The return to Australia came quickly once we had arrived back in Christchurch only that day for sightseeing before we boarded our jet back to Sydney Australia.

That day were not to be wasted despite having visited Christchurch twice before on this trip.

The downtown was looked at again,especially Christchurch Cathedral, to again marvel at the magnitude of damage the earthquake had wrough upon once immense strong stone structures.

Around 4am the alarm bought reality into focus and with the McKenzie's already up we were soon in the hire car and bound for the airport.

Ignoring Tom Tom I motored past the airport exit to a previously located 24/7 service station and with a full tank of expensive NZ fuel we back tracked to the drop off depot.

Drop was just that I parked the car in a sea of other returns and walked into the officce where all they wanted were the keys, no checking , all verbal.

Their airport shuttle van was soon whisking us back to Christchurch International Airport for what was our 4th visit this trip so finding our way to our departure gate was easy peasy.

The short flight to Sydney had us on the tarmac exactly ontime so we had plenty of time to gather our bags and pass through customs and board the shuttle bus to the domestic terminal and an opportunity for Jeffrey to use some real money rather then "funny money"as he instisted on calling New Zealand currency.

The flight to Coffs Harbour was non descript and then we began the long wait for our bikes to return.

True to form and inline with what happened when we arrived in New Zealand the return was long winded with continual "no show" then "no customs inspection"so it dragged on into April when finally a email arrived saying all bikes had passed inspection and were available for collection from Marine & Auto depot.

We had previously gone down on the expected arrival but had a wasted 1100kms return trip returning empty handed, fortunately I was able to leave the trailer at Old Gold Motorcycles in Londonderry saving it a second empty ride home.

On arrival home I set about cleaning the bike as the return trip was on a wet day that included being on scene at a double fatal MVA where a motorist drove onto the freeway infront of a B Double.

I also received my back in the saddlebags my trophy,the Bring Out The Hot Ones from WATOC/TOMCC NZ Otago Southland Chapter, to display as my memento of attending The World Triumph Rally with my motorcycle obtaining a new laurel for my trusty world travelling motorcycle on it's 7th overseas trip.The unique Swiss Army knife will be shown on my return to Nambucca from my current rally