The surf is rolling in at Tapoputa Beach at the top of the country, it is a gorgeous sound while I’m sitting in my tent writing this. The beach is about 7 hours drive North of Auckland, New Zealand is a long country – one of the logistical challenges of this ride. I had a few short hours walking around Auckland and then it was North to this beach.
Tomorrow, after months of planning, I, along with about 100 others, are finally starting. Tonight will be an early night. Rushing around preparing I managed to stub my toe, perfect timing!
I can’t wait for the morning!
Preparation
![Auckland's iconic tower](https://mlbadplgm6f8.i.optimole.com/cb:BIaD.98af/w:768/h:1024/q:mauto/f:best/ig:avif/https://words.colincanfield.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/p2170001.jpg)
![Silently watching](https://mlbadplgm6f8.i.optimole.com/cb:BIaD.98af/w:475/h:1024/q:mauto/f:best/ig:avif/https://words.colincanfield.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/p2170003.jpg)
![Waterfront area's are always pretty](https://mlbadplgm6f8.i.optimole.com/cb:BIaD.98af/w:1024/h:768/q:eco/f:best/ig:avif/https://words.colincanfield.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/img_5584.jpg)
![Parked for maximum exposure](https://mlbadplgm6f8.i.optimole.com/cb:BIaD.98af/w:768/h:1024/q:eco/f:best/ig:avif/https://words.colincanfield.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/img_5588.jpg)
![Some nice older buildings are near the water](https://mlbadplgm6f8.i.optimole.com/cb:BIaD.98af/w:1024/h:768/q:eco/f:best/ig:avif/https://words.colincanfield.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/p2170002.jpg)
![Gorgeous Sunset](https://mlbadplgm6f8.i.optimole.com/cb:BIaD.98af/w:1024/h:768/q:eco/f:best/ig:avif/https://words.colincanfield.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/p2180031.jpg)
![FIrst taste of NZ's Fruit IceCream - yum!](https://mlbadplgm6f8.i.optimole.com/cb:BIaD.98af/w:901/h:1024/q:eco/f:best/ig:avif/https://words.colincanfield.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/img_5593.jpg)
![Early morning loading up the trailer](https://mlbadplgm6f8.i.optimole.com/cb:BIaD.98af/w:768/h:1024/q:eco/f:best/ig:avif/https://words.colincanfield.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/img_5590.jpg)
![Great view!](https://mlbadplgm6f8.i.optimole.com/cb:BIaD.98af/w:768/h:1024/q:eco/f:best/ig:avif/https://words.colincanfield.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/img_5596.jpg)
![A mini tent city is begnning to form](https://mlbadplgm6f8.i.optimole.com/cb:BIaD.98af/w:1024/h:768/q:eco/f:best/ig:avif/https://words.colincanfield.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/p2180027.jpg)
![](https://mlbadplgm6f8.i.optimole.com/cb:BIaD.98af/w:768/h:1024/q:eco/f:best/ig:avif/https://words.colincanfield.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/IMG_5589.jpeg)