Team Kiwi rides north.

It feels wonderful to be on the road again.

People to meet, places to see, time to contemplate

Food to eat.

From Wellington along the coast 

Traffic is quiet, maybe it’s a Sunday 

I have already lost track of what day it is.

A charming new Cherry Cottage  cafe in Bulls caught my eye.

It was the pearl clad models who lured me in, 

But it was the cupcakes that were my undoing.

Onward to Whanganui, Stratford for fuel.

It’s 4.30pm no cafes are open

Along the Forgotten World Highway to Whangamomona

Through lush farmland and regenerating bush

Is that a Grader leaving town?

A beer, a delicious meal and a good rest at the Whangamomona pub, any motorcyclist’s favourite.

Next morning we get to ‘enjoy’ the work of the grader driver.

Reminds us of a similar experience in Patagonia.

Squadrons of angels come and keep us upright.

Such a delight to stop at Lauren’s Lavender farm near Taumaranui.

The sun is out. Farmers are making hay and the woolshed yards are bleating with sheep waiting to be shorn.

Its only 25°C but there are patches of soft tar on the road.

A wonderful welcome at Taupo from Judy and Dave

Time to catch up and to rest for the night.

My driver is doing well at delivering me to friends and family.

On our way in the morning.

Through dairy farms carved from the felled forests

To Putaruru and coffee with longtime Niue friends Brian and Shirl.

Heading to Auckland

Highway 27. The Patetonga Cafe is no more.

But we find another. The Native Tree Cafe. It’s a good find.

Refuelled and ready for Auckland.

Glad we are on the northbound motorway and not the slow moving  southbound.lanes.

A  safe arrival and a lovely warm welcome at the Savills at Mt Eden

Cherry Cottage Cafe, Bulls.