New Zealand's epic moped ride from Christchurch to Auckland

Wednesday, January 29, 2014

On Monday, 17th February 2014, five hardcore, determined Moped riders depart from Christchurch on an “epic” moped ride of grand proportions! The enthusiastic group of friends will travel in their 49cc mopeds from Christchurch in the south island, to Greymouth on the west coast and then heading inland to Nelson and crossing to Wellington from Picton. Travelling northwards up the north island, they will hug the coastline to New Plymouth, cross inland to Te Kuiti, Cambridge, take a couple of stops in the Coromandel before finally reaching Auckland, 6 days later.

The challenge originally started over a beer between mates. Not wanting to spend a “bucketload” of money, they conceived this idea that allowed them spend some time together, slowed down the pace of travel, and gave others the option to join if they wanted to. This will be the second time around for the group, who completed the same course last year, also in February.

One of the key highlights for them is the opportunity to meet other travellers, who frequently stop to ask the inevitable “what on earth are you doing out here?” quickly followed by “what were you thinking?!” This year the group decided to turn some of the attention they were receiving to the North Shore Women’s Centre, a charitable trust. Located on Auckland’s north shore, for 27 years this agency has been supporting vulnerable women in the community, with issues including domestic violence, sexual abuse, parenting and relationship difficulties.

The riders enjoy the pace of travel, so slow that “you see a hell of a lot more of the country than you would otherwise”. Everyone is invited to join the group on their adventure, for either the whole trip or for just a part of it. And in their words: “We meet the most interesting and wonderful people along the way and everyone smiles at us”.

To find out more, visit the website, look for the North Shore Women’s Centre on facebook, or visit Telecom’s page and enter the keyword “moped” to donate to riders.

ENDS

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