5 Days of Dirt: A 50th Birthday Adventure to Remember

November 2025 — South Island, New Zealand

There are a lot of ways to celebrate turning 50 - most involve restaurants, speeches, and maybe a mildly embarrassing cake. But this group of five Australian mates had something different in mind. Four Yamaha Tenere 700s, one trusty Beta 390 RR, and five days of New Zealand backcountry. No fuss. No fanfare. Just throttle, scenery, and the kind of stories only dirt can write.

The mix of riding experience didn’t matter. What mattered was the reason: celebrating a milestone the way riders know best by chasing horizons and pushing through whatever the trail throws back.

Day 1: A Pea-Soup Start

What was meant to be a gentle introduction quickly got a lot more interesting. Thick, pea-soup rain fell steadily as we set off, soaking the gravel and adding slippery fun to every corner. There were no rising rivers or scary obstacles, but the slick surface turned even the easiest sections into a playful challenge.

The Teneres powered through steadily, the Beta nimbly dancing around them, and spirits stayed high. Just 5 km from our destination, the day took an unexpected turn. One of the riders was involved in an accident and, despite everyone’s best hopes, was unable to continue on the tour. The situation was handled calmly and professionally thanks to the swift response and outstanding support from the New Zealand Police and St John Ambulance services. If Day 1 was anything to go by, this 50th birthday tour was going to be unforgettable.

Day 2: Lake Tekapo and the High Country

The next morning delivered one of the tour’s postcard moments: breakfast overlooking the brilliant blue of Lake Tekapo. With a sky so clear it felt painted on, we fueled up and pointed the bikes towards a day that gradually moved from gravel cruising into true 4x4 territory.

The climb into the high country brought sharper rocks, steeper pitches, and sweeping views that made every challenge worth it. By late afternoon we rolled into Alexandra coated in dust and contentment, the Tenere lineup looking tough and the Beta 390 RR proving once again why it’s the dependable underdog.

Day 3: Rest Day for Some, Summit Day for Others

Day 3 started with a split: a couple of riders chose to rest, relax, and explore Alexandra at ground level. The remaining crew tightened their gloves and headed for the Obelisk.

The climb was demanding - rocky, exposed, and the kind of ascent that builds confidence with every meter gained. At the top, the payoff was immense: endless ridgelines, crisp air, and an unmistakable sense of achievement. From there, we dropped into Piano Flats for lunch before carving our way back to Alexandra for the night. A highlight day by every measure.

Day 4: Old Dunstan Road & Danseys Pass

Old Dunstan Road delivered a classic Central Otago experience: remote, historical, and rugged. It’s the kind of landscape that makes you feel small - in the best way possible. The riding was raw and immersive, and the bikes absorbed every rock and rut without complaint.

Lunch at Danseys Pass Hotel offered a well-earned break before we rolled into Kurow, where the birthday vibes continued over cold drinks and a pub meal that tasted even better after a long day in the dust.

Day 5: The Final Run to Christchurch

The last day carried us through the Hakataramea Valley, a scenic, sweeping route that always leaves riders grinning. MacKenzie Pass offered one last taste of high-country beauty before the terrain softened and the roads widened toward Christchurch.

By the time the helmets came off for the final time, the group had collected five days’ worth of memories, challenges, and inside jokes - plus the satisfaction of celebrating a 50th birthday in a way that genuinely fit the occasion.