Victim's daughter sends heartfelt message

The German motorcyclists were travelling to Taupo when the accident occurred. Photo / Bevan Conley

"I love my dad so much and will never forget him. He was the best father ever."

That was the heartfelt message from Jacqueline Zech in Germany to her father Hans, who died in Wanganui Hospital on Monday after a motorcycle crash north of Wanganui on Monday.

"I will be 22 in three weeks and I can not celebrate it with my dad ... never anymore," said Miss Zech.

The motorcycle trip around the North Island was a 25th wedding anniversary celebration for Mr Zech and his wife, who was following behind her husband.

They were in a group of 19 friends heading to Taupo on their motorcycles when the tragedy happened on State Highway 4.

The group had just passed though a section of road works controlled by traffic lights, forcing all traffic into the righthand lane.

At the end of the road works the group moved back to the left with the exception of Mr Zech.

To avoid an oncoming southbound 4WD, Mr Zech swerved but crashed.

Mr Zech died in hospital.

The German embassy was notified and was helping the family.

Mrs Zech was being supported by a travel manager, a group leader and the German insurance agency, and her family in Germany were making arrangements.

Police extend their thoughts and condolences to Mr Zech's family during this difficult time.