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GOLD RUSH!!!!
NEXT WEEKEND a group of overseas motorcyclists will retrace the steps of pioneer gold diggers through the Coromandel ranges.
The event, organized by Waihi’s Over the Top Adventures Ltd. Is the first of it’s kind. Over 3 days the tour will wind it’s way through the hills and valleys from Waihi to Coromandel town and back again using a mixture of public roads, forestry tracks and private land.
Organiser, Stuart Guy, says, “ We couldn’t have staged a ride like this anywhere else in the country. Nowhere else is there such a heritage, from any period of our history, just lying in the bush for us to visit”.
As well as visiting working gold mines and relics the riders will visit Coromandel town’s Driving Creek Railway as well as other top tourist attractions and award winning wineries Over The Top Adventures is a new business offering themed motorcycle adventure on the Coromandel. The business also offers rental bikes from 250 to 900cc for overseas customers or those without suitable machines.
Stuart sees the venture as one of the first of a new wave of adventure themed activities for the region. "For years we have had several top quality lodges and award winning wineries, but tourists need activities to attract them here. Guided tours, fishing and hunting packages. So many visitors think that the Coromandel is just white sandy beaches and Pohutakawas".
He says. "Thames Coromandel District Council, Destination Coromandel and Newmont mining have all been a huge help, we simply wouldn’t be doing it without them".
Participants will be riding a variety of machines. Some, big 1200cc BMW super enduro bikes, capable of over 200kmh on dirt and others on World Enduro Championship winning KTM bikes from Austria.
The event will start at Waihi's Martha mine this Friday. Organizers expect a steady flow of bookings over the summer for this and their other tour, which offers land-based sports fishing and camping in remote areas mixed with adventure riding.
Contact Stuart Guy 021 205 7266 or
E mail stuart@overthetopadventures.co.nz
Website www.overthetopadventures.co.nz
