Firstly – What is Turismo??
Glad you asked! Turismo is what happens when a bunch of Ducati-mad Kiwis decide the NDR high isn’t quite enough, and hit the road for a six-day tour straight after. Think epic riding, twisty roads, local kai, stories, laughs, and excellent company.
It’s not a race, and it’s not a procession either, just brilliant daily routes mapped out for you by our Turismo Masterminds, with the freedom to ride solo or in a crew, then we all meet up in the evenings for a good yarn over dinner and dessert about our adventures of the day.
Basically, we ride, eat, tell tall tales, sleep. Repeat.
Farewell Darryl
After five years, our Turismo champion hands over the throttle.
Darryl's first Turismo was in 2021, following the final South Island event organised by legends Chris and Guy. Inspired after riding in their last hurrah, Darryl knew he had to be part of it—and soon picked up the torch and kicked off a new chapter.
"As the 2021 NDR(National Ducati Rally) was in the North Island, I thought - why not start a North Island Turismo too, and run one in each island after every NDR?"
His first North Island Turismo drew around 30 keen riders and proved it could work. From 2022 John Mathieson came onboard, and the two have successfully organised four Turismos - two in each island. The South Island events sold out in record time (one in under 15 minutes!), and while the North Island rides didn’t quite hit the same numbers, the roads and vibes have been just as epic.
"I’m proud to have been part of Turismo these past 5 years, met many great people who I now call friends, unforgettable memories made, and ridden some of the best roads in the world - both the North and South Island. It's been a blast!"
"Now, after countless kms, Darryl is handing over to a new duo: Geoff Allen joins John as Turismo’s next co-mastermind. And before he signs off, Darryl’s got one last thank you:
"I can’t go without acknowledging Ange’s invaluable help with Turismo these past five years ❤️"
Darryl giving Turismo briefing
📸 Aaron Staples
Darryl leading the charge. 2022 Turismo
📸 Aaron Staples
John Stays On
The steady hand, legal brain, and lifelong bike nut.
John Mathieson, semi-retired and living the good life on his orchard in sunny Gisborne, has been a pillar of the DOCNZ crew for over a decade.
His motorcycling spark was lit back in May 1971, when his dad took him to Oreti Beach to watch Burt Munro clock 132mph on his Velocette. That was it, John was hooked. Not long after, he got his hands on a 1952 BSA Golden Flash, a terrible machine with no front brakes, but it went like hell in a straight line, and that was the main thing.
These days, John rides a 2004 1000DS Multi and a 2020 1260S Multi, both with touring packs. He’s all about long-distance riding, with the world-famous Waioeka Gorge on his doorstep. He’s a regular at the Burt Munro Challenge and was there for the final Brass Monkey.
"I’ve been a DOC member for 12 years, been to every NDR, and done 8 Turismos. Riding with the club is essential to my well-being."
Over the years, John’s also chaired the club’s AGMs and helped out with DOCNZ legal matters (he was a lawyer for 48 years). Organising Turismo with Darryl has been a highlight, and he’s stoked to keep rolling with Geoff.
“Doing that - and riding Turismo - is one of my passions, and long may it continue!”
John at home with his toys
📸 Niki Mathieson
John chairing DOCNZ AGM
📸 Aaron Staples
Welcome Geoff
New Turismo Mastermind, and a true Ducati convert.
Geoff Allen’s motorcycling journey started at 17, trying to keep up with his mates on a Yamaha RD250. Then came marriage, mortgages and monsters (the small human kind, not the Ducati ones), which parked his riding for a bit.
But once back on two wheels, he had one thing in mind - Ducati. A visit to the factory in Bologna sealed the deal. The dream started with a 749s, and these days he rides a Multistrada, perfect for long hauls with comfort, speed, and style.
“Joining a club and riding with people you don’t know can be daunting, but DOCNZ was incredibly friendly and welcoming. The camaraderie and passion are unreal.”
Geoff’s buzz for riding and exploring New Zealand’s incredible roads makes him a natural fit for the Turismo crew. He’s fizzing (on the inside) to bring his organisation skills, love of touring, and that signature Ducati obsession to the table.
“New Zealand really does have some of the best motorcycling roads in the world. I can’t wait to ride them with a bunch of other mad keen Ducati nutters.”
Geoff enjoying NDR
📸 Kent Murray
Geoff riding 2024 Turismo
📸 Kent Murray
What’s Next?
Keep your eyes peeled for details on Geoff and John’s first South Island Turismo together, coming in 2026! If you haven’t done one before, this is your chance.
Heads up goes to DOCNZ Members only around July, so if you're keen join the crew to be in the know! Turismo tickets are HOT and always sell out fast!
