Motorcyclists explore Gisborne on Yamaha Adventure Ride

Yamaha New Zealand brand manager Dinesh Chhagn says riders in the Yamaha Adventure Ride 2025, which features Gisborne, is about "a bunch of good guys having a good time riding motorcycles”. Photo / Wynsley Wrigley

Get your motor running – for the past two days, about 60 adventurous motorcyclists have been exploring the best on and off-roads Gisborne has to offer.

The motorcyclists, taking part in the Yamaha Adventure Ride 2025, left Havelock North early on the morning of Waitangi Day and headed to Gisborne.

The motorcyclists left for Whakatāne this morning to end the annual three-day motorbike adventure, which is held in a different part of the country each year.

Yamaha New Zealand brand manager Dinesh Chhagn told the Gisborne Herald 60 riders was a good number for the event, which has been running for five years.

“We give everyone a good experience ... It’s not too small or too big,” Chhagn said.

“We’ve got a good bunch of riders ... They all become friends during the three days.”

“It’s all about a bunch of good guys having a good time riding motorcycles.”

The riders come from as far south as Timaru, and as far north as Auckland, “with a good number of locals”.

“We usually talk to locals and get the best advice on which private and public roads to use.”

The weather has been warm and sunny for the riders in Gisborne.

But the riders didn’t mind a little bit of rain, said Chhagn.

“It keeps the dust down, but days like today are just beautiful,” he said.

“They can see the scenery.”

The adventure ride is organised in conjunction with 101 Adventures and former MX world champion Ben Townley.

101 Adventures describes the three days as a “remarkable experience exploring the ragged, untouched landscapes of the mighty East Cape”.

Motorcyclists can ride at their own pace and there are recommended “special spots” where riders can stop to enjoy the scenery or have a cuppa.

Two routes are available each day, with a “main route” and other more difficult routes where more experienced riders can challenge themselves.

101 Adventures supports the riders with guides who have planned the rides, lead riders who look out for hazards and sweep riders at the back who are available to assist any rider.

Yamaha provides a team of mechanics and a luggage van.

There is also a back-up vehicle that has a satellite phone.

Chhagn said the adventure ride was held in the South Island last year.

Next year’s adventure ride could be in northern New Zealand.

“We’ve been everywhere else,” he said.