One Last Kiwi Adventure
February 2023. I'd just submitted my PhD thesis after seven years in New Zealand. Two weeks before moving to Singapore, I had one final chance to explore the country that had become home. No bookings, no rigid plans—just me, my bike, and 5000 kilometers of freedom.
The Route
Coromandel Peninsula: Coastal beauty and laid-back beach towns
Tauranga: Bay of Plenty sunshine and surf culture
Wellsford: Rural heartland and rolling hills
Kawakawa: Historic Northland town with quirky Hundertwasser toilets
Paihia: Bay of Islands paradise
Dargaville: West coast return through Kauri country
Total Distance: ~5000 km over 2 weeks
The Freedom Camping Life
- ✓No accommodation bookings—camped at DOC sites and freedom camping spots
- ✓Showered at fuel stations like a true road warrior
- ✓Fresh coffee from local cafés every morning
- ✓Farm produce from roadside stalls—honesty boxes and Kiwi trust
- ✓Local beers at small-town pubs, swapping stories with locals
Why This Trip Mattered
Seven years is a long time. New Zealand had given me an education, friendships, and a love for the open road. My first solo motorcycle trip on the Forgotten World Highway had ignited something inside me—an itch to explore, to feel the wind, to live simply on two wheels.
This wasn't just a road trip. It was a farewell tour. I wanted to soak in every coastal view, every quiet village, every peaceful morning by the ocean. I wanted to remember what it felt like to wake up without an agenda, to ride until I found a spot that felt right, and to camp under stars that seemed impossibly bright.
Singapore was calling with new opportunities, but this—this was my way of saying thank you to the country that taught me how to ride, how to adventure, and how to embrace uncertainty.
The Journey Map
Highlights of the Journey
Coromandel's Hidden Beaches
Winding coastal roads leading to secluded coves. Hot Water Beach, Cathedral Cove, and endless golden sands. The kind of beauty that makes you forget you have somewhere else to be.
Bay of Islands Magic
Paihia and the Bay of Islands—144 islands scattered across turquoise waters. Dolphins, sailing, and sunsets that painted the sky in impossible colors. Pure Kiwi paradise.
Small Town Coffee Culture
Every village had its gem—a tiny café with perfectly pulled flat whites, homemade muffins, and friendly locals who'd chat about the weather, rugby, and the best roads to ride.
Freedom Camping Freedom
Sleeping under the stars, waking to birdsong, and cooking breakfast on a camp stove. No reservations, no check-in times—just you and nature on your own terms.
Planning Your Own North Island Tour
Essential Tips
- •Freedom Camping: Download the CamperMate or Rankers Camping NZ app to find legal spots. Respect the land and local rules.
- •DOC Campsites: Department of Conservation sites offer basic facilities (toilets, sometimes water) for $6-15/night. Book ahead in peak season.
- •Fuel Stations: Many BP and Caltex stations have shower facilities (usually $2-4). Pack a towel and toiletries.
- •Pack Light: Camping gear, warm layers (NZ weather changes fast), rain gear, and basic cooking supplies. Keep it minimal for easier riding.
- •Best Time: Summer (Dec-Feb) for warmest weather, but February/March offer fewer crowds and still-great conditions.
Must-Visit Stops
- Coromandel: Hot Water Beach, Cathedral Cove, Whangamata surf town
- Bay of Plenty: Mount Maunganui for beach and summit hike, Whakatane for White Island tours
- Bay of Islands: Paihia, Russell (historic village), Cape Reinga (northernmost point)
- Northland: Kawakawa's Hundertwasser toilets, Whangarei Falls, Tutukaka Coast
- West Coast Return: Kauri forests near Dargaville, 90 Mile Beach (if conditions allow)
Gallery
The Spirit of Aotearoa
New Zealand isn't just a destination—it's a feeling. The freedom to roam, the kindness of strangers, the beauty around every corner. This trip reminded me why I fell in love with this country in the first place.
💚 Kia ora, Aotearoa. Thank you for everything. See you again on two wheels.