Incredible motorcycle track, river crossings, rock gardens, ruts, mind-blowing scenery Episode 4

I venture up a dirt track beside Lake Tekapo at the foot hills of the Southern Alps on the South Island of New Zealand, to find an other worldly valley. With river crossings, rutted out tracks, riding over rock gardens, the journey there was itself incredible. Some of the most breathtaking scenery I have ever seen and getting there on a Scram 411 Royal Enfield.
Prints available at www.joeryan.store

[@JamesNZ1000]

Absolutely fantastic! I'm NZ born and bred and take it all for granted. It's awesome seeing others like yourself appreciate it! Keep the videos coming! 👍

[@freewayproject]

Thanks mate, great to hear you are enjoying the series. Ride through these valley and rivers I keep thinking is this place real.

[@unhippy1]

You know your too used to the views when townies or tourists are all "wow its beautiful" and your just looking at the sky going 'its going to shit itself'

[@KDSADV650]

The quality of your videos blows me away every time.

[@freewayproject]

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

[@user-vz8gf6le3b]

That constant smile and obvious joy on your face Joe says it all. What a beautiful country and brilliantly presented video. Providing us with the inspiration to explore New Zealand. 👍🏻

[@freewayproject]

yes you noticed that hey, yer couldn't get it off my face. If you ever get a chance it definitely worth the effort, it's amazing.

[@davidcrute3423]

You’re just an inspiration!

[@freewayproject]

Thanks mate, I hope you are enjoyed, it an amazing place to ride and explore.

[@CraigFenton181]

Amazing country. I just did Lake Tekapo by car. Would love to do it by bike. Love your videos.

[@freewayproject]

Thanks mate, great to hear you enjoyed it. Definitely worth doing on a bike.

[@ianchestercruz-id6if]

Hands Down! this is one of the great motovlog channels in this platform.

[@freewayproject]

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

[@theroadcrow]

Brutal!!! Another great one as usual. Stay safe ✌️🙂

[@freewayproject]

Thanks mate, great to hear you enjoy it.

[@stevoc8806]

Incredible mate. Simply stunning scenery and riding. ❤

[@freewayproject]

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

[@goldwing3982]

Great rode Joe, thanks.....

[@freewayproject]

Thanks mate, great to hear you enjoyed it.

[@WishdomStory]

Beautiful ride Joe. Fantastic scenary.

[@freewayproject]

Thanks mate, great to hear you are enjoying the series. It was a really fun track and an amazing place to do it in.

[@doddlifephotography]

I'm one minute in and find myself hitting the like button. You capture and describe it all perfectly, thank you.

[@freewayproject]

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

[@docholliday2364]

What a special place Joe . Another fantastic video cheers fella 👍

[@freewayproject]

Thanks mate, great to hear you enjoyed it, yes an awesome track in an amazing location.

[@KillickGreenieRN]

Thanks Joe, another great video. cheers

[@freewayproject]

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

[@jeg569]

Great video and stunning colours.

[@freewayproject]

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

[@peakrider4886]

Thanks Joe. Another stunning episode. It just keeps getting better and better, and I get the feeling it’s only going to become more epic as you go along! Great to see the channel growing too, last week I’m sure you were at about 11.8k subs, and now up a thousand or so, it’s a hidden gem and I have mentioned you in comments on other channels. Man, I love Friday’s! End of the working week, and your video is there first thing when I get up.

[@freewayproject]

Thanks mate, yes the track was a lot of fun, the sense of exploring as I had not idea what it was like or what was around the corner, or how deep those river crossings were going to be. Then the scenery...... mind-blowing, I stopped few times thinking is this place real. Great to hear you are enjoying the series.

[@uzealus]

Mates actually living the dream. Good onya!

[@freewayproject]

It is a lot of fun, I stopped at some spots looked around and was thinking is this real.

[@horsesoldier1]

I love your videos! ❤ I smile the whole way😊

[@freewayproject]

Thanks Indi.

[@FatBoy_Jim]

Another brilliant video Joe. A constant source of inspiration to get out there more on mine!

[@freewayproject]

Thank you, your support is greatly appreciated and will go towards the next series. Great to hear you are enjoying the series and that you are getting out there to explore.

[@wozmat9263]

Wow mate just wow. That scenery is absolutely beautiful. Like old mate mentioned before. NZ is definitely on my bucket list too. Cheers Joe for capturing all those moments mate. Like you mentioned Joe. NZ turning up it's amazing countyside. And those rivers once full of water would have to be huge.So looking forward to your next video mate. Cheers 👍👍🍻

[@freewayproject]

Thanks mate, great to hear you are enjoying the series. A rough guess is there will be another 12 episode so a lot more to explore.

[@wozmat9263]

Awesome Joe.

[@seandutoit9537]

Aagh Joe, splendid as always. Just catching up now

[@freewayproject]

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

[@paulocarreiro5855]

Hi Joe! Just found your channel. As best as I can judge, these last videos on NZ are extremely well produced. And your smile is infectious 🙂 Thanks very much for sharing them with us.

[@freewayproject]

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

[@coobye]

Stunning as usual Joe. The photography at the end is outstanding. I've heard it's hard to find free camping in NZ.

[@freewayproject]

Thanks mate, great to hear you are still enjoying the series. I think New Zealand make it a lot easier to take a decent photo. Yes for a tent it requires a bit more searching.

[@ladytradiej8027]

New Zealand! Magnificent. Great video, thanks. If you go to Queenstown I'll definitely buy a print. 😊

[@freewayproject]

Thanks, great to hear you are still enjoying the series. There are still rough 12 more episodes to come, so lots more tracks and places to explore.

[@grantwtk]

Thank you for the mention about friendly nature of farmers since I am one in Canada. It resonates.. Another thing is the ducks & geese in New Zealand sound exactly the same as Canada. Listening to them it sounds the same as where I live in the countryside. Thanks for video Joe.

[@freewayproject]

I have traveled a lot around the world and never come across a farmer that wasn't soul to the earth, go out of there way to leaned a had, just really good people. I am definitely feeling Canadian vibes as I ride around New Zealand, so much is similar.

[@bobdrakeford5731]

Joe, I've never seen landscape like that. Awesome! New Zealand can put on a show. You capture that! 👏 I so much enjoy your videos. I hope that wind didn't blow you away or those birds misbehave! 👍😁

[@freewayproject]

Thanks mate, great to hear you are enjoying the series. Many times on the ride I was like is this place even real, I did survive the wind but there were a lot less birds in the morning. 😳

[@nuttfarmgarage6434]

Fantastic 👍😁

[@freewayproject]

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

[@frankseymour4162]

Thanks

[@freewayproject]

thank you for your continued support Frank it is greatly appreciated, and will go towards the next joinery (hopefully some even larger mountains). I hope you are enjoying the series, there will probably be another 12 episodes.

[@frankseymour4162]

@@freewayproject Absolutely loving the series. I bought your one tree photo from your website and I think photos from this trip will be even better. The ones from this episode are brilliant. You are, very very talented. Take care.

[@freewayproject]

@@frankseymour4162 Thank you again, it's great to hear you are enjoying this series, there are probably still 12 episodes to go.

[@marksteele4364]

Another great Vlog Joe and the stills and drone footage are awesome. So bloody envious ......Keep those posts coming. Cheers

[@freewayproject]

Thanks Mark, great to hear you are enjoying the series. If you get a chance go, so so so good.

[@OnTheOfftrack]

7:50 I can confirm, those crossings can get a lot deeper - it'd take a hell of a lot of rain the flood out the whole braided river floodplain though

[@freewayproject]

That would be awesome to see, luckily I went when I did then, as my skill level wouldn't have been able to deal with much deeper.

[@OnTheOfftrack]

@@freewayproject It was fun in a very stressful way, we went through after about two days of very heavy rain in April last year and almost drowned two 4x4s without snorkels. Looking back I probably wouldn't have driven it in those conditions without better preparation (see the lack of snorkel), and especially in unfamiliar terrain.

[@adventureswithham2223]

Crikey Joe !! Get some decent boots mate! ❤ the series

[@freewayproject]

yes I'll have to save up for some higher ones, the ones i have a water proof but I keep going in water too deep for them, all part of the fun and only a small price to pay for the fun of riding through the water.

[@banyantree8618]

If you liked the island in a lake…wait till you get further south to the “island on a lake on an island on a lake on an island on a lake”…..won’t spoil the location for you. The turquoise blue lakes are due to glacier run off - particulates are so fine they’re suspended in the water and interact with sunlight to offer beautiful colours all year long.

[@freewayproject]

Thanks mate, I'll keep an eye out for it. yes those colour are stunning and it cool that they are different depending on how many particulates and the variations. I hope you are enjoying the series.

[@garystoddart2647]

Cracking photos mate. Keep safe

[@freewayproject]

Thanks mate, hope you enjoyed it.

[@bruceleong9534]

I didn’t think your videos could possibly get any better Joe. I was wrong 👏🏽

[@freewayproject]

I think it is more that New Zealand got better 😂. I actually stopped a few times on this track, looked up, then thought is this real, mind-blowing, and the track was super fun

[@bruceleong9534]

You’re right, NZ is truly beautiful. But your videos and photos so splendidly convey that beauty. And your commentary is just the right amount of ‘natural and understated’ that it somehow makes the images look even better!

[@MarkHolyoak]

Great work Joe, 'stumbled' across your content and really enjoying it

[@freewayproject]

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

[@larrykaminski3269]

Thanks!

[@freewayproject]

Thanks as always Larry, that was definitely a fun one. I found my self stopping a few times, then look around and thinking is this real.... felt like I was on a movie set.

[@wolner.b]

Your videos are incredible! Regarding bridges in the southern hemisphere, here in Brazil we have a 13 km bridge between the cities of Rio and Niteroi. It's just a curiosity. A big hug from Brazil.

[@freewayproject]

Thanks mate, great to hear you are enjoying the series. I was told the information about the bridges by 2 New Zealanders who were very proud of the fact, I did search for information to back it up which said the same thing, but have since seen that yes Brazil has a longer one (and of course is in the southern hemisphere) So my apologies for getting that one wrong. I have been very fortunate to visit Brazil Florianopolis and Rio, love the place, it would be awesome to explore the country on a motorbike. Thanks for you're support.

[@simonmills2375]

Good on yer Mate. Oustanding riding and thanks soo much for showing us around. Fantastic scenery and stunning photography. Thank you

[@freewayproject]

Thanks Simon, great to hear you are enjoying the series, Yes the scenery is mind-blowing, I kept stopping looking up and thinking is this place real.

[@thekushinator]

What an adventure Joe. Mesmerising. I was afraid to watch this series of yours. Cause I knew I like it so much that it’ll end up on my bucket list. I wasn’t wrong. But I’m glad I’m tuned in.

[@freewayproject]

It is definitely worth going, it is amazing riding and exploring and I know I am missing so many other tracks and places to explore. I kept stopping on this track and thinking is this place real.

[@thekushinator]

@@freewayproject I had a similar experience riding in a river bed surrounded by mountains in Ladakh. Your video took me right back there. Loved every bit of it Joe.

[@freewayproject]

@@thekushinator that would be an epic place to right, hopefully I'll get to experience that one day, much bigger mountains.

[@Keith-fp6zd]

Hi Joe great video, with regards to the wet gloves, I use silk inner gloves, thin enough not to feel bulky, regular gloves just slide on when wet. we have a lot of rain here in south wales (the old one) when riding for blood bikes we remove and replace gloves quite a bit. Keep the videos coming, all the best Keith.

[@freewayproject]

Thanks for the tip Keith, I'll have a look into it

[@wjcferguson]

Beautiful on many levels. Whoever at RE said "we should just give him a bike" should be very pleased with their epic bargain. You're a perfect match with the 411s. We all win from that deal but RE are making out like bandits 😄. If only wet weather gear manufacturers could get you some stuff, but I assume we're not seeing this real-time enough.

[@freewayproject]

I am grateful that RE let me borrow the bike otherwise I would still be sitting at home and not getting to experience this amazing country. Yes it takes me a bit to edit each episode so this is form a few weeks ago. I hope you are enjoying the series.

[@wjcferguson]

@@freewayproject loving it - I know I have a treat waiting when a new one appears.

[@neil2402]

Another great episode! Love those braided glacial rivers. The wide angle lenses don't really show size of the mountains. A pity that you didn't see the really high mountains, but looks like the weather was closing in. Thanks again...

[@freewayproject]

Thanks Neil, great to hear you are enjoying the series. yes this rivers are incredible. Yes it is so different with my own eyes rather than the wide angle lens from the bike, it flattens all the mountains down. But I still have plenty of time to explore a lot more mountains. I will head back up the west coast.

[@gregory8282]

Cool trip! The Royal Endfield just keeps doing what it is meant to do...

[@freewayproject]

thanks mate, yes the Scram 411 is getting the job done, no issue, it been great.

[@mamotorcycle]

Just found your channel. Glad i did. Absolutely amazing video. New subscriber - aspire to make content at least a fraction of this. Truly great job.

[@freewayproject]

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

[@smallred40]

That was awesome Joe, tackling like a pro. You didn't get to overwhelmed, and your voice comments perfect. The video and photography afterwards was exceptional.

[@freewayproject]

Thanks mate, great to hear you are enjoying the series. That trail wasn't too difficult, just a lot of fun. It look like another step up if I kept going further, water crossing were deeper with a lot larger rocks and the ground was getting a lost looser, not sure but I might want something more like a dirt bike to tackle that end.

[@khaledashraf5935]

Another wonderful episode! Glad to see the smile on your face.

[@freewayproject]

Thanks mate, great to hear you are enjoying the series. Yes you noticed that did you, I couldn't seem to get it off my face.

[@pippacarron1861]

Your photos at the end and the drone photography at 16.05 were just sensational. Epic episode!

[@freewayproject]

Thanks Pippa, great to hear you like them and are still enjoying the series.

[@Jamie-zt2gz]

Ok now New Zealand is on my bucket list. Absolutely AWESOME thanks for sharing this journey.

[@freewayproject]

Do it, so so good, and this is only the start. I know I am riding past a heap of other great tracks and trails, there is just so much here.

[@darcyh2889]

Like a kid in a candy shop.. My first time to NZ I fell in love with the place. If Winters in the South were less extreme, I'd live there. 😂

[@freewayproject]

Yes I did get a little bit excited haha. just an incredible place.

[@mullins6429]

Hi Joe, beautiful video mate. That scenery is so spectacular. Thanks for sharing once again. 👍🇦🇺

[@freewayproject]

Thanks mate, yes it is spectacular, there were lots of moments I was think is this real.

[@ashhash8973]

Made me tear up for some reason. Love your vids. Scram 411 is so beautiful. Can't wait for the next ep. U r amazing Joe 😊

[@freewayproject]

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

[@AlexTikonoff]

Are you keeping Queenstown and Wanaka for the dessert? 😂 Wanaka, Mt. Aspiring park will completely blow you away 😊

[@freewayproject]

Well I am guessing there will be around 12 more episode so still a lot to explore. I hope you are enjoying the series.

[@AlexTikonoff]

Oh, I do! Have a safe trip!

[@robdotcom71]

I can see why Peter Jackson wanted to film Lord of the Rings there... such spectacular landscapes. Thanks for sharing Joe. :)

[@freewayproject]

yes, I have been riding around going this doesn't seem real, it feels like a movie set. It is an incredible place to ride and explore.

[@kevinposey4722]

Another brilliant video Mr. Joe! Thank you sir. I watch a lot of motorcycle vids, and yours are the best .. and the only one that my wife makes sure she gets to watch with me. Cheers!

[@freewayproject]

Thanks mate, great to hear you and your wife are enjoying the series. New Zealand is a special place and making the videos look good haha.

[@itsallabouttheridekeepingi4449]

I rode to Lake Ticka “ something “😂😂🤔. NZ is amazing, the mountains and rivers , you have me going to do a dedicated off NZ trip . Great 👍vid mate , “ a Aussie female utubers that rides off road is doing the same thing as you right now , she is also in the South Island.

[@freewayproject]

Yes my pronunciation isn't great at the best of time 😬😳 😂. Exploring New Zealand is mind-blowing. Definitely worth doing a trip hear and exploring, you'll love it and I know I am missing so many good tracks and places to explore, I think I'll be doing a second trip some time in the future.

[@paulwingrove7105]

Great video, some serious headshake in the river crossings! Great going on the scram.

[@freewayproject]

Thanks mate, great to hear you enjoyed it. There were some rather large rocks under the water to bounce off. The bike had no issues.

[@paularand947]

Great stuff Joe, covering some miles now. If you're interested, May/June issue of NZ bike rider has a review on the bike you're riding. Was tested in your neck of the woods. Seems like a pretty impressive machine.

[@freewayproject]

Thanks mate, yes I am getting the feel of the bike now.

[@gasdive]

Arghh, missed out on a pie from Fairlie Pies! Next time eh

[@freewayproject]

haha yes a few people have said that, I was about 50m away from it. So definitely have to come back for another trip

[@goldenstardust]

Nailed it again, nothing not to like!👍⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[@freewayproject]

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

[@pippacarron1861]

Just an idea, next Aussie summer, maybe you could put together an off-road photography course where people who were into both dirt-road riding and photography could learn from you. Maybe all-wheel drive dirt roads so people with heavier bikes (thinking BMW GS) could come too. I'd certainly be keen.

[@freewayproject]

Thanks for the idea Pippa, I'll have a think about it see if I could make something like that work.

[@chrisduffy8018]

Stunning scenery and beautifully filmed. Looks like a brilliant trip.

[@freewayproject]

Thanks mate, great to hear you enjoyed the episode, It was an awesome track in an amazing location.

[@mikemoran3348]

Followed you in oz. Really in enjoying you in nz Seeing my country from others eyes awesome work

[@freewayproject]

Thanks Mike, great to hear you are enjoying the series and thanks for the continued support.

[@jeremycox8261]

That’s your new nickname. Kelpie Joe! FWIW this reminds me of Nepal, smaller hills of course. Maybe RE will send you on a real adventure soon.

[@freewayproject]

I am looking in that direction for the next trip.

[@darcyh2889]

The scenery. Your enthusiasm.. What else can I say. Just awesome 👌.

[@freewayproject]

haha yes I was a little excited, I literally stopped a few times looked up and thought is this real, it was like being on a movie set. And the trail was so much fun.

[@sanatandharma4435]

Bloody brilliant Joe! Great riding and scenery! Thank you!

[@freewayproject]

Thanks mate, great to hear you are enjoying the series. Yes the trail was super fun and that scenery.... I actually stopped a couple times, looked up and thought is this real?

[@gorudun]

Another great breathaking episode mate and salute the scram 411 durabability.

[@freewayproject]

Thanks mate, great to hear you are enjoying the series.Yes the Scram is getting the job done and no issues.

[@jbgrant7250]

Hi Joe, I always appreciate your research on places of interest. Just stunning. How many river crossings in one day 😀

[@freewayproject]

Yes they kept coming one after another, I could have done more at the far end if I had more time. So much fun though.

[@tothebackofbeyond]

Amazing! We going to be in NZ next year, cannot wait!

[@freewayproject]

Thanks mate, it is an amazing place, you'll have a ball, it's sooooo good.

[@DavidGibson-se1ev]

Some good tracks and river crossings Joe and beautiful shots of the valleys well done It must take some time to ride and film the way you do, it’s a credit to you and we get to share the journey magic work Thanks Dave

[@freewayproject]

Thanks Dave, yes it was an awesome track to ride a lot of fun and in an incredible location. Yes they are all day rides but all worth it to get to explore.

[@siddixon-oj4zi]

Being someone who lives in the South Island and rides or drives these areas, I am loving your motovlog. Sorry to say regarding camping, we have had a lot of trouble in the past with careless freedom campers littering and deficating, hence the reason for not many free camp sites unless in a motorhome or caravan.

[@freewayproject]

Thanks mate, great to hear you are enjoying the series. It is always the way the actions of a few screw it up for the rest.

[@chrisduffy8018]

Absolutely stunning scenery. Amazing video as always!

[@freewayproject]

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

[@adamclarke1105]

Thank you for sharing your Adventures Joe.

[@freewayproject]

You are welcome Adam, I hope you are enjoying the series.

[@NeilMarksChasingtheDog2024]

Wow NZ is such different riding than OZ. Happy Travels.

[@freewayproject]

Yes it is different but a lot of fun and the scenery is mind-blowing.

[@Bugonabike314]

Hi Joe. Nice to see you’re still into your bridges!!! Superbe. Thanks heaps. Annie

[@freewayproject]

Love a good bridge, my information was slightly wrong on that one, I was told by New Zealanders that was the longest bridge in the Southern Hemisphere I did a search and found out the same information, but apparently there is a longer one in Brazil. But in a few more episodes there is a magic bridge coming up, watch out for it, it will be obvious.

[@Freewheeling6060]

Keep up the great videos and your awesome adventures.

[@freewayproject]

Thanks mate, I'm having a lot of fun, hope you are enjoying it,.

[@robjones2852]

Rather a lot of folks are suggesting that these videos are getting better and better...I guess there must be a reason.

[@freewayproject]

Thanks Rob, I am getting a bit better at it and well I think New Zealand is the real reason, it is an amazing place to explore.

[@RowanBlundell]

Good stuff Joe. Need to come back again for the Fairlie Pie shop…

[@freewayproject]

So much I miss every day, it looks like i was only 50m away from it when I stoped at the Four Square shop.

[@RowanBlundell]

Yep thats it… some one recommended the Salmon and Bacon. Lovely photos again. The blue of the rivers and canals is amazing eh.

[@freewayproject]

@@RowanBlundell yes, when I ride out the next morning the light was right, I think I even comment on it, you guys commented on oh blue it was and I remember when I saw it I was like yep they were right that is insane.

[@andrewbayley1689]

BONZA MATE! Lovely work. Great drone footage and pics at end are excellent

[@freewayproject]

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

[@robertmauter6493]

Joe, a real land of enchantments, do you find it hard to leave great camp sites or are you like the rest of us, got to keep moving and get onto the next, over the next hill or around the next curve, anyway seeing what your thoughts were, you might be on a time table to that’s why u have to keep moving. Take care Joe, look forward to what’s next as always. Rob

[@freewayproject]

It definitely is the land of enchantment. Not so bad at leaving the campsite more leaving that tracks, In that one there was more trail if I continued up (even though the river crossings looked deeper again) into the valley and I have past a lot of side tracks the would be great to explore.

[@CletusAOR]

Awesome Joe. I have Nepal booked for next year, so its gonna be NZ 2026 :)

[@freewayproject]

wow Nepal wound be amazing, I can tell you NZ is so so so good, so many different places to explore, fun tracks and well mind-blowing scenery.

[@CletusAOR]

@@freewayproject been to NZ a bit, mostly mountain biking

[@freewayproject]

@@CletusAOR yes I saw some epic trails, I'll have to bring my MTB on another trip.

[@CletusAOR]

@@freewayproject Queenstown in the sth, Rotorua in the nth :)

[@paulworthington6404]

Awesome vid mate.. 👌

[@freewayproject]

Thanks Paul, great to hear you enjoyed it.

[@commonsense592]

👍

[@freewayproject]

Thanks mate.

[@roblange1445]

When ya come back get in touch with Adventure Riders NZ. Plenty of folk on there be keen to help out with rides etc

[@freewayproject]

Thanks for the information Rob, I definitely will.

[@petechadwick6261]

Love it!! Keep on keeping on! Yeah baby!

[@freewayproject]

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

[@SubieSpecs]

Aw, didn't stop for a fairlie bake house pie? What a shame, they're top notch.

[@freewayproject]

someone else said that, I am disappointed now I missed it, I gather I am missing a lot of great places, I guess that means I'll have to do another trip around NZ haha, sign me up.

[@SubieSpecs]

Oh no, such a tragedy to have to come back! Thankfully there’s still plenty more to do and see in the region. Lots of cool group rides happen throughout the year in the gravel back country too, if you were ever keen for that too.

[@freewayproject]

@@SubieSpecs Yes definitely a tragedy to have to come back 😂

[@radadventure2606]

Wow, Joe,! Awesome photography! That Himi seems to do the job! Great tracks. Have to go!

[@freewayproject]

Thanks mate, yes it's a lot easier to get a decent photo with scenery like this. The Scram 411 has surprised me even with the 19 inch front wheel. This track was so much fun.

[@wawahweewah]

That was awesome, so cool to get home from work and see this pop. Your really bloody talent, hope you get tonne of views on this nz trip. Beautiful photos too…when did you visit?

[@freewayproject]

Thanks mate, great to hear you are enjoying the series. I was there in April.

[@wawahweewah]

@@freewayproject apologies for the average April weather 😂😂 Next episode Dunedin, my home👏👏

[@freewayproject]

@@wawahweewah oh the weather it not really that bad, it's only been shower, not heavy down pours for days..

[@3goldfinger]

Hope you return the bike in one piece. Nice riding.

[@freewayproject]

So far so good, the bike is doing well.

[@ralfmatters448]

Epic landscape. If in doubt, left it out!

[@freewayproject]

I stop a few times looking around going is this real, one of those places you need to see in person. yep always left.

[@___Tom]

Beautiful pictures! Thanks a lot! Didn't you feel the urge to climb these mountains?

[@freewayproject]

thanks mate, and yes I would love to have the time to hike up a few, my fitness is probably not up to it at the moment (I have had a long recovering from a injury ). I just have to work out places I can stash the bike and my gear.

[@___Tom]

@@freewayproject I wish you fast an full recovery!

[@freewayproject]

@@___Tom thanks mate, I should be able to run again soon which will be great,

[@darrinpriest223]

thank you so much for showing people how cool New Zealand is, you should have had waterproof boots, do you want me to shout you some?

[@freewayproject]

New Zealand is mind-blowing. I stopped a few times on this ride, looked around and thought is this place real? Stunning just doesn't describe it. My boots are actually water proof, they are are not full length up to the calf ones.

[@jaisabai4155]

Superb as usual Joe.

[@freewayproject]

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

[@user-hq7rb5hv7s]

What a great place to ride...wanna just take a Rokon 2 wheel drive motorcycle and head straight up the side of those green mountains, Lots of places to lay the bike down for a quick wash....but you kept the rubber side down. In those area's are you allowed to go anywhere of must you stick to the trails? Great video, Joe. Garth

[@freewayproject]

Hi Gath, when going through Rainbow Road and a few other it does state stay on the track, I think that is because it's privately owned land (but with public access). On this track there were not signs and well some of the time no track. Definitely and amazing place to explore.

[@yellownev]

Stunning mate many thanks for such inspiring content. Ride safe

[@freewayproject]

Thanks mate, great to hear you are enjoying the series. New Zealand is an amazing place to explore.

[@MidCoastAdventures]

Stunning once again Joe 🙏

[@freewayproject]

the tracks and mountains over here are insane, I actually stopped a few times on this track, looked up then thought is this real.

[@JayMercado605]

Missing the town of hokitika.. worked there for 2 years near hokitika gorge

[@freewayproject]

it is a beauty place that gorge. I hope you are enjoying the series.

[@JayMercado605]

Yes thank you.. it brings back memories 😂

[@JayMercado605]

Best example of how to make entertaining videos but not going to fast or dangerous...

[@freewayproject]

@@JayMercado605 As I am riding along I have to be super careful and I have camera gear on my back I'd really like not to break. I have a KTM 250EXC-F to do the other stuff on. Both are fun just different ways to enjoy riding a motorbike.

[@OzMOTO]

Regarding putting on wet weather pants - carry an old plastic shopping bag; place over boot and plastic pants slip on very easy. Alternatively, buy some gortex riding gear and you never have to stop to change if it rains. My current pair are 11 years old and are as good as new. 🙂

[@freewayproject]

Thanks for the tip. I did look for some plastic bags but hard to find these days. I am still on the hunt for some comfortable water proof riding pants that I can afford, hopefully I will find some soon.

[@peakrider4886]

@@freewayprojectdog poo bags! Ideal to go over the feet, or head as my wife does if she gets caught out in the rain (obviously it doesn’t have the doggy doo doo in it).

[@freewayproject]

@@peakrider4886 haha, yes thanks for the tip.

[@Danmantus]

Awesome mate, what camera/lenses are you using for the photos you show at the end?

[@freewayproject]

Thanks mate, great to hear you are enjoying the series. I am on an old 2017 Sony A7RIII, I only have space for 2 lenses which are a Sony GM 24mm 1.4 and a Sony GM 70 - 200mm 2.8.

[@jonnybeebok]

Hey Joe, just found your channel, loving it. Spent a month going round NZ in a Campervan around 15 years ago. Would love to do it on a bike. I’ve actually got a 411 Scram over here in the UK. Can you tell me what capacity your Rhinowalk panniers are and did you have any problems with them touching the exhaust? Cheers!

[@freewayproject]

Thanks mate, great to hear you are enjoying the series. I have the 48L version, when I first got the panniers one they brushed the exhausted once. But I move them further down towards the centre of the bike and have no issues. Which has helped a little bit with the handling as the weight is lower and more centred.

[@jonnybeebok]

@@freewayproject awesome thanks, that’s helpful. Looking forward to the rest of the series. One thing that stands out to me is how good the gravel/off road is. The camper we had was a rental and we had to stick to the tarmac. Seems you get much deeper in to the wilderness on the bike.

[@sjconsultants5998]

Rakaia River bridge longest bridge in the southern hemisphere 🤔 you do realise the southern hemisphere is everything south of the equator - longest bridge is in Guanabara Bay, state of State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. It has total length of 13.2 kilometers (8.25 miles), 8 traffic lines, and it still holds the record of longest prestressed concrete bridge in the southern hemisphere.

[@freewayproject]

I went with what some of the New Zealanders told me as they were very proud of that fact, I did a search and the article said the same thing, (and yes I am aware where the equator is and where all the countries are in the world). Yes my mistake. But I hope you enjoyed the rest of the video.

[@gadgetman_nz4092]

Was in there this time last week. Beautiful days and cold nights. Did you spot any wallabies?

[@freewayproject]

It is such an awesome place to explore, no I have not come across any wallabies, only sheep.

[@gadgetman_nz4092]

@@freewayproject The area from the Rangitata to the Waitaki Rivers, from ocean to the alps, is the Bennett's wallaby containment zone. There are masses of them. In Australia a parasite got into the population and killed many. They introduced the parasite here; it didn't kill then, it just made them eat more creating a bigger problem. Not many eat them here because of the parasite, but wrapped in bacon and roasted the kids are lucky to lease the makers name on the bottom of the plate.😀

[@freewayproject]

@@gadgetman_nz4092 I have sene the sign that say report if you see one but as I mention I have not seen any.