Exploring the dirt tracks near Queenstown New Zealand Episode 7

[@bruceleong9534]

Absolutely breathtaking, what a fun ride. About 15 years ago my beautiful wife and our then 10 year old son toured the south island in an RV camper van for a couple of weeks. Dare I say, it wasn’t as adventurous as your ride on the Scram but it was one of the most memorable family holidays we ever had. We stayed in that very same campground that you stayed in ☺️

[@freewayproject]

That's it, any travel around the Island whether that be in an RV, van, car, motorcycle, bicycle or by foot would be amazing and something you'd remember for the rest of your life, New Zealand is that kind of country. That van park is great, so close to the centre of town but still quite.

[@russtaniawood4753]

Just spent 10 days in beautiful Queenstown with the family and, although it was winter, the bluebird days meant that i couldn't resist the chance to take a quad bike tour with my lad up through the hills and down to riverbeds, through small forests and of course up and down winding dirt tracks. I totally get it... living the (your) dream! Hmm.. perhaps I should trade the Interceptor for a Scram or Himalayan! I'm totally inspired to get out for a solo camping adventure. Thanks for such great ongoing content. 👍

[@freewayproject]

Gotta love those bluebird days, and ripping around on a quad bike would be a lot of fun, I bet you had a blast. Solo camping adventures are a lot of fun, especially if you just go explore and wing it a little you never know what you might find or where you might end up

[@freewayproject]

Thank you for the support. It is greatly appreciated and will go towards the next series.

[@russtaniawood4753]

​@freewayproject yeah I hate to over-plan!

[@roaming-aus]

My Friday is set. B&C to drink, chips to eat and Joe inspiring us all. If Royal Enfield don’t offer you a Brand Ambassador role they’re missing something. Thanks mate

[@freewayproject]

Sounds great mate, hope to inspires a few to get out there and explore. I am grateful Royal Enfield let me use one of there bikes, with out it I would not be able to do this trip.

[@kuntaldutta3740]

Amazing Aotearoa and amazing ride! Thoroughly enjoyed all the vlogs! Thanks Joe for making us happy and content for making this epic journey in this stunning country!

[@freewayproject]

You are welcome Kuntal, it great to hear you are enjoying the series. The new series should start this Friday and has a few mountains in it too.

[@samc.6639]

Awesome photos, amazing colouring

[@freewayproject]

it's a stunning place, really dry , I gather it look a lot different in spring.

[@mullins6429]

Hi Joe, fantastic video mate. Queenstown looks like a great place to visit. Really enjoyed your trip down the canyon road. I agree with another person who has commented, you must be getting close to being an RE ambassador yourself. What those bikes can do without any fuss at all is a constant source of amusement and amazement to me!! Keep up the great work 👍🇦🇺

[@freewayproject]

Yes Queenstown is one of those epic mountain town you find around the world, so much to do and explore. I am just grateful Royal Enfield let me use one of there bikes other wise I would not have been able to do this trip.

[@mullins6429]

@@freewayproject I think your followers would be glad RE provided the bike too. Well done RE!!

[@shawngreenwood7288]

Wow, that is awesome 👌. We don't have this kind of roads like New Zealand in Canada. My rides are in Northern Ontario Canada 🇨🇦. We have epic roads with awesome views but nothing like in this episode. Thanks for showing us this view from the best way to see the awesome New Zealand country side. 😀

[@freewayproject]

Great to hear you liked this episode Shawn, yes New Zealand just keeps getting better, so many amazing places to ride and explore.

[@wozmat9263]

Joe .. mate... Breathtaking absolutely. Guess what colour I am mate with envy lol. Cheers again Joe awesome video. 👍🍻

[@freewayproject]

Yes it an incredible area to ride. Great to hear you enjoyed it.

[@scottiebake]

This was another excellent video! Loving this series

[@freewayproject]

Thanks Scott, great to hear you are enjoying the series.

[@ryancampbell9006]

Joe, your videos are amazing. Great stories and stunning photography. It's awesome to see somebody's living the dream.

[@freewayproject]

Thanks mate, great to hear you are enjoying the series.

[@stuartgray3384]

Great tour guide👍

[@freewayproject]

It's great to hear you enjoyed the episode Stuart.

[@terrycavender]

Epic! That's some really sweet tracks! 👍Crossing on the ferry next week to Baja.

[@freewayproject]

yes it was a lot of fun to ride. Baja will be epic, have fun over there.

[@terrycavender]

@@freewayproject thanks, I think it will be. 👍

[@retiredwaterdoctor]

The long way round....or the long way down..., or is it the long way up.....I get them mixed up. 😁 Were the bike paths former rail beds.....that's what they did for a lot of ours, some open to atv and motorcycles. The side track.....as I get older, I get side tracked more often, but I do think of the here after a lot more.......I come into a room and think...what am I here after...😂😂....I'm on a role this am! Epic rides...I love that type of roads.....and if I could quote a well known traveler..."it is stunning". Can't wait to see the next one. Garth

[@freewayproject]

Great to hear you are enjoying the series Garth, yes these roads are awesome to explore.

[@Paul-zu7ll]

Man, envious springs to mind. What an epic, epic place to ride.... Really enjoying this series 👍

[@freewayproject]

Great to hear you are enjoying the series Paul. Nearly half way through so still more episodes to come.

[@markdawson5215]

Being a Scam 411 owner makes this NZ tour all the more fun to watch. Keep those feet dry!

[@freewayproject]

The bike is definitely getting the job done, every where I point the scram it rides through. Yes working on a solution for the next journey to keep feet a little dryer 😂

[@horsesoldier1]

Been so busy, I miss your amazing work! Thank you always for such beauty.

[@freewayproject]

Great to hear you enjoyed this episode, it was a fun canyon to explore.

[@larrykaminski3269]

Thanks! YES EPIC..WOW

[@freewayproject]

Thanks again for the continued support Larry and yes you are right, that Skippers Canyon Road is epic. We stopped so many times just to check each section out.

[@larrykaminski3269]

@@freewayproject go buy some better socks mate💪🏻

[@mickstape555]

Lived there for 20 years. Amazing what you take for granted when you bathe in that scenery every day. Nice to see it through fresh eyes.

[@freewayproject]

It is absolutely stunning everywhere around Queenstown, I am loving explore it, I am sure I'll have to come back as I ma barely scratching the surface.

[@AliM-jp8bg]

I need to go back to NZ - so many more tracks to experience. Another great episode. Thanks Joe

[@freewayproject]

I am already saying the same thing haha need to go back. I missed a lot of track and places to explore.

[@goldwing3982]

Another epic ride. Thanks Joe for sharing...

[@freewayproject]

thanks mate, great to hear you enjoyed it. That gorge is pretty special to ride through.

[@marksteele4364]

WOW....epic scenery .... how fortunate are you Joe. Nice

[@freewayproject]

It is a stunning place to explore, loving New Zealand.

[@deronfaurie2910]

What a great video! Cannot wait for the next one 😁😁

[@freewayproject]

Thanks mate, it's great to hear you enjoyed it.

[@Tina293-72]

Cold start to your morning, hope the socks were some what dry. Stunning River Views but you wouldn’t want to make an error with that drop off.

[@freewayproject]

The road looks more dangerous than it actually is. Well unless you rode like you stole it, then you may have issue.

[@bobdrakeford5731]

Your Motorcycle Adventure just keeps getting better in New Zealand. Very impressive Joe! How cool to have James as a personal guide from Royal Enfield, and sharing that fun on the same RE Scram. 👏👏😁

[@freewayproject]

Yes it was great that James had the time to show me a few places to explore. The whole area around Queenstown is stunning and I barely scratched the surface, there is so much more.

[@peakrider4886]

What a spectacular ride and the scenery is just…epic! If I lived in New Zealand I couldn’t have a job, I’d want to be out all day riding and exploring! Cheers Joe!

[@freewayproject]

haha, exactly, no idea how any works is done in Queenstown.

[@noelbowerman1562]

Breathtaking scenery around every corner.

[@freewayproject]

Yes absolutely stunning gorge.

[@jbgrant7250]

Just Awesome.Thanks Joe

[@freewayproject]

Great to know you enjoyed it JB

[@TruBluTraveler]

It’s the dirt road that gives me more riding satisfaction than the asphalt 💙

[@freewayproject]

Same here, there's more unknown and they are normally less traveled.

[@TwoWheelerSparky]

Trails like that beat the tarmac any day. Added bonus of those mountain ranges 👍

[@freewayproject]

Yes, dirt is always more fun to explore on.

[@itsallabouttheridekeepingi4449]

I wish I new about that gorge when I rode from Queenstown. Epic mate 👍

[@freewayproject]

Great to hear you enjoyed it. Yes it's definitely one to do, oh well you'll just have to go back as there were a bunch of other one's that are not that well known (which I didn't have time to explore).

[@robertmauter6493]

I love the off-roading Joe, what a great place to explore, beautiful country with spectacular views, thanks for sharing. Rob U.S.

[@freewayproject]

Yes getting off road suits me way better, more fun more things to explore.

[@777interesting]

Awesome, awesome, awesome, love Queenstown but never seen it like that before .... great stuff Joe .......

[@freewayproject]

That is the right word for Queenstown.

[@stephendavey7433]

That word again. Stunning

[@freewayproject]

haha yes I keep using that word, but New Zealand just keep delivery. hope you enjoyed it.

[@radadventure2606]

Stunning scenery and photography (as it always is in your videos!)

[@freewayproject]

Yes it is definitely a stunning area around Queenstown. Great to hear you enjoyed it.

[@nuttfarmgarage6434]

Stunning scenery! What a fantastic ride, thanks for sharing.👍

[@freewayproject]

It was an awesome ride, so many great places to explore, great to hear you enjoyed it.

[@neil2402]

Thanks for that. This was one of my (amateur photographer) father's favourite places. I remember going down there as a kid - my mother wasn't so happy with the trip! When I was there 22 years ago, cars were banned from the road and the only way down was on a bus. Its good that you're now allowed down there. Let me guess, paradise next week? Cheers,

[@freewayproject]

You are welcome Neil. It would have been an amazing place to see the first time as a kid. Close, Earnslaw.

[@thekushinator]

What an absolute stunning place mate.

[@freewayproject]

Totally agree, lots of stopping to take it all in on that ride.

[@NeilMarksChasingtheDog2024]

What a great way to slip into the weekend. Love the these adventures and NZ is spectacular.

[@freewayproject]

Great to hear you enjoyed it, New Zealand is an amazing place for an adventure.

[@KillickGreenieRN]

Nice one Joe. That ride looked fantastic. Cheers.

[@freewayproject]

Thanks mate, yes it was a great place to explore, like all of New Zealand it seem.

[@heinschwartz7941]

Stunning pics again Joe 😊

[@freewayproject]

Thanks Hein, always easier to get a decent photo when in places and stunning as this.

[@anosan17]

Hope to see new episode tomorrow!

[@freewayproject]

HI mate, the episode is now live

[@brettkirkpatrick8211]

Did a bike tour into skippers in February this year it was terrifying,you guys made it look easy,fabulous scenery fun place and lots of good kai

[@freewayproject]

It is a stunning place to ride that is for sure. hope you enjoyed the episode.

[@gorudun]

Great Mate.Salute to the scrams 411.

[@freewayproject]

Thanks mate, great to hear you are still enjoying the series. The scram is definitely getting the job done.

[@paulworthington6404]

awesome Joe, love the pics at the end of your vids..☺

[@freewayproject]

ThanksPaul, it's great to hear you are enjoying the series.

[@LeeJonesNPT]

I love Queenstown although only been in the summer and it looks a bit chilly this time of year, you need to get a Fergburger in Queenstown, it will fill you up all day !

[@freewayproject]

Queenstown is special, one of the great Mountain towns. I didn't get a Fergburger as I would still be waiting in line, they are very popular.

[@LeeJonesNPT]

I made that error first time second time did a phone order and collected from the side door😊

[@boris3085]

Good to see you in my back yard Joe. Trust you enjoyed yourself.

[@freewayproject]

You have an epic backyard. Yes definitely enjoying myself, it's so so good.

[@FelliniMotorcycle]

Terrific video, again. As I recall, on a couple of visits to the South Island, the car rental agreement explicitly stated no driving the rental car on Skippers Canyon Road. No wonder!

[@freewayproject]

Yes it would be tight squeeze in a vehicle, a lot more fun on a motorcycle.

[@coobye]

It looks cold there Joe. Still a beautiful country though.

[@freewayproject]

I only find it cold early morning, you could easily head off after 9am and would be perfect riding weather.

[@ChamnabRelaxingMuisc]

Thanks for video 🥰

[@freewayproject]

You're welcome, great to hear you liked it, nearly half way through the series now so more to come.

[@clintstallone]

Awesome Joe

[@freewayproject]

Thanks Clint, it is an awesome place to explore.

[@gasdive]

When I was there last the insurance cover specifically excluded skippers canyon! I think I see why.

[@gasdive]

PS, I stayed at the same van park!

[@freewayproject]

I was lucky then that Royal Enfield lent me the bike and said go explore. The Van Park is in a good location.

[@pippacarron1861]

Fabulous!

[@freewayproject]

thanks Pippa, it is definitely an amazing part of the world.

[@Bugonabike314]

Brilliant. Thanks Joe. Love that old 100m high bridge. What month were you there, I’m looking at the snow on the peaks? Cheers Annie

[@freewayproject]

Told you it was a good one haha. I was there in April.

[@ralfmatters448]

Nice tribute to Royal Enfield Joe. Hard to imagine a more picturesque background to the mighty Scram 411. I hope you get to warm up soon?

[@freewayproject]

Yes it is a stunning gorge and a fun track running beside it. I am slowly making my way north so it should warm up.

[@The.Accountant.11]

"Wet Socks are Your enemy, arch rival & dry wind is the arch rival of Wet socks" -- Dr.DanggoRides!!

[@freewayproject]

that they are.

[@The.Accountant.11]

@@freewayproject 😂

[@ScruffyNomad]

YOU’RE the R.E. Ambassador, Joe! 🎉

[@freewayproject]

Oh i am just grateful Royal Enfield lent me the bike to be able to explore this amazing country.

[@wawahweewah]

Did that skippers road in a mini van with rafts on the back. Was so freaking scary-to squeeze through some points they only had 3 wheels on the road. Was years ago, gotta take the bike over there

[@freewayproject]

haha wow that would definitely be scary, on two wheels it is a lot of fun, not scary at all, definitely worth doing.

[@wawahweewah]

@@freewayproject haha, looked mint mate 👌🏼 Another great episode🥝

[@kurt9055]

That Skippers road is just scary

[@freewayproject]

It is actually not as scary as it looks, when riding I never felt unsafe on the track, we weren't going fast at all, especially with so many blind corners on just a single lane.

[@kurt9055]

@@freewayproject on a bike it would be fun although diving a 4x4 ute it is scary

[@freewayproject]

@@kurt9055 oh yer that is different, it would be in a large vehicle

[@nexusdestiny4171]

Absolutely loving this series, especially as a Himalayan owner myself. Timing is perfect as I'll be on my way to NZ later this year. What month was this filmed in?

[@freewayproject]

Great to hear you are enjoying the series mate. I road in March and April this year.

[@frankseymour4162]

Very beautiful. Is this video the first time some else has had a talking part besides yourself in a video? I am getting old and can't recall that happening before. At least New Zealand should have good tinned fish for dinner.

[@freewayproject]

It is a stunning area that's for sure. Yes I don't get to hang out with many people on these trip, I think the only other one was Dave the Craftsman when on the east coast of Australia. Yes the fish is excellent.

[@nathanbates1260]

Love this

[@freewayproject]

Great to hear you enjoyed it Nathan.

[@adamfraser4706]

thank you

[@freewayproject]

I hope you enjoyed it Adam, nearly halfway through the series.

[@Ankit._Sharma]

Sir, big fan from India 🇮🇳 …your videos are amazing…

[@freewayproject]

thanks mate, it's great to hear you are enjoying the series. Hopefully I can come to India in the future and explore there, I have heard it is amazing especially in the mountains

[@Ankit._Sharma]

@@freewayproject it is Amazing…be it it the coastal roads or the mountains..Hopefully, if I am lucky enough I’d love to ride with you here in India.

[@rosstisbury1626]

you will meet tourist buses on the road . . . and tourists in rentals, it gets tight but worth the ride or drive.

[@freewayproject]

It seems we were lucky then as we only meet a couple other guys on motorbikes on the road. Yes was a great tack to ride.

[@ExploreWithHafeez]

superrrr

[@freewayproject]

Thanks mate, great to hear you enjoyed it.

[@laggmonkei]

Might be an idea to warn people about skippers road, it's on the worlds mot dangerous roads list and not something you should do without a guide. The locals drive really fast there and if you don't position yourself properly in the corners then it's really scary. Also if you're using a rental vehicle then all warranty is void if you drive there.

[@freewayproject]

Thanks for the information mate. Luckily I had a local guide.

[@RowanBlundell]

Thanks Joe

[@freewayproject]

Hope you enjoyed that one, that track is a lot of fun and quite easy, definitely one to try.

[@KaabermaBoss]

Epic

[@freewayproject]

Great to hear you are enjoying the series.

[@andrewdouglas1737]

Hi Joe, I've been watching your videos in Oz and have just started watching your NZ Adventures. Mate, how does the scram hold up to the travels. Thinking of getting one of my own.

[@freewayproject]

Hi mate, I'll do a review of the scram at the end of the series, but if you watch the series and see what I have put it through it is quite capable, if that is the sort or terrain you want to ride, it is better handling in the tight twisty corners on the tarmac than the Himalayan due to the 19inch front wheel, so if you going to use it on road more with a bit of off road it will definitely do the job. I put 7000km on the bike and had no issues. The seat is more comfortable than my Himalayan. I hope that helps

[@commonsense592]

👍

[@freewayproject]

Hope you enjoyed it.

[@piyush.p]

Hi, Can you please upload a video on huow to shoot as a solo biker🙏. Your shots are amazing, please help us!!

[@freewayproject]

Great to hear you are enjoying the series. I'll see what I can do once the series is over.

[@notsorare]

Lots of other tracks in skippers to explore Is the suspension on the REs so stiff that you have to stand on the pegs all the time on gravel ?

[@freewayproject]

Yes James did mention there were a lot of tracks around there, but I thought I'd start with the basic one. No the suspension isn't that stiff on the Scram's. it is easier to control a bike on dirt standing up so we try to be on the pegs most of the time.

[@trevorthorn5011]

Hi when did you swap from the Himalayan to the scram can you do a video and let us know what you prefer between the two bikes

[@freewayproject]

Hi Trevor, I explained how I ended up on a Scram in the first episode of the New Zealand series, basically I looked at shipping my Himalayan but I could not afford it, I then looked at renting a bike in New Zealand so I contacted Royal Enfield (Australia / New Zealand) to see if they knew anyone who rented Himalayans, They replied that they had a bike sitting in New Zealand that I could use if I liked, I couldn't refuse an offer like that and was very grateful that RE lent me a bike as I found out that I would not have been able to afford to rent a bike for the time I needed it. So the bike they lent me was the Scram 411 and yes I will do a review on it at the end of the series.

[@trevorthorn5011]

Thanks for letting your reply I watch a lot of KZbin and can’t keep up with everything 😂 I think the scram is a better bike 🏍 That’s just me personal opinion

[@houcinezarwal6797]

howay man, another day another adv

[@freewayproject]

New Zealand is definitely that, everyday is an adventure

[@benjohnson7170]

Choice.

[@freewayproject]

Glad you liked it

[@JackHumphrey]

I've been out of the loop for awhile, are you on a Scambler now?

[@JackHumphrey]

I should've waited to get a better look. So why the switch? I couldn't find a vid on your page that looked like the "I got a new bike!" video. 😁

[@freewayproject]

HI Jack, the information about why the bike is in the first episode of the New Zealand series, but basically I looked at shipping my bike over to NZ but I could not afford it, then I started looking around to see if I could rent a bike. I contacted Royal Enfield (Australia / New Zealand) to see if they knew anyone who rented Himalayan's, there reply was, we have a bike sitting in New Zealand if you want to use it, so an offer I could not refuse as I did find out the cost of renting bikes and I would not have been able to afford it. So very grateful that RE lent me a bike to do this trip.

[@JackHumphrey]

@freewayproject Ah, great! Will love hearing your thoughts on it if you choose to do a vid on it.

[@meganwhite1680]

Wondering how easy it is to get insurance on a bike while one NZ being Australian?

[@freewayproject]

Sorry I can not help you with that one, as mentioned in the first episode Royal Enfield lent me the bike while over there.

[@aaronlampe340]

NZ is really turning it ON!

[@freewayproject]

Yes it is, there are so many places to explore that are stunning.

[@Scooter1964NZ]

Queenstown is Tassie much nicer to stay at. 😂

[@freewayproject]

They do have similarities, well beside the prices of property 😂

[@richarddevaottien7724]

Hope you have comprehensive medical cover for riding on loose surfaces with a bike. A car is infinitely less likely to cripple you😮

[@freewayproject]

no, no insurance.

[@davidcaesar1913]

Joe, love the adventure footage but i think you would well to find a better historian.

[@freewayproject]

It's great to hear you are enjoying the series. Apologies for any historical errors.

[@2631Fred]

Sadly, I can't do those trips anymore due to my osteoarthritis. My new 2024 model Kawi 1000SX is coming in 3 weeks. That's the best I can do now. I am a Jaffer but boy, is the South Island beautiful!!!! I lived in CHCH till the earthquake, then in Blenheim and moved to horrible, miserable AKL. My next big road tour starts on Mon 18th November 2024 to Milford Sounds via Picton, Blenheim, Nelson, Westport, Queenstown. Have fun Kiwis. .....LIFE IS A JOURNEY, ENJOY THE RIDE.

[@freewayproject]

New bike day coming that is epic. your trip coming up sound awesome, so many stunning areas, have fun out there. I hope you enjoy the rest of the series.