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Sansom said a group of 16, 13 on scooters and three people travelling in a support van, are taking part.
He got the idea, after buying a new Vespa which he describes as a superb machine but it is designed for city commuting and cobbled roads in Italy .
However, they are all riding on the most powerful model so the Vespas are capable of cruising along at 100km/h.
The group pictured on day one at their starting off point at Cape Reinga.
Photo: Facebook/ Perry Sansom
The reaction from fellow New Zealanders has been enthusiastic, he said. It s just been great - we ve had such incredible support with people tooting horns as we fly past them.