27-day Motorcycle Tour of New Zealand's North & South Islands

Details

Your guided tour will begin and end in Auckland, where you will pick up your bike before enjoying the evening relaxing with your fellow riders. Your ride will then take you through the rich farm land of the central North Island, visiting the geothermal volcanic center of the island, along beautiful sweeping coastal roads, through old growth forests, and rugged hill country. While enjoying gentle sweeping corners mixed with twisty back roads. ​ Crossing over to the South Island you will experience the rugged mountains of the Southern Alps running the length of the Sth Island before returning to the Nth. Island. 

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.

This combination North & South Island tour combines highlights from both Island. This exciting tour includes accommodation ranging from modern cabins to deluxe quality hotels and an authentic "turn of the century" hotel.

Tour Highlights: (*Optional on Self-Guided tours)

• Visit a Māori Village and experience the native culture. *
• Enjoy thermal hot pools. * 
• Take a night bush walk to experience the NZ bush and wildlife up close. *
• Visit Hobbiton and have a drink in the Green Dragon Inn. *
• Visit NZ's world-famous Glow Worm Caves. *
• Walk through a Bird (Kiwi) & wild-life sanctuary. *
• Experience early NZ with a visit to the Kauri Museum. *
• Fly above the trees while Zip Lining. * 
• View the giant kauri tree Tane Mahuta,
• Thrill to a white-water jet boat river ride. *
• Visit Cape Reinga - the northern tip of the Nth. Island
• Enjoy a gondola ride to view Queenstown from above. *
• ​Visit amazing Punakaiki (Pancake Rocks)

Use your own motorcycle or rent one of our touring motorcycles, which are licensed, safety inspected and verified by the NZ government.

A valid Passport along with appropriate pre-approval is required for entry into New Zealand.

A current Driver’s License with motorcycle endorsement from your country of residence is required for motorcycle rental.

Tour Itinerary

Day #1 Shuttle from Airport to hotel

After arriving at the Auckland International Airport, you’ll be met at the airport and shuttled to your hotel to check in and then to pick up your bike.

Today is set aside to allow you to settle in and rest up before the adventure begins tomorrow. Visit some of the city sights. The day will include a safety meeting to review road rules and safety requirements, and a “Get to know you” dinner.

Day #2 Auckland to Taupo 355 km / 220 mi route (Approx. 5:00 hrs. riding)

Leaving your hotel and the city behind you, you will ride out on well-maintained country roads, through rolling countryside.

Stopping along the way for breaks & lunch in small out-of-the way country towns, combined with viewing the amazing scenery will have you pinching yourself to make sure you’re not dreaming. After a relaxing lakeside dinner, a soak in the thermal hot pools will be the perfect end to the day.

Day #3 Taupo to Ohope 210 km / 130 mi route (Approx. 3:00 hrs. riding)

After leaving the lakeside resort, you will travel deep into the thermal area of the island; this combined with a visit to one of the important cultural interpretive centers for the native population of NZ, will give you a firsthand look at how New Zealand’s Māori people lived in harmony with nature.

Riding the twisty roads through the lake county, you will end your day on the coast, where a walk on the white sands will be a relaxing end to the day.

Day #4 Ohope to Napier 400 km / 250 mi route (Approx. 5:45 hrs. riding)

Today's ride takes you on well-maintained country roads, with light traffic as it hugs the coast, taking you into a part of NZ that is a mix of rugged hills, inspirational coastal seascapes, and rich farmland. This combined with a small population makes for an easy riding day. Tonight’s stop in NZ’s Art Deco Capital is a laid-back location.

Day #5 Napier to Wellington 335 km / 210 mi route (Approx. 4:30 hrs. riding)

After a typical NZ breakfast, you will continue to follow the road through more rugged twisty roads crossing rivers and gorges, before leaving NZ’s North Island wine region. Enjoy a light lunch and a visit to local points of interest, before you continue riding on well-maintained roads towards your stop for the night. On the way, various detours provide opportunities to experience local culture.

Day #6 Wellington to Nelson 130 km / 85 mi route (Approx. 2:45 hrs. riding) via Interisland Ferry

Setting out early to catch the interisland ferry, you will ride to the port located in NZ’s capital city. Once on the ferry and the bikes tied down in well-designed supports, relax and enjoy crossing the Cook Strait.

After leaving the ferry on the Sth. Island, head out through some fantastic twists and sweeping corners with picturesque seascapes, windy roads, native bush, changing elevations & numerous photo stops, (along with some ziplining) that will lead you to your stop for the night. (Make sure your GoPro is ready with plenty of back up batteries)

Day #7 Free Day Nelson Loop 260 km / 165 mi route (Approx. 4:30 hrs. riding) Optional ride along the coast.

Today is a free day for you to catch up on all those important things like sorting out photos, writing down all the key points and even getting that pesky laundry taken care of.

Optional local ride routes are available for you to explore the area if the thought of doing laundry doesn’t appeal to you.

Day #8 Nelson to Blackball 315 km / 200 mi route (Approx. 4:10 hrs. riding)

Heading towards the coast through bush covered hills, leads you to some great gorge riding. This is another GoPro day (there will be lots more on this tour) Have those batteries charged and ready. Continuing on your way through scattered native bush brings you to your stop for the night. This 200-yr. old hotel is full of history and maybe a ghost or 2. It is home to the best chef we’ve come across in the South Island.

Day #9 Blackball to Fairlie 365 km / 225 mi route (Approx. 4:30 hrs. riding)

After a good breakfast, head inland to climb over the Southern Alps. The twisting climb takes you through beautiful riding scenery. Stopping near the top to watch the native parrots (Kea’s) is a great photo stop. Riding down the east side of the range leads you to the rich fertile plans of the Sth. Island. Another great GoPro ride.

Day #10 Fairlie to Queenstown 360 km / 225 mi route (Approx. 4:30 hrs. riding)

Today takes you through the high center of the Sth. Island. Riding past tranquil lakes with the southern alps as a constant backdrop leads you to the adventure capital of NZ. Have that GoPro changed and ready. This is wide open country similar to the prairies of the US, only slightly smaller. Enjoy the ride.

If you think this looks like a place where an Orc battle could have taken place, you’re right.

Arriving in the afternoon, allows you to have a relaxing dinner and a ride on the Gondola above Queenstown for a spectacular view of the city and surrounds.

Day #11 Queenstown Loop 105 km / 65 mi route (Approx. 1:40 hrs. riding)

Start the day off with a great breakfast followed by a wild Jet Boat Ride. You will have fun! Followed by a relaxing easy ride along the lake shore to your lunch stop. With photo stops and sight-seeing along the way this is a great day to just unwind and enjoy the moment.

Day #12 Free Day Queenstown 0 km / 0 mi route (Approx. 0.0 hrs.)

This is a free day. There are a number of great options and things to do; however, it is up to you to decide what you want to experience.

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 easy riding, or you could catch up on all those important things like sorting out photos, writing down all the key points of the tour so far, sending postcards to friends at home and even dealing with that bothersome laundry thing again.

Day #13 Queenstown to Fox Glacier 335 km / 210 mi route (Approx. 4:30 hrs. riding)

If you love tight corners, waterfall’s, wild bush, misty mountains, and easy sweepers then today is your day. The road will take you alongside lakes, rivers, and great photo opportunities. Also, another great GoPro day.

End the day in a quaint mountain town.

Day #14 Fox Glacier to Westport 300 km / 185 mi route (Approx. 4:00 hrs. riding)

Today’s ride takes you along the world-famous coastal highway, sweeping through fantastic corners, racing past rocky outcrops, and grinning all the way. Goes without saying that this is a GoPro leg. Mix this with some fantastic stops for one-of-a-kind scenery and you have a ride location that is amazing.

Day #15 Westport to Wellington 300 km / 185 mi route (Approx. 4:10 hrs. riding)

Leaving Westport, you will jump straight into some amazing river gorge riding (Can you say GoPro riding). Today you’re going to see; windy roads, native bush, changing elevations & numerous photo stops. After catching the Nth. bound Interisland Ferry, strapping your bike into specially designed supports, settle in and enjoy crossing the strait.

Once off-loaded, head into the city to your stop for the night.

Day #16 Wellington to Whanganui 385 km / 240 mi route (Approx. 5:10 hrs. riding)

Leaving the capital city behind, you will steadily climb towards the mountainous central part of the Island. The countryside becomes more rugged, and the riding becomes more fun. A visit to a local Museum, followed by a lunch break, sets you up for a fast-paced ride along one of the most fun roads in the country, through some beautiful scenery.

Day #17 Whanganui to New Plymouth 205 km / 130 mi route (Approx. 3:10 hrs. riding)

Today you will have a shorter riding day along the west coast, giving you a view of the black sands found on this side of the island. The horizon is dominated by the dormant volcano known as Mount Taranaki. This mountain and surrounding countryside has played significant roles in many films, such as The Last Samurai. A ride around the base of this mountain leads you to your stop for the night.

Day #18 New Plymouth to Cambridge 330 km / 205 mi route (Approx. 4:45 hrs. riding)

Heading north along the windswept coast before turning inland is a highlight of this tour; you will ride sweeping bends, rugged ranges, deep gorges, and along the tops of hills looking out over rich farmland and thick native forests, while traveling alongside deep rivers and lakes.

Day #19 Cambridge Loop 200 km / 125 mi route (Approx. 3:30 hrs. riding)

Today you will get a mix of easy riding and some local sights, including visiting a world-famous glow-worm cave and seeing native birds in a natural setting. A treat for all “Lord of the Rings” fans, you will get to walk through Hobbiton and have a drink in “The Green Dragon” tavern. This location is surrounded by some great riding roads and is a fun day.

Day #20 Rest Day 0 km / 0 mi route (Approx. 0 hr. riding)

Today is a rest day for you. It's your free time for you to catch up on all those important things like sleeping in, sorting out photos, writing down all the key points, writing and sending postcards to brag to friends and relatives, and even getting that pesky laundry taken care off.  You could even get another wild jet boat ride in. Your choice.

Day #21 Cambridge to Orewa 455 km / 285 mi route (Approx. 7:00 hrs. riding)

After a relaxing night, you will head northeast towards some fantastic riding locations. Riding from open farm country, into twisty gorges, over bush covered ranges and alongside white sand beaches will have you saying “wow!!!” Today has lots of photo opportunities; keep your camera handy and keep those GoPro batteries changed.

A short ride through NZ’s largest city brings you to your stop for the night.

Day #22 Orewa to Paihia 250 km / 155 mi route (Approx. 4:50 hrs. riding)

You’re now riding into parts of NZ that are rich in history for both the native population and the European settlers that followed them. The roads are lightly travelled and full of easy sweepers. Today will take you from seaside to hilly elevations, through open countryside and thick native bush. Along the way you will stop in areas where the first European settlers landed and carved out a new life as they colonized the country. Stopping for a break in the seaside town of Russell lets you walk in the footsteps of these early adventurers, while you live your own adventures. Crossing the bay on a ferry brings you to your stop for the night. A short ride takes us to visit the location where the Treaty was signed between Europeans & the Māori tribes.

Day #23 Paihia to Kaitaia 325 km / 205 mi route (Approx. 4:40 hrs. riding)

Leaving the seaside town of Paihia, you will ride to visit some of the local historical sites as you travel further north. The island is getting narrower from this point on, and you are never far from either coast. The influence of the warmer weather is evident in the type of forest growth, parrots in the trees and the warm friendly people.

You will ride through to the most northly point of the Nth. Island and stop for a visit to the lighthouse located there. An area rich in history, this is a must stop photo stop.

Day #24 Kaitaia to Kaihu 190 km / 115 mi route (Approx. 3:30 hrs. riding)

After a relaxing night you will ride south down the west side of the island stopping to walk on the “90 mile” beach, cruise through “old growth” forests, small towns and cross one of the many harbors by ferry. As you ride you will enter one of the oldest forests in NZ, home to some of the largest trees in the world. Here you can sense that time stands still. A stop to visit the largest tree in NZ is followed by a fantastic ride through to your stop for the night.

Tonight’s stop is topped off by a guided night walk through a Kauri Forest where you may see Kiwi’s, glow-worms, eels and hear the calls of the night birds.

Day #25 Kaihu to Orewa 180 km / 115 mi route (Approx. 2:40 hrs. riding)

Leaving the most beautiful location you have stayed in; you will enjoy some fun riding through easy sweepers as you work your way south. Along the way you will visit a fantastic Museum showcasing the history of the area before arriving at a sleepy little seaside town for a well-earned soak in hot pools before a short ride to your seaside accommodation for the night. A short walk across the lawn and you’re on the beach.

Tonight, is capped off with a farewell dinner, of world-famous NZ cuisine.

Day #26 Orewa to Auckland 30 km / 20 mi route (Approx. 0:45 hr. riding)

Watching the sun rise from this spot is the perfect start to your last day. After a typical NZ breakfast, and a short ride, you will drop off your bike and catch your shuttle to your hotel.

If you want to stay on for additional nights that can be arranged.

Day #27 Shuttle from hotel to Airport

After a relaxing 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.

Included in your Fully Guided Tour Package (Incidentals & options are not included unless listed or prearranged)

• Full guided service.
• Bike rental including bike insurance. (Excluding or Damage Waiver or Auxiliary Equipment such as GPS or optional fittings)
• Printed Tour Guidebook including maps.
• All accommodation. Day 1 of tour through to last night of tour. Extra nights before or after can be arranged.
• Shuttles (transfers) to & from hotel, airport & bike rental location.
• Breakfast & dinner. (Alcohol, all lunch's & meals on rest/free days are not included)
• Ferry fees
• Access into various attractions such as:
  • ​Museums & Interpretive Centers.
  • Various native wild-life displays, glowworm caves and native bush tours.
  • National & Provincial Parks, Hot Springs, and Hobbiton.

Not Included in your Tour Package (Rider / Pillion responsibility)