Canadian on a FULL New Zealand-wide, year-long (or longer) tour via Adventure Bike.

**Blackbird** · 7th August 2008, 08:23

Originally Posted by Atmonauti

I am in Blenheim right now but thinking of heading south to catch as much skiing as I can (as I was told the best ski conditions are jul and aug)

If any of those chch folks that were interested in meeting up are still interested I would love to meet you all

Don't forget that Russ in Ashburton said he'd take you skiing at Mt Hutt Dan! Glad you're enjoying Down South - special place eh? Listen out for the sound of banjos though

**oldrider** · 7th August 2008, 21:45

Klunka tunk tunk a tunka tunk ttatata atunk! Yeh, it's really alluring sound aint it!

Enjoy the South.

Cheers, John.

**Atmonauti** · 8th August 2008, 09:10

A huge thanks to buggsubique and Munterk6.

Was amazing to meet all of you. Kiwi's are so much like Canadians I love it!

Even got to do some riding with both of them!

Got in a quick offroad stream crossing and mud/sand/boulder ripping session with buggsubique around the wineries in Blenhiem with the sun setting on the Kaikoura ranges. Epic.

Just passed the 10,000 km mark in NZ as well

I'll try to get my installment of my tour up soon!

**Atmonauti** · 8th August 2008, 10:15

Post #4

Finally entering the much anticipated Waipoua Forest via Motorbike.

Mmmmmm soo good.

Gotta love on way bridges past two monsterous Kauri trees!

So amazing. Full almost 360 degree turns in amongst the most amazing un touched forest.

Made it back to Whangarei and stayed with Kel Rood who took me to all sorts of amazing places.

He works on the Pilot boat for the Whangarei port.

Here he is bringing in one of the smaller tankers into port.

Just in case.

Took me out and let me ride his Africa Twin Honda as well!

Made me miss my CBR even more...

Made my way up to Tutukaka to dive the Poor Knights Islands. (Jacques Cousteau's Top sub-tropical diving spot in the world!)

Finally there after about an hour boat ride.

In all the SCUBA diving I have done in Vietnam and Thailand I have never seen this many fish in one spot at a place called the Blue Maomao Cave.
The only place were fish weren't at is my trail of air bubbles to the surface. Other then that I was fully surrounded by a thick blanket of fish all just stationary holding there position in the current through the cave with the smallest of motions. Just awesome.

Continued soon hopefully!

**Naki Rat** · 8th August 2008, 16:50

Hi Dan,

Great to hear you are still discovering NZ and loving it

It just occurred to me that your visit is very much a two way exchange to all you meet and who meet you.

In the same vein as "the best aphrodisiac is an aroused partner",
the best way to appreciate your own New Zealand is through the eyes and words of a happy visitor.

Keep the tour report coming, and we'll catch you in the Summer

**Blackbird** · 8th August 2008, 16:56

Originally Posted by Naki Rat

It just occurred to me that your visit is very much a two way exchange to all you meet and who meet you.

Very nicely put

Feel privileged to have met Dan.

**munterk6** · 8th August 2008, 21:09

Dan has made it to ChCh and is having a well deserved rest staying at my place.
It rained today and he was planning on leaving for Ashvegas but I think the rain put him off a bit lol!
Tomorrow if its fine im going to lead him on a tiki-tour around the bays in Lyttelton Harbour. We chatted bout all sorts of shit last nite and compared notes on our countries, all very informative and interesting.
Turns out he's a poker player and he went to a poker game at a pub tonight.
In a way I wish I had done the adventures like he is doing, but hey, I already live in the best country in the world!! My hat's off to Dan the man

It hosed down here in ChCh on saturday with snow in the morning but it did not deter Dan, he mounted up Saturday midday, and headed off to Ashvegas for skiing adventures at Mt Hutt. I woke this morning (Sunday) to heavy frost and blue skies so Im guessing Dan would have been on the mountain in all that beautiful powder snow...lucky bugger!
Im glad I was able to host Dan, who knows, maybe someday I can stay at his place once he gains residency here in NZ

Rock on brother

heres a shot of Dan on a real bike..

**fire eyes** · 10th August 2008, 21:17

Originally Posted by Naki Rat

Hi Dan,

Great to hear you are still discovering NZ and loving it

It just occurred to me that your visit is very much a two way exchange to all you meet and who meet you.

In the same vein as "the best aphrodisiac is an aroused partner",
the best way to appreciate your own New Zealand is through the eyes and words of a happy visitor.

Keep the tour report coming, and we'll catch you in the Summer

Well said Naki Rat! I couldn't agree more

**sincity** · 19th August 2008, 07:58

Great photos, I can't wait till I come over now and even if I get to see half of what your photos show I'll be happy. Cheers for the eye opener on a beautiful country

**NordieBoy** · 19th August 2008, 08:21

I don't think the Motueka guys like Dan.
They keep throwing him out of planes but he's determined and just keeps getting back in.

**Swoop** · 19th August 2008, 11:56

Originally Posted by NordieBoy

I don't think the Motueka guys like Dan.
They keep throwing him out of planes but he's determined and just keeps getting back in.

You have to keep testing the gravitational pull of the planet.
There is a theory that on occasions it reverses, so regular testing is required.

**sincity** · 19th August 2008, 16:01

so whats the roads like around Queenstown etc like?

**Blackbird** · 19th August 2008, 16:27

Originally Posted by sincity

so whats the roads like around Queenstown etc like?

Queenstown > Glenorchy Road is incredible. So is the Milford Road, so is.... so is..

Have a look at: http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/sh...72#post1110872 if you want some pictures of bike roads in that area.

If no-one else has mentioned it, get yourself a copy of:http://www.amazon.com/Zealand-Motorc.../dp/1877302325

This book is a "must" for all motorcyclists in NZ.

Cheers,

Geoff

**Atmonauti** · 26th August 2008, 14:48

Thanks so much to Nordie Boy and family. Yet another huge reason why I dont feel half has home sick as I should if not for meeting the most amazing people! Truly top shelf.

After getting 30 or so jumps in during the Good Vibes 2008 Skydiving Boogie I am finally heading down the west coast of the south Island.

If anyone feels like meeting/riding with a Canadian down the whole west coast let me know! I wanna meet every kiwibiker!

My mobile number is 027 365 5850 just in case

I'll try to get the next installment of the ride/tour up with pics asap!

You guys rule!