Hey guys.
I made it back safely, sad to say the Panther didn't make it all the way back. Something went bang in the engine going up the Bombay Hills on the way back into Auckland. I think it was the head gasket, so I had to get it towed the last 50KM home. Went fine for over 2,500KM of the trip just to let go with Auckland in sight.
Anyway, at least it was better than it happening in the South Island.
Other than that it was a really great trip. It was awesome to catch up with Reuben in Hamilton on the way down and Richard on the way back up in Christchurch. The highlight was going for a little blat along SH1 with Richard following me in his 4AGE power Avenger. The sound of my dual Dellortos and his quad throttle bodies was music to my ears.
Also ran in to another Avenger on the way up the South Island. A red 1600 Auto, the owner was driving it from Auckland down to the deep south, seems like Avengers are meant for these long road trips.