Just Returned from New Zealand

[strider]

I had a great trip to NZ. Beautiful country ans amazing roads. So many things were backwards from what we're used to in the states.I felt like i was in the bizzaro world. If i couldn't get something to work I just did it backwards and it probably would work.I went with GoTourNZ and they did a great job. If you're interested I have added a link to a slideshow that I've created that a friend is hosting for me .It may take a few minutes to download but people who've seen it say it was worth the effort.I incorporated some native Maori music into the show.
Keep the shiney side up!:wave
http://www.lawhamilton.com/data/New_Zealand_07.exe

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[Kaltzg]

Strider

How was it getting used to driving on the left? That seems like it woud take quite a while to get used to.

Gail

[strider]

That was my biggest concern before I went but I did OK.I told people if I don't come back it'll be because Iforgot to stay left.The tour co put big yellow stickers between the speedo & the tac that said KEEP LEFT

[tommcgee]

When I first read the message title "Just Returned from New Zealand" my reaction was "why?"

After looking at the slideshow, I'd have to change it to:

WHY?

[geoelement]

Those photos are absolutely beautiful. Even the group that you rode with seems to be completely relaxed and at peace. How many days were you there? Have you tallied up the total cost of the trip yet? To many questions.....

Thank you for sharing!

[strider]

I laughed when I read your message. Then I thought for a moment and wanted to cry.It was an awesome experience flying(I mean riding) around this wide open country with hardly any people around and we had 2 weeks of beautiful weather.The locals were amazed when I told them we just rode down the west coast and it didn't rain at all. They get 360 in. of rain a year.We rode over one pass that got 9" of rain in 6 hours and caused a landslide the night before. The road crew was just finishing up removing whole trees that came across the road. The very steep and curvy road was covered with a layer of mud.I had to call upon my New England icy snowy riding experience to get by. Come to think of it the hardest part of that road wasn't the road surface but was trying not to look at the unbelievable view all around. Oh and did I mention that I won the trip at the National Rally in Vermont!!!

[strider]

Those photos are absolutely beautiful. Even the group that you rode with seems to be completely relaxed and at peace. How many days were you there? Have you tallied up the total cost of the trip yet? To many questions.....

Thank you for sharing!

Thanks for the kind comments. I'm a proffesional photographer and I don't usually put my work up on line like this but I wanted to share this unbelievable country with my fellow BMW MOA members.We had a great group. All were experiencd riders with great personalities.3 members from AZ ,2 from PA, a couple from Australia and one from Scotland. The trip lasted 2 weeks. Total cost about $15000.I won the riders portion of the trip at the Nat Rally.(Thank you GOTOURNZ.com) It was one thing I would suggest putting on your things to do in your lifetime list.

[dancogan]

Thanks for taking the time to put together the show. Beautiful shots, beautiful riding! Wow, it sure would be hard to come home.

[groundeffect]

Excellent presentation! As someone who wants to retire in NZ, thanks!
Cheers,
Dave

[jerrymcc10]

My wife and I are going to NZ with GoTourNZ in November and I was especially glad to find your post - especially my first time on the Forum. The pictures were beautiful and gave us a better idea of what to expect. Let me add to the other comments and also say, 'Thanks for sharing!':thumb

[GlobalRider]

The trip lasted 2 weeks. Total cost about $15000. I won the riders portion of the trip at the Nat Rally.

I thought you were joking...until I went to their web site to check their tour prices (not that I'd ever take a guided tour). Most of them run upwards of $8K...for a piddly two weeks. One of their 21 day tours runs over $25K...sorry, but I have to :laugh.

Good thing you won it.

[strider]

My wife and I are going to NZ with GoTourNZ in November and I was especially glad to find your post - especially my first time on the Forum. The pictures were beautiful and gave us a better idea of what to expect. Let me add to the other comments and also say, 'Thanks for sharing!':thumb

Thanks for the kind words about my slideshow. Ian was very accomodating. Having someone who lives in NZ plan the itinerary enabled us to go places that we heard a lot of the natives have never been. The one thing that GO Tour NZ does different from other tour co.s I,ve used is they don't have anyone leading the group around on a bike.They gave us all the info that we could want about the ride to the next destination and encouraged us to create our own holiday just arrive at the next destination by 6:00 or call or they'll come looking for us.I was a little apprehensive at first but it worked out like a tour thats not a tour.It was an amazing experience.This has been my screensaver since I returned. Good luck:rofl :

[Norwood]

Thanks for posting and the presentation of the slideshow... really great tour and photos are beautiful.

I just hope to get there someday.

[tessler]

Those ".exe" files don't work on MACS, but I trust the remainder of the pictures are as stunning as the few you've posted here. Sounds like you had a grand time.

Welcome back and welcome, of course, to the forum/club.

:thumb

[strider]

Those ".exe" files don't work on MACS, but I trust the remainder of the pictures are as stunning as the few you've posted here. Sounds like you had a grand time.

Welcome back and welcome, of course, to the forum/club.

:thumb

Thanks for the welcome.You're right about the macs. If you have access to a pc I think it would be worth your time.I bought some Maori music in NZ and spliced a few songs (sounds) into the show. Of course it means more to the people that were on the trip but still fun.Keep the shiny side UP.:bolt

[riderR1150GSAdv]

Thanks for the post!:thumb :thumb I am glad you had a great time!!:dance Seeing those pics it's no wonder my Aunt and Uncle never want to leave NZ. I haven't been there yet :cry but it is on my' to do' list for sure.