number of excellent local eateries nearby . Kel and Carolyn are happy to drop guests off and pick them up after dining , or even , as often occurs , join in for dinner .
RIDERS ’ REST RUAKAKA This has two bedrooms - The Nest which has a shared en-suite with the second bedroom called The Riders Room . However the Rider ’ s Room is never utilised simultaneously - except to individuals or groups who are travelling together . The Nest has a Super King bed , which converts to two King singles , so will accommodate two riders , or one couple . The Rider ’ s Room has a Queen bed and that room also doubles as the lounge / kitchen , and which contains a Kent fireplace . So whether a lone rider , a pair , three single riders , or two couples , there is a set up to fit . Kel and Carolyn are also expanding their offerings with another bedroom . For larger groups they have connected with a number of friends who live locally ( one being right next door ) where any overflow or extras can stay . This next door property has two lovely self-contained bedrooms , also with fantastic views , and it ’ s a mere stroll through the gate to meet up . Bikes are kept securely and they run a ‘ Riders Rest ’ ute , to drop riders off to their accommodation , or even a dinner venue .
RIDERS ’ REST TAUPO BAY There are a lot of options for numbers at Mike ’ s place in Taupo Bay . Two bedrooms with Kingsize beds , a bunk-room for six ( at a pinch ) and a further bunk-room for four . There are also accommodation places nearby in Taupo Bay ,
so larger groups can be accommodated . Mike is another hugely experienced and capable rider , who knows every inch of the North , and his set up fits the Riders ’ Rest mould perfectly . If you are looking at a Northland tour , these two locations should be starting and stopping points , number one , on every bikers list . Bookings for all Rider ’ s Rest locations are handled by Carolyn herself and her car ’ s numberplate ( Handle ) reflects her incredible ability to look after everything seemingly without effort . To fully utilise both Kel and Mike ’ s experience and local knowledge , and to make the most of each location for riding
purposes , riders should plan to stay at least 2 nights . Both places are ‘ local hubs ’ for riders to take day trips and to return to comfort ( without having to book accommodation ) at the end of the day . This is an original idea , totally focused on our needs as bikers . It matches riders with great rides , great destinations , great people , great local knowledge , with superb locations for rest at day ’ s end - and at a good price . Kel and Carolyn have carefully curated this experience , and it ’ s not overstating it to say that it ’ s an act of respect and love for the biking community . It ’ s a cliché that we arrive as strangers and part as friends , but my brief experience with Mike , Kel and Carolyn made me feel like family .
RIDERS ’ REST 230 Port Marsden Highway , Ruakaka , Te Tai Tokerau . 021 474 889 info @ ridersrest . co . nz
68 KIWI RIDER