American wandering New Zealand

**Road Warrior** · 5th March 2009, 03:04

Hello Pete,
Found your post on AVD pointing me towards this thread. Man you know how to pack a lot of territory into a small amount of time!

Funny you spent a bunch of time in Western CO..I was born in GJ now in Hotchkiss. Still haven't done all of the good roads.

Your friend in Telluride was right, a lot of the South Island looks like western CO for sure. But one of the reasons I would like to moves is I am just tired of winter. I only got about 225 inches of snow so far this winter but for some reason it has really worked on my mind.

You shot some amazing territory for sure. Looks like you are on the way now. I am working on a 2 week trip in the June-Aug area..making my list and checking it twice

Thanks for the link

Gary

**Kemet** · 5th March 2009, 16:44

Originally Posted by the vet

Spent one night after kayaking at Bob and Maxine's again in Te Anau, and then went straight to Twizel to catch the Area 9 music festival: http://www.nzlive.com/nzlivecom/area-9
... and I'm sure I missed out on some Otago sights, off road riding and fishing. I met up with Ron the Dutchman and we went ...

That last picture with the full moon at night from the post I quoted....

Was that at lake tekapo by any chance....

Also next time you down Tekapo way, if you're game enough, try the road that goes up to the Mt John observatory!! Skinny as **** in a car, switch-backs most of the way up! I'm sure you'd love it.

Next time you're in the South Island drop us a post on the Dunedin Rides thread... we'll sort ya out there!!

**the vet** · 5th March 2009, 20:28

Hey Gary, glad you found the thread. Let me know if I can be of help in any way. I love Hotchkiss....that whole area. I grew up with winters and then 9 years in Colorado.....9 years then in CA, and I miss the winter....I think....i have to admit, I may no longer be used to the cold.....

Kemet, That night photo was indeed Tekapo, one night off of the full moon. I will surely look you up when I'm back your way.

Pete

**Road Warrior** · 6th March 2009, 07:58

Pete,
Thanks, I will take you up on that when I get a little closer. I spent a good bit of time in Port Hueneme, and some in NorCal.
Commercial property in the South Island seems to be a lot cheaper..love the scenery also. But the North seems to have quite a bit better weather...we shall see.

A good friend sent me these pics as he is doing everything possible to discourage me. And of course I HATE snakes

I think these are from Australia but he claims different.

Gary

-

**NZsarge** · 6th March 2009, 08:21

Originally Posted by Road Warrior

And of course I HATE snakes

Dude, that's one evil lookin' creature, no snakes here mate.

**Road Warrior** · 6th March 2009, 12:36

no snakes here mate.

That is good to know

That thing looks like its got a GSXR half way down

Gary

**Hinny** · 6th March 2009, 17:01

Originally Posted by NZsarge

... no snakes here mate.

There are a few.
I fired one yesterday.

**NZsarge** · 7th March 2009, 04:36

Originally Posted by Road Warrior

That is good to know

That thing looks like its got a GSXR half way down

Gary

Best place for a Gixxer too.

**the vet** · 22nd September 2009, 09:31

Finished work and finishing my chapter in Wellington. Getting ready for another 4 week tour, this time of parts of the North Island I have yet to see. Will take some time to update blog and recount my time in Wellington and some of the events since I last posted. Planning to leave on the bike and start heading north beginning of next week.

Looking forward to another bike tour, Taranaki, Taupo, and destinations north of Auckland!!!

**Blackbird** · 22nd September 2009, 09:35

Originally Posted by the vet

Finished work and finishing my chapter in Wellington. Getting ready for another 4 week tour, this time of parts of the North Island I have yet to see. Will take some time to update blog and recount my time in Wellington and some of the events since I last posted. Planning to leave on the bike and start heading north beginning of next week.

Looking forward to another bike tour, Taranaki, Taupo, and destinations north of Auckland!!!

Hi Pete

Looking forward to more of your adventures - hope you're well!

Geoff

**Mrs Busa Pete** · 22nd September 2009, 09:47

Originally Posted by the vet

Finished work and finishing my chapter in Wellington. Getting ready for another 4 week tour, this time of parts of the North Island I have yet to see. Will take some time to update blog and recount my time in Wellington and some of the events since I last posted. Planning to leave on the bike and start heading north beginning of next week.

Looking forward to another bike tour, Taranaki, Taupo, and destinations north of Auckland!!!

Hope we see you back up here in Auckland..

**Road Warrior** · 22nd September 2009, 12:05

Hello Pete!

So funny you should post today. This is the first time I have been back on the website in a long time. Things got way busy this summer..over the top busy..so my trip down has gotten delayed.
Right now the wind is howling and it snowing up on I70

Cant wait to read up on your adventures on the north island

Gary