakau...comes out at Waingaro springs pools, then Ngaruawahia.

Turn Right at Taupiri mountain and Matamata is onlt a short squirt away.

I do not like the hiways, even the ones here suck!

Keep the good suggestions coming and I'll try to steer them into this forum.

Map......who wants to read a map and ride?

No substitute for local knowledge and meeting strange bikers is always good!