Riders ’ Rest

Rambles to Ruakākā & beyond ...

Carolyn and Kel Rood designed their house in 2020 to provide original tailored accommodation for motorcyclists on an adventure . And helping with that adventure . Kel , an experienced boatmaster who helms the Whangarei harbour tugboat , has been a rider for 50 years and is an avowed gravel junkie ; loves the stuff , can ’ t get enough of it , and he has had a wealth of two-wheeled adventures throughout the length of New Zealand and internationally - encompassing Asia , navigating an Africa Twin to Alaska , and two-up through the South of France . Carolyn , comparatively new to riding , prefers pillion , especially on their beloved Moto Guzzi V85TT , and these days it ’ s Carolyn who ’ s the one likely to suggest going riding . She too is gravel road nut . A rare , but very happy combination . The idea for Riders ’ Rest came during an adventure in the South of France , when they often toured simply from point to point recommended by their hosts each night . Since building the ‘ Rest ’, they have taken this theme and further developed the idea of motorbike-friendly accommodation throughout the length of the country . Carolyn admits finding the right people is the most important step , and their plans are well advanced . So what is Riders ’ Rest ? In simple terms it is bike and rider-friendly accommodation delivered to a high standard , but at affordable prices in dream locations , with great facilities , and a vast knowledge of roads and secret byways that only locals know and share with good friends . They have recently teamed up with Mike Hood , owner of Dream Cycles , a fellow rider and like-minded thinker , and he too shares his skills and his home facilities . He owns a Riders ’ Rest right on the beach in gorgeous Taupo Bay in the far north , and they have plans to add other locations throughout New Zealand . Providing suppliers can come up to their standard of delivery , and are sufficiently motorcycle focused .