What do novelist Zane Grey, a Chevy V-8-powered tricycle, and the South Pacific nation of New Zealand have to do with each other? More than you might think.
Zane Grey, author of The Horsemen of the Purple Sage and other American westerns, was also an avid fisherman. In 1925, he was invited by the New Zealand government to visit, in the hope that he would enjoy and promote the country’s fishing industry. The following year, Grey and his entourage traveled to the Bay of Islands, off the northeast coast of New Zealand’s North Island.
Grey was amazed by New Zealand’s natural beauty and culture and chose the island of Urupukapuka as his base, putting New Zealand fishing on the world map, an influence that still resonates in the region’s tourism industry today.
In Grey’s novels, horses or carriages were the main means of transport, but fast forward to the present day and the spirit of adventure that Grey embodied has been given a modern expression in Thunder Trike Tours, which offers a distinct – and exciting – way for visitors to explore the scenic beauty and historical riches of the Bay of Islands.
The company, based in the North Island port town of Paihia, offers tours in large tricycles powered by 260-horsepower V-8 engines. The tricycles are built by James D, a small (and now-defunct) manufacturer of three- and five-seat tricycles formerly based in Rangiora, New Zealand.
The 5.7-liter Edelbrock-Chevy V-8 engines in these trikes are a tribute to American automotive culture. Popular in muscle cars and classic restorations, these engines serve as a bridge between American innovation and Kiwi tourism. The trikes themselves are a testament to the craftsmanship and enduring appeal of classic engine design, something that enthusiasts and casual travelers alike can appreciate.
Thunder Trike Tours also serves as a contemporary bridge to the past adventures of characters like Zane Grey. While Grey explores the natural world through fishing and brings the beauty of New Zealand to readers around the world, Thunder Trike Tours offers an immersive experience of the landscape. It is a celebration of mechanical engineering and culture, combining elements from many different eras and places.
Mark Fincher, owner of Thunder Trike Tours, has been passionate about motorcycles and V-8 engines for as long as he can remember. He and his wife, Denise, discovered their first V-8-powered James D trike while visiting Fiji. When they returned to New Zealand, Fincher discovered that the trikes were made in the South Island town of Rangiora. Two days later, he bought his first one. He now owns three.
When Fincher reached semi-retirement, he wanted to do something different and founded Thunder Trike Tours. The company has been in business for eight years and offers tours that last from 30 minutes to 2.5 hours. Their tours are popular with people of all ages, from toddlers to adventurous 100-year-olds, including cruise ship passengers spending the day in the Bay Area.
“These trikes definitely give people a thrill ride during our ride, and we love it,” Fincher said. “You don’t have to wear a helmet, they’re registered as convertibles, they even have hand brakes, and they’re fully equipped with safety equipment, with bucket seats and seat belts. They handle incredibly well and they make us look great.”
Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie, nature lover or history buff, a trip with Thunder Trike Tours promises to take you on an unforgettable adventure in one of New Zealand’s most spectacular regions.
This connection underscores a larger story of cultural exchange and the evolution of tourism experiences in the Bay of Islands. From the tranquility of early morning fishing to the exhilarating roar of a V-8 engine, the region continues to offer a diverse range of attractions. These experiences not only honor the legacy of explorers and storytellers like Grey, but also highlight the spirit of innovation that continues to draw people to this captivating part of New Zealand.
For more information, visit Thunder Trike Tours Website.
