Coromandel to Auckland took just over two hours, just in time to get some engine oil and a nut at the Harley Dealer before they closed. Tim, Kiwi's (Rod R) son, took us up into the 338 m high Auckland observation tower to get a full appreciation of Auckland and surrounds. It was very impressive.

Bay of Islands (township of Paihia) was our main stop next day with a 1600 Hp Jet Boat tour out to Hole in the Rock island, in a thrilling 1.5 hr ride with 1-1.5 m waves. It was a great thrilling trip.

We also checked out the historically significant Treaty Grounds at Waitangi, where once a treaty was hammered out between the Maoris and the English.
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Amazing scenery and stops continued up the east coast via Taupo Bay. We reached Kaitaia, the top of New Zealand, stopping at the ninety mile beach for a walk, and then finally turned southward.

The scenic side roads along the west coast included Wainui Junction, Awaroa and Orawau, Te Hua Hua, Ohuri, with a beautiful Ferry ride at Rangiora to Rawene where we met two other MC riders on Suzuki race bikes.

At Opononi, they (Rollo and Chester) caught up with us again at a fantastic located pub at the inlet for a couple of beers and a yarn about life (at "boy & dolphin" legendary statue). We rode together for the rest of the ride day. We went through several stops to check out enormous trees (Large Kauri) in the Waipoia forest. After some great hours of riding, and walks, we all had a Chinese meal in Dargaville and we split to search for night quarters.

We finally found ourselves in Kaukapakapa, where there was a pub, which was closed, but someone was at the back. The two owners had a chat with us and we arranged a nice motel like room with ensuite for the night, after first engaging in a mandatory pub talk over several beers with them.

In Auckland again, at the Harley Dealer again. In spite of a great many customers (Poker run at the Coromandel and the National Hog rally in Palmerston North) they fitted us in for a new white wall rear tyre plus a set of brake pads. We took Hwy 1 to Hamilton.

At Hamilton, we spent some time at the very beautiful gardens, which were like at a royal castle. Very Pretty, including statues, fountains, ornaments, flowerbeds and herb gardens.

Then we headed to Matamata (via Cambridge), where we found a campground with hot spring pools.
This was a great camping place just $11 each including facilities (washing, kitchen, showers, hot pools). It was a very soothing way to end the day in the hot spring pools. We had a quick trip back to Matamata for a fully imported Hoegaarden Belgian beer, in a beautiful pub, before bedtime.

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