You Me and Mates - Cool Trips & Fun Events

You Me and Mates - Cool Trips & Fun Events Cool Trips & Fun Events. Don’t let life pass you by. Carpe Diem! Seize the day!

You Me & Mates - Cool things*** Thunder Trikes Paihia ***I learned to ride a motor bike on my uncles farm when I was 13...
25/10/2021

You Me & Mates - Cool things
*** Thunder Trikes Paihia ***

I learned to ride a motor bike on my uncles farm when I was 13. That's how we rounded up the cows for miking back then. When I was 16, I got my bike license, and shortly after a brand new Yamaha 125 (not exactly an eye-turner, but it got me where I wanted to go). One of my favourite memories of my teens is driving the 125 through the winding corners on Pipiwai Road, then opening it up on the Ruatongata straights. That 100kph felt like I was flying!

So the idea of taking a tourist ride on the back of a bike didn't seem like much of a novelty to me - but for my wife... that's a whole other story. She had never ridden a bike on the open road, never felt that rush of wind in her face, never lent into the corners, never felt the revs as the engine throttled.

On one of our trips to Paihia we met up with Mark from Thunder Trikes, who showed us his truly magnificent ride. What a beast of beauty! This is a lovingly custom-built V8 Chev Trike with all the trimmings.

Mark does a couple of half hour tours. The "Scenic run" takes you around Haruru Falls and Waitangi with sweeping views over the bay.

We chose the "Thriller" Tour. This route took us on a 30 minute ride to Opua's picturesque marina, then on the way home the adrenaline got pumping on the winding coastal road - with more than a couple of shrill cries from my wife!

For a great orientation tour of the Bay of Islands, or as a bit of a blast for anyone that isn't used to bikes, Mike makes this trip into a lot of fun. Highly recommended!

*** Northland Beer & Bar tour ***On Friday, I hosted my first Staff Xmas function for the year. Our group of 12 did the ...
23/10/2021

*** Northland Beer & Bar tour ***

On Friday, I hosted my first Staff Xmas function for the year. Our group of 12 did the classic "You, Me & Mates - Northland Beer & Bar tour". At 1pm we commenced the pickups from around Whangarei, then headed up to Kerikeri.

Across the road from the stone store is the Plough & Feather Pub. Here we had a 6 flight tasting of a range of over 20 local craft beers!

Next, we moved on PhatHouse Brewery for 4 flight craft beer tasting - this time accompanied by their awesome home baked pizza's.

The trip carried on to Bad Habits bar in Paihia. Here, we settled in for the night. We started with a spirit tasting (a choice of any 3), then kicked back and listened to their live music, enjoyed a few more beverages, and tucked onto their incredibly delicious gourmet burgers!

It was here at bad habits that I made two new best mates - Ratu and Roku. I see a lifelong friendship in the making!

You, Me & Mates "Cool stuff" *** Weta Unleashed ***Weta unleashed is the newest "must-do" activity in Auckland. Our "Auc...
17/09/2021

You, Me & Mates "Cool stuff"
*** Weta Unleashed ***

Weta unleashed is the newest "must-do" activity in Auckland. Our "Auckland BIG 4" overnighter trip took in this 90 minute tour that is all about making movie-magic. The tour takes you on a journey of imagination through 3 different concept movies, showing the various steps and skills required.

We walked through the animatronics workshop, where you literally get to push the buttons and gizmos to make creatures growl, grimace, and fly. The digital effects department where you overlay CGI on your own face in the mirror. The concept room creating backstories for worlds. And finally and best of all - the props gallery compete with giant robot!

If movies, special effects, model-making, monsters, Sci-fi, or Fantasy are your thing, then this tour is for you – and rest assured that this is not just a clone of Weta in Wellington. This is different to anything you have ever seen before!

You, Me & Mates "Favourite Places" *** Bad Habits ***I have a new favourite bar! It came with recommendations, but I had...
05/09/2021

You, Me & Mates "Favourite Places"
*** Bad Habits ***

I have a new favourite bar! It came with recommendations, but I hadn't really taken much notice until the weekend of the Paihia Jazz & Blues Festival.

All of the venues that had bands playing were jam packed on the Saturday afternoon when we arrived. We were hungry and thirsty, and wanted a place to eat, drink, and mellow out for a little. This place is right in the heart of "The Lanes", and The Lanes are right in the heart of Paihia township.

When you walk into “Bad Habits” the first thing you ask yourself is... "is this a bar... or a butcher... or a deli... or a bottle shop?". The answer is... "why yes... yes it is! “.

Bad Habits manages to tastefully blend every guys favourite shop into one. With a great menu that sports chic burgers, and addictive waffle fries, you can have lunch, then do a $25 tasting of three of the literally hundreds of specialty spirits, listen to some great music... all while you are waiting for tonight's dinner ribs to be sliced and wrapped!

Late in that evening, we came back to Bad Habits in time to hear the last couple of songs from their Saturday night live music. A talented young lass with a great voice playing chilled out covers on the guitar.

We whiled away the last hour or so of the night with a "three gin" tasting, 3 Negroni's, & a dirty martini (that was just my effort), until finally the lights behind the bar dimmed signifying that perhaps it was time to call it a night. A great night indeed!

You, Me & Mates "Cool stuff" *** Flying Kiwi Parasail ***The Flying Kiwi boats are moored at the Paihia Wharf, and we ha...
05/09/2021

You, Me & Mates "Cool stuff"
*** Flying Kiwi Parasail ***

The Flying Kiwi boats are moored at the Paihia Wharf, and we had walked past them so many times, but this time decided we had to give parasailing a try. They found spaces for the two of us, and we joined the other 6 people, then we sped off out into the bay.

Like everyone else on board, we had opted for the Tandem Sail. When our turn came around, we climbed into our harnesses, and clambered on to the rear launch platform. Sitting on the soft deck, we were hooked onto the parasail, then the boat throttled, and we were lifted gently into the air.

Higher and higher, we climbed into the blue sky, until the boat was just a tiny spec at the end of our cable. This is New Zealand's highest Parasail, taking us 1300 feet up (that's around 400 metres), then we levelled out and just floated with the whole of the Bay of Islands, the jewel of Northland, glistening below us.

The view was magnificent! So peaceful, with the activity of Paihia too far below to hear a sound.

For ten glorious minutes we drank in the scenery, flying high with the birds, our feet tingling as they swung in mid-air.

Then, the cabled slowly winched us down to land seamlessly back on the boat, and head back to shore.

What an awesome experience! Flying Kiwi Parasail. Bucket list....ticked!

Check out our video below..
https://www.facebook.com/1653942509/videos/pcb.10221461420918967/10221461379517932

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