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. 4:00 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. 5:15 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. (Via Interisland ferry) 300 km / 185 mi route (Approx. 4:15 hrs. riding)
Setting out early to catch the interisland ferry, you will ride to the port located in a small seaside town tucked into the picturesque hills surrounding a deep-water harbor. Once on the ferry and the bikes tied down in well-designed supports, sit back, relax, and enjoy crossing the Cook Strait. Once off the ferry, head out of the city for some easy riding through the ranges to your stop for the night.
Day #5. 260 km / 160 mi route (Approx. 4:15 hrs. riding)
Leaving the university 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 #6. 475 km / 295 mi route (Approx. 7:00 hrs. riding)
Today you will have an amazing 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 have played significant roles in many films, such as The Last Samurai. 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 #7. (Free Day) 50 km / 35 mi route (Approx. 1:00 hrs. riding)
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. The afternoon is free time 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 off.
Day #8. 240 km / 150 mi route (Approx. 4:00 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. Leaving your hotel and the city behind you, you will head out on lightly traveled country roads, through rolling farmland. 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 #9. 210 km / 130 mi route (Approx. 3:45 hrs. riding)
Leaving Taupo, 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 arrive at the coast, where a walk on the white sands will be a relaxing end to the day.
Day #10. 400 km / 245 mi route (Approx. 5:45 hrs. riding)
Today you will follow a lightly travelled road 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 is in the Art Deco center of NZ on a gentle coast.
Day #11. 410 km / 255 mi route (Approx. 6:30 hrs. riding)
After a typical NZ breakfast, you will continue to follow the coast through more rugged twisty roads crossing rivers and gorges. After a light lunch and a visit to local points of interest, you will continue riding on well-maintained roads towards your stop for the night.
Day #12. (Via Interisland ferry) 130 km / 80 mi route (Approx. 3:00 hrs. riding)
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 #13. (Free Day) 250 km / 155 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 #14. 265 km / 165 mi route (Approx. 4:15 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.
Day #15. 310 km / 190 mi route (Approx. 5:00 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. Mix this with some fantastic stops for one-of-a-kind scenery and you have a ride location that is amazing. Stopping along the way to check out the local shops where you can purchase Green Stone Jewelry produced by Native artists.
Day #16. 285 km / 180 mi route (Approx. 4:15 hrs. riding)
If you love 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 at a quaint country pub/hotel.
Day #17. 55 km / 35 mi route (Approx. 1:15 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 into the evening enjoying some of the features that are available.
Day #18. Rest day 105 km / 65 mi route (Approx. 2:15 hrs.)
Today is a treat for all adventure junkies, with a jet boat ride, a gondola ride, or some optional 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 #19. 405 km / 255 mi route (Approx. 6.00 hrs. riding)
After breakfast head south and follow the sweeping lake shore as you continue south. After checking into your accommodation, head out to ride to Milford Sounds, before returning for the night.
Day #20. 240 km / 150 mi route (Approx. 3:45 hrs.)
Today will take you to the southern end of the highway (Photo Op.) and a relaxing night’s stay in NZ’s most southern city. Imagine dinner overlooking the ocean. We suggest Fish & Chips & Oysters. On the way stop to see the “World’s Fastest Indian” display.
Day #21. 255 km / 160 mi route (Approx. 4:30 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 a city with a distinct Scottish flavor. It’s also the home of a great brewery, (but more about that tomorrow.)
Day #22. Dunedin Loop 420 km / 260 mi route (Approx. 5:45 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 #23. Free day 0 km / 0 mi route (Approx. 0:00 hrs. riding)
Today is a free day with nothing planned. One suggestion however is a visit to Baldwin Street, (The steepest Street in the world), or you could catch up on all those important things like dealing with that troublesome laundry thing again. Take a short ride to downtown and visit some of the amazing buildings in Dunedin. Leave time for lunch at Speights Brewery.
Day #24. 470 km / 290 mi route (Approx. 6:45 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 #25. 220 km / 135 mi route (Approx. 3:30 hrs. riding)
The road continues to call your name for one more day of fun riding. This day takes you to small seaside village with a French flavor, surrounded by some amazing riding and scenery. With no time deadlines today, you set the pace and just live the dream.
Day #26. 100 km / 60 mi route (Approx. 2:15 hr. riding)
After breakfast and 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. If you want to stay on for additional nights that can be arranged.
Day #27. 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 Aotearoa/New Zealand or North America.
Remember, additional night accommodation before or after the tour can be arranged.
Book Now or Contact us for more details.
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