The roads in NZ are in good condition, with light traffic outside the cities. Aside from encountering roads under repair, you will not be required to ride on any unsealed roads.
This tour is suitable for Intermediate or Advanced riders. Note: New Zealanders drive on the left-hand side of the road and so must you.
Accommodations range from deluxe quality hotels and modern cabins to authentic “turn-of-the-century” hotels.
Day #1. Airport to Hotel
You will be met at Christchurch International Airport and shuttled first to your hotel to check in, and then to pick up your bike. The rest of the day is set aside to allow you to settle in and rest up before the adventure begins tomorrow—or you can visit some of the city sights. The day will include a safety meeting to review road rules and safety requirements, followed by a “get to know you” dinner.
Day #2. 250 km / 155 mi route (Approx. 3:50 hrs. riding)
Leaving the old English-style city, you will find that getting comfortable with your bike will be easy as you head across the plains before beginning the twisting climb into the Southern Alps. Stopping near the top to watch the native Kea parrots is a great photo opportunity. Continuing down from the pass and through scattered native bush brings you to your stop for the night. This 200-year-old hotel is full of history and maybe a ghost or two. It’s also home to the best chef we’ve come across in the South Island.
Day #3. 325 km / 200 mi route (Approx. 4:40 hrs. riding)
After a relaxing breakfast, hit the road and cruise between rich farmlands and patches of thick native bush on meandering well-maintained roads. Today will take you back through the Southern Alps. As you leave this picturesque location, you’ll ride along the base of the coastal mountain range to your stop for the night in a peaceful seaside town.
Day #4. 280 km / 170 mi route (Approx. 4:15 hrs. riding)
Picturesque seascapes, winding roads, native bush, changing elevations, and numerous photo stops are the highlights of today’s ride. This is a GoPro day. (Make sure your GoPro is ready with plenty of back up batteries.) Stopping at any of the small local restaurants to sample fresh seafood—along with some zip-lining, if you like—makes this a fun day.
Day #5. 265 km / 160 mi route (Approx. 3:15 hrs. riding)
Heading towards the coast through bush-covered hill leads you to some excellent gorge riding. With fantastic cornering and great scenery, this is another GoPro day (there will be lots more on this tour). Have those batteries charged and ready.
Day #6. (Free Day)
Today is a free day for you to catch up on all those important things—like sorting photos, updating your journals and notes, even taking care of that pesky laundry.
200 km / 120 mi route (Approx. 3:00 hrs. riding) Optional local ride routes are available for you to explore the area if the thought of doing laundry doesn’t appeal to you.
Day #7. 305 km / 190 mi route (Approx. 4:40 hrs. riding)
Today’s ride takes you along the world-famous coastal highway, sweeping through fantastic corners, racing past rocky outcrops, and screaming at the top of your lungs all the way. Mix this with some fantastic stops for unique scenery, and you have a ride location that is simply amazing.
Day #8. 285 km / 180 mi route (Approx. 4:15 hrs. riding)
If you love waterfalls, wild bush, misty mountains, and easy sweepers, then today is your day. The road will take you alongside lakes, rivers, and other great photo opportunities. Also, another great GoPro day. You’ll end the day at a quaint country pub/hotel.
Day #9. 50 km / 30 mi route (Approx. 1:30 hrs. riding)
Sleep in, have a lazy breakfast and then set out for an easy ride through some tight corners towards the adventure capital of New Zealand. Spend the balance of the day and the evening enjoying some of the many features that are available.
Day #10. 100 km / 65 mi route (Approx. 2:00 hrs. riding)
Today is a treat for all adventure junkies—a jet boat ride, a gondola ride, zip-lining, or a more relaxed steamer cruise on the lake, enjoying some optional easy riding. Or it could be another casual day to catch up on managing your notes and photos, writing down all the key points of the tour so far, sending postcards, and even dealing with that pesky laundry thing again.
Day #11. 410 km / 250 mi route (Approx. 5:50 hrs. riding)
After breakfast, you’ll follow the sweeping lake shore south to Te Anau where you’ll check into your accommodations. If you want, you can then ride out to Milford Sounds before returning for the night.
Day #12. 240 km / 150 mi route (Approx. 3:30 hrs. riding)
Today will take you to the south end of the highway (photo op) and a night’s stay in a peaceful southern city. For dinner we suggest Fish & Chips, with Oysters (if the season is right) and Beer, all while enjoying pool and darts. Along the way, stop to see the “World’s Fastest Indian” display.
Day #13. 255 km / 155 mi route (Approx. 4:00 hrs. riding)
Imagine a visit to Niagara Falls. Yes, these are real (another photo op). After enjoying the falls, you will climb steadily through great scenery. The day ends in Dunedin, a city with a distinct Scottish flavor. It’s also the home of a great brewery (but more about that later).
Day #14. 420 km / 260 mi route (Approx. 5:30 hrs. riding)
Taking a loop through the foothills lets you view the mountains from up close, while you lose yourself in the ride. If you think this looks like where an Orc battle could have taken place, you’re right.
Day #15. (Free Day) 0 km / 0 mi route (Approx. 0:00 hrs. riding)
Today is a free day with nothing planned. There are several sight-seeing options available in this interesting city. One suggestion, however, is a visit to Baldwin Street—The Steepest Street in the World. Or you could catch up on that troublesome laundry again.
Make time for lunch at Speights Brewery.
Day #16. 470 km / 290 mi route (Approx. 6:00 hrs. riding)
Heading inland lets you enjoy some great rolling country, cruising alongside picturesque lakes and enjoying the moment. The day ends on the coast for a relaxing evening.
Day #17. 300 km / 185 mi route (Approx. 5:30 hrs. riding)
The road continues to call your name for one more day of fun riding. This day loops back into Christchurch through more amazing scenery. With no time deadlines today, you set the pace and just live the dream. After some relaxing riding around the inlets of Akaroa, you will return to Christchurch to drop off your bike and catch your shuttle to the hotel, for that final sorting and packing. A farewell dinner wraps up the day.
Day #18. hotel to airport
After a typical NZ breakfast, you will catch your shuttle to the airport. This shuttle ride is filled with talk about the adventure you’ve just had and the fun experienced.
Now is the time to start planning your next Pohutukawa Motorcycle Tour in New Zealand or North America.
Remember, additional night accommodation can be arranged.
Book Now or Contact us for more details.
View More Tours Like This
