Kaitaia or Coromandel?? - Luxury Problem

**Bloody Mad Woman (BMW)** · 19th December 2006, 09:59

Luxury Problem

Either ride to Katiaia from Auckland or do the Coromandel - which would be best?

I will be in Auckland New Year's Eve. Would start the above 2/3 Jan. No dates are really fixed!!

Proposed itinerary:

22 Dec Wgtn to Napier
27/28 Dec Leave Napier for East Cape
29/30 Dec Hamilton - Auckland

If anyone would like to join me on any part of the trip - pm me.
While I don't do Xmas I appreciate that others do and probably have family commitments.

It's interesting the comments I am getting from colleagues at work. You going on your own! Are you camping on your own!! You shouldn't do that!! A woman on her own!! I've done it before - I loved it. Yes it's nice to have company I'm sure - never done a long trip with other bikers, but I'm perfectly capable of going on my own. I'll have my cellphone and laptop!! lol actually still deciding on the latter! Have a list of KB'ers in case I have problems with the bike.

This is what is called FREEDOM. Me, my bike and nature! Someone once said to me in a scathing tone "You lead such a simple life" - I took it as a compliment - cos I've been to hell and back many times over and I have learnt what is important and I worked damned hard in many areas to achieve that. What other people think or say about me is none of my business and vice versa, I know what my truth is and that's all that matters - this particular freedom I do like. Clear head, clear conscience - bliss - and extremely excited I have my bike back and I can ride.

Advice welcomed on places to visit or things to look out for!!

Cheers

**Trudes** · 19th December 2006, 10:05

Well I'm bias as I used to live there, but do Coromandel. Coromandel bottom pub (can't remember new name, Admirals arms or something), does good accommodation cheap and great meals, and happens to be owned by friends of mine, but will probably be booked by now, otherwise there's long bay motorcamp, may have room for a tent. Love the Coro, wish I was going, but tend to avoid the place during summer months now, too many strangers doing dumb shit. Enjoy whatever you do doll, and ride safe!

**ceebie13** · 19th December 2006, 10:19

Originally Posted by Mrs Kendog

Coromandel bottom pub (can't remember new name, Admirals arms or something), does good accommodation cheap and great meals, and happens to be owned by friends of mine...

So if Lyn and I are there next month and we pop in for lunch and mention your name, will we be treated like royalty or slung out?

**Satch** · 19th December 2006, 10:22

Kaitaia Kaitaia kaitaia, garunteed the weather will be better!!

And then i can join you for a few legs of your journey

**Trudes** · 19th December 2006, 11:03

Originally Posted by ceebie13

So if Lyn and I are there next month and we pop in for lunch and mention your name, will we be treated like royalty or slung out?

Depending upon who you see, but probabaly slung out!! LOL. If you see Rebecca, she'll probably not spit in your food if you mention my name.

**Grub** · 19th December 2006, 11:49

The Coromandel would be just *nuts* at this time of the year. Sure there's half of Auckland there so the parties are fun but the roads are filled with wallies who are trying to kill you.

The North is to my mind, the untapped jewel of NZ. Less people, some amazing rides with incredible places to see and the root of our history which many people don't take the time to see - on a bike stopping is easy and fun.

The biggest hazard is the locals on the roads after dark Probably the highest drink-driving area in the country

**Bloody Mad Woman (BMW)** · 19th December 2006, 12:29

Originally Posted by Grub

The Coromandel would be just *nuts* at this time of the year. Sure there's half of Auckland there so the parties are fun but the roads are filled with wallies who are trying to kill you.

I thought it might be - I got my "Great Escapes" book out and it thoroughly recommends Kaitaia - so I think that is where I will go.

**Blackbird** · 19th December 2006, 15:32

Originally Posted by Mrs Kendog

Well I'm bias as I used to live there, but do Coromandel. Coromandel bottom pub (can't remember new name, Admirals arms or something), does good accommodation cheap and great meals, and happens to be owned by friends of mine, but will probably be booked by now, otherwise there's long bay motorcamp, may have room for a tent. Love the Coro, wish I was going, but tend to avoid the place during summer months now, too many strangers doing dumb shit. Enjoy whatever you do doll, and ride safe!

Our daughter waitressed at the Admiral's Arms year before last as it was just a short walk from our place. Really good employers.

**ceebie13** · 19th December 2006, 16:12

Originally Posted by Blackbird

... as it was just a short walk from our place.

And a short stagger on the way back aye Geoff?

**Mom** · 19th December 2006, 16:24

Come north! I love the Cormandel too, but like others have said, it will simply be a zoo down there at that time of the year. How long is your holiday? We live in Warkworth, and would love to meet up for a cruise around some of our lovely coastline.

**Bloody Mad Woman (BMW)** · 19th December 2006, 17:02

I will look at my map to see where Warkworth is!! The AA people asked me if I wanted a detailed map - I said No - can't read the flamin things. I get maps with the names of the main places!!
I have to be back home by 12 Jan.

**Lou Girardin** · 19th December 2006, 17:40

Do both coasts to and from Kaitaia, much more to see and fewer loonies on the road. The Coro Loop is only a day ride and it'll be full of road-going Jaffas.
I might ride with you for a day, PM me.

**BarBender** · 19th December 2006, 19:50

I will be in Ohope as of the 27th with the family. Spend some time in Tolaga and Tokomaru Bay. Let me know when you leave Napier and I and a couple of friends will meet you somewhere on the East Coast and bring you right around to Ohope/Whakatane. You can stay for a feed and/or carry on to Tauranga/Waihi and the bottom of the Coro Loop.

**Trudes** · 19th December 2006, 20:19

We're doing the East Coast probably the 27th or 28th, if you did want to hook up for a ride. Leaving Gisborne, through the Gorge to Opotiki then round and back to Gisborne.

**DMNTD:Me** · 19th December 2006, 20:20

Originally Posted by Lou Girardin

Do both coasts to and from Kaitaia, much more to see and fewer loonies on the road. The Coro Loop is only a day ride and it'll be full of road-going Jaffas.

100% agree with Lou there...less traffic,more to see over a greater distance ...well duh!

PM me if you're interested in potential routes up Norf