| Author | Message | ||
     Danger_dave |
Posted this on adv too: Some beautiful country. Auckland to Hastings I have a job for the Health Group that the Co-pilot works for. Photograph a bunch of facilities spread around NZ, so we're traveling by motorcycle of course. We bolted on the luggage and waited for a favourable shooting forecast before heading from Auckland to the site in Hastings, a great 5.5 hour ride to the South East. Unfortunately the days were a bit greyer than we would have liked, or were forecast, so we didn't shoot any on the way down, but we got the work shots OK,  and checked into a Motel in town. 'I have to do my emails' (she was still working her real job as well as Camera girl) so I headed out in somewhat grey and gloomy conditions - for a look around the Hawkes Bay wine country. Left the panniers in the hotel, strapped the camera case on the back and went exploring.  Huge oaks just on the outskirts of Hastings. They were planted in the late 1800s - there are beautiful orchards on either side.   Then a bit further inland I cruised the vineyards, did some artsy shots to decorate the Hospital (not these) and watched the sun go down.      Got back on dusk, we had a nice Thai meal in town and a reasonably early night. Next day we were headed for Taupo. Friday was another grey one and we set off in light drizzle from Hastings to our second call, 170km to the north west, at Taupo, situated at the top of the big lake in the middle of the north island. It's a spectacular place. The Triple peaks of the Tongaririo region loom over the big lake and spectacular countryside, but the peaks were blanketed in the low cloud that hugged the crater lake.  The forecast for Saturday was much better, so we decided to do the work shoot in the morning and just like deja vu all over again, we checked into a motel - she went off to work and I went exploring. I headed out around the western side of Lake Taupo and out through Arcacia Bay.  and then headed west  It was cool and dry and quite a spectacle as I hugged the western shore  I got onto some nice dirt roads in the state recreation area   Then I stumbled on this road.          Was fantastic - I spent the afternoon just scooting around and drinking in the spectacle. The Hotel we stayed in is built right over a thermal spring and the rooms have a deep bath/pool in the courtyard fed with hot mineral spring water. Remarkably invigorating - so I had a soak after the ride, picked the girl up and went out on the tourist strip for dinner.  Forecast for tomorrow was good. | ||
| Mcgiver |
wow, great pictures! Brian | ||
| Leftcoastal |
You're KILLING us up here! You should work for the 'down under' tourist bureau! Every freakin' time you post, all I want to do is get on a plane and fly half way around the planet and rent a bike. Maybe never to return. | ||
| Reepicheep |
Very cool! Thanks for posting those! | ||
| Glitch |
D_D, How's the job market out your way. I need to exchange my commute for one more like yours...  My commute, on a good day | ||
| Cyclonedon |
great pictures! beautiful country and motorcycle I might add! | ||
| Cowboy |
Hi Dave tks for the pictures I did a lot of work in New Zeland in the 80 s (For shell oil) I enjoyed it very much It makes me home sick.( I even climed Mt. Egmont once) | ||
| Danger_dave |
Part 2 cheers all. After work we had a stroll along the Lake front.    Saturday's forecast was for clear conditions so I got up at first light and wandered along the Lake front again. Was worth the effort.      So after a bunch of ducks company for an hour I headed back to the Motel wide awake at 6.00am and the Co-pilot is sleeping the sleep of motorcycle touring. So I jumped on the bike and retraced some of yesterdays dirt roads and got some slightly better early morning conditions.     I headed back to base after heading a bit further West and checked out the thermal activity. No shortage of hot water for the mineral bath then.  Then went and did the work thing at opening time - after a really cool ride.  Co-pilot shot some video - on the way home. Will check that out next. | ||
| Etennuly |
Dave, you're just coming into summer there aren't you? That does it......You Suck! Awesome photography though. | ||
| Bads1 |
Dave, I recognize that lens in your case. I have that one also. Awesome pics. I have many from Laguna I'd like to share but like I said I need photo shop...... Santa is coming soon. | ||
| Danger_dave |
thanks  March is the best time of year down here. | ||
| Danger_dave |
>>D_D, How's the job market out your way. << Sorry - I don't know. I think it's OK. www.nzherald.co.nz has a good employment section. Aus is generally seen as the land of greater opportunity. I've done better here. | ||
| Danger_dave |
>>Santa is coming soon.<< You better sit down - there is something I have to tell you. Your parents hate you and have lied to you for a very long time. There is no Santa. OK - It's bull. Sorry for your pain. dc | ||
| Danger_dave |
>>( I even climed Mt. Egmont once)<< Nice work - You are fitter than me gungadin. But we don't call it that anymore - It's 'Mt Taranaki' now. All culturally touchyfeely dontchaknow. | ||
| Cowboy |
Well the world is gone crazy-------but you know the deff. of P.C. (told by liberals so many time you think you can pick up a t--d by the clean end)he he he | ||
| Court |
What lens are you shooting with? Spectacular photos. . . | ||
| Thumper74 |
Okay, I have sent my resume to a couple places... Any one want a cat, Sportster, and a Focus SVT? | ||
| Danger_dave |
>>What lens are you shooting with? << Canon 55-200 ultrasonic and 18-55. >>Any one want a cat, Sportster,<< Bring it with you.  | ||
| Crusty |
I shipped a 1979 Sportster to my friends in Brisbane in 1997; so that I'd have a Harley to ride around on while I visited. Once I totaled up the costs (buying the bike, fixing it up, shipping, Australian sales tax, assorted multiple Registration and Inspection fees, etc.), I could have bought a brand new Sportster for the same price. Sell the Sporty and buy one there. Bring the cat. | ||
| Berry |
Great pictures, I am arriving in Auckland on the 26th and look forward to riding both Islands, Your shots have me stoked! Jim A |
