Gt Barrier Island Adventure Tour

**MXNUT** · 2nd August 2012, 11:33

Right i have been thinking about this for a couple of years now since we last went to THE BARRIER.

So is there enough interest to run a group ride on Gt Barrier island. This will be all public roads as i have no access to any private land. Having said that most of the island roads are gravel or dirt.
More of an adventure tour and social ride than anything hard out, would suit all adventure bikes and novice riders and 2 up would be no problem.
Most of the roads are dead end roads out to beaches and bays. I think from memory there is around 400 kms of roading on the island so about 200 kms per day would cover the whole island.

Ferry prices are $220.00 return for bike and 1 rider ( we could get discounts for a large group ) and backpacker accomodation is available from $35.00 per person per night, plenty of other accomodation options also from camping to luxury lodges.

So a total cost from around $300.00 + food and booze. Travel time on the ferry over to the island is 4.5 hours so this would be a Friday to Sunday or Saturday to Monday ride.

Leave Auckland early morning on the 1st day and return back to Auckland late afternoon on the 3rd day ( or organize your own crossings at whatever times suit you. )
I was thinking of early to mid December, but we will need to get in quickly to secure accomodation and ferry bookings

There is an organized Adventure ride being run on the island in late November but as the cost of this ride is $1100.00 it is out of my price range.

**Shewolf** · 2nd August 2012, 12:15

yeehaa lets go!

**Eddieb** · 2nd August 2012, 12:45

I think it's a good idea, if I was geographically closer at the time I'd be keen. If I could get a decent job in Hamilton that could be a possibility.

**nic** · 2nd August 2012, 15:51

Originally Posted by Shewolf

yeehaa lets go!

yup - wot 'She' said

Good timing MXNUT.......I've been giving that November ride some serious thought.

**Rosie** · 2nd August 2012, 16:25

It's an excellent idea. Make sure you stop at the Lunchbox in Claris, they do the awesomest pies

We were cycle touring on Barrier in February, so I'm on the fence about whether I need to go back and do it again on a motorbike in the same year.

Mark; bear in mind that most of the 'private' land on Barrier belongs to DoC. And if DoC will give access to an organised adventure ride, maybe they would give access to a small group of riders who asked very nicely and promised not to burn down their precious kanuka scrub

There is a 4WD road from Whangaparapara to Port Fitzroy (Forest Road) that would be cool to get access to.

**Howie** · 2nd August 2012, 19:11

Sounds like a great idea, Only comment I have is that late nov, or very early Dec would better timing as mid Dec gets to be a bit crazy time wise leading up to Christmas.

**Aslan** · 2nd August 2012, 21:38

Hi Mark - subject to clearance to ride and actual dates - I'd be interested

S

**Gremlin** · 2nd August 2012, 22:59

Yeah, subject to actual dates, and other things falling into place, I'd definitely be keen to have a ride over there...

**gammaguy** · 2nd August 2012, 23:07

im keen to get the TDR dirty again

**Oscar** · 3rd August 2012, 10:26

Mike Brittain did a Great Barrier tour about 10 years ago - it was fantastic.

**MXNUT** · 3rd August 2012, 12:30

Originally Posted by Oscar

Mike Brittain did a Great Barrier tour about 10 years ago - it was fantastic.

Yep he is organizing another ride over there on the 16th to the 18th of November, but at a cost of $1100.00 it is a bit out of my price range.

**Team Buffoon** · 3rd August 2012, 14:45

Yes would definitely be interested been thinking about a ride over there. But as I work at sea and shifts are somewhat flexible I would not be in a position to commit until nearer the time. If it comes off would probably be me and a pillion.