Quick trip out of Auckland...

[mozzee]

Hey people. Need to get out of Auckland - but only have one night to spare. Any great ride ideas? Looking for 3-4 hours (5 max) from Auckland ending somewhere nice to stay overnight, preferably near a beach somewhere? Your advice is greatly appreciated!!

[bones135]

Whitianga via Coromandel, nice ride, great beaches. Not a bad spot.

[PeteJ]

Go to Russell, via the coast roads - west side going north, east side coming back, so you're on the sea's side of the roads each way. You will have bits of SH1 now and then, that's all. In a straight run up SH1 it's 3 - 3 1/2 hours, depending on the ferry - the alternatives are up to 5 hours each way, depending on how far you divert.

Russell has the advantage of having great accommodation, eating, and drinking choices, as well as being in the Bay of Islands.

[BOGAR]

Coromandel is a good choice but thats because its closer to me than North of Auckland. Plenty of places to stay, great views, good road (just stay black side down shiny side up) and coast line almost all the way. happy travels.

[sosman]

If ya wana go north/check out www.thefarm.co.nz ,its 2half to 3hours ride....awsome place to stay...been many times now!

[90s]

How about take the 18 over to the 16 and go up to Leigh from that direction. That's a good ride. Go up the coast and around a bit and then catch some music at the Sawmill.

[Blossom]

Thames coast, awesome beaches.. amazing roads. Just did a night there over valentines weekend. Just drove up from Thames. Awesome.

[CookMySock]

Eastern bay of plenty via paeroa, then back to aucks via rotorua.

Like this ;

google map

Theres a campground at Thornton beach, though I would call them and see what they had available before I just turned up there. Google maps says this is about four and bit hours, but its more like three and a half hours, including a couple of stops.

We live down this way, so if you have a problem just holler and we'll make sure you're ok.

Have a great ride, wherever you go!
Steve

[Anarkist]

My place?

[gijoe1313]

I think what you need to do is draw a nice circle around the distance you would like to ride to on a map, toss a dart at it and see what you get! Find the nearest beach and hostel/b+b and voila! Let the biker gods decide your path!

[mozzee]

Thanks heaps for your ideas. I'm thinking I'll probably head south. Gone north a few times. Fingers crossed this weather clears up by Thursday!!