Testimonials
To Mike Pie & Carole Cake,
Fantastic, met as strangers and left as friends,
Love Dave (sub officer)
Dave Powley, London, England
"What can we say, we've lived the dream - and don't want to wake up. It's been great, and thank you for everything"
Jacky & Bill Bridges, UK
Had a great time, would love to do it again with you guys again. Thanks a ton!
Raghu, India
Japanese Translation - "Mum and Pop" here are really great people. Thanks for the beautiful room and bathroom. Little Muffin is friendly and really cute too! These 12 days on the trip were like one long dream. This place is by far the most gorgeous beautiful place out of any of the 20 odd countries I have seen. Seeing this place, I've realised mankind really must do everything it can to take care of nature. The animals were so cute too! Next time I'll bring my parents too!.
Hungarian Translation - Fantastic trip in one of the most beautiful places int he world. We loved the trip and everything else that happened on the way.
Gyorgy Bolla Group, Hungary and Japan
Fantastic in every way! The hospitality, scenery, rides, company, weather. Each day was better than the last. We are so glad we chose you to show us NZ. There is no better way to experience the beauty of NZ! Thank you Mike, Carole & Simon for many wonderful memories.
Dave & Naomi Smith, Kent, WA, USA
Best honeymoon we ever had!!! This was the best way to see New Zealand. We will be back soon. Thank you very much!
Kristene + Dave Arms, Tujunga, California, USA
I seldom would give such a high rating to anyone or any company on just one experience, but in the case of South Pacific Motorcycle Tours, I will make an exception. Mike and Carol Lester are both very customer oriented. They both met me at the airport exactly as promised. We had a delightful stay at their home just 20 minutes away before leaving on a fantastic 14 day adventure. Since my tour was fully guided, I left all suggested hotels and sight seeing events in their hands. I was impressed in every way. Even the days where we stayed an extra night in a city to give us a short break from touring was appreciated. On the short days, we would find interesting and exciting events such as the Shoot Over river ride or bungee jumping from the bridge where bungee jumping had its beginnings. The tour was lead by Mike himself. I am a novice rider and he was perceptive enough to travel to my personal limits which grew impressively as the days went on. The weather was miraculously fantastic as we had only one or two hours of riding in adverse conditions. I rode a BMW RT1200R at their suggestion. As I normally ride a Harley Sporster borrowed from a friend, I was worried that a 4000 kilometer tour in 14 days would exhaust me physically. The roads in New Zealand were made for motorcycles! All their bikes were in excellent condition. We had no break downs or issues. I finished the ride refreshed and have decided to purchase a BMW RT1200R to ride with my friend (who owns the Harleys that I ride) as we plan to tour the Rockies and Canada next year. I feel a little sorry for him though knowing he will have to work twice as hard as I in the twisty mountain sections of our tour.
I would suggest a guided tour for those that can afford it or have limited riding experience as it made the trip very nice for me. However, a self guided tour outlined by Mike and Carol would be an acceptable second choice. Have a wonderful safe trip! New Zealand is a fantastic, beautiful, pristine country.
Michael D. Yaw USA
"Thanks for the great bike ride and friendly atmosphere, made me feel like I was at home. Much Aloha to you!"
Steve Wheeler, Kowai, Hawaii
I had a wonderful time traveling this beautiful country. I have to bring my wife! Thanks a lot to Carole & Mike
Ralph, Aachen, Germany
We've had a brilliant time. Fantastic riding, excellent company. Thanks to Simon, Carole & Mike for helping us to 'Live the dream'
Stef & Steve Rossiter, Bristol, England
The rides were great, the bike was very comfortable & handled well. Glad I had the chance to do this, would love to go for more rides. Thank you Mike 'n' Carole for your hospitality it was all good.
Deanna Anderson, El Segundo, CA, USA
"We've been all around the world, California, Italia, Scandinavia etc, but the New Zealand Tour was the best ride ever! Mike and Carole offer real hospitality, very nice people. The roads are very empty and in a very good condition. The landscape and scenery are truly spectacular. No words anymore - just do it - ride New Zealand!"
Peter, Bart & Harry, Holland
"Hello Mike and Carole, Ian, Simon, Sam and Daniel the Spaniel
Just wanted to thank yoiu all again for all your hospitality and accommodation. We had a wonderful vacation in New Zealand and feel you topped it off with a very relaxing last evening and morning. We enjoyed talking with you and learning more about NZ and yourselves. We are already missing New Zealand and have already encouraged others to visit this beautiful country. Warm wishes"
Mike and Susie Brassfield
A great welcome, brilliant service, fantastic riding. Rename the company Ronseal, it does exactly what it says on the can! Thanks for a wonderful experience.
Dave & Katherine Kavanagh, Aldershot, England
Hi Simon, Thank you for the start of an awsome lead up to my wedding. One week out from the big day, I had my "hens night" and what better way to start than to be suprised with a Harley ride from Christchurch to Akaroa.
I know this stretch of road well being a born + bred Christchurch girl, but to experience the journey on a motorbike has opened my eyes to a whole new world.
I felt completely safe with an extremly smooth and comfortable ride (which I must admit went far too quickly in my mind as I was having so much fun).
It feels great to be so open to the elements feeling like a part of the amazing scenery that surrounds you & the road beneath you rather than cacooned and seperated in a car. You experience a sense of freedom and a "one-ness" with what is around you. It's refreshing and exhilarating. I'd recommend anyone and everyone to take a hit on a Harley you'll be addicted! I am!
Lisa Williams - Jan 5th '08, Christchurch, New Zealand
Sorry its been so long but we thought we would drop you a line to say thanks for the fantastic holiday. We have been showing all our friends and family our photos of all the stunning views and fantastic scenery not to mention the very best motorcycling roads we have ever experienced.
Everybody has been so surprised how well organised and well planned it all was, you manage to fit in for us all the places and things we wanted to see but made it a still a relaxing holiday with superbly well chosen BB which were just the job after a great days ride.
You looked after us from the moment we landed ( even though you thought we were in Melbourne) to the moment we left you and made every moment special. We very much hope to be seeing you again.
Stan & Juliet
1200 miles in 4 days, everything was organised perfectly and the trip ran like clockwork. There was far too much to do and too little time - which means I'll have to come back and take the 'red devil' on a longer trip in the near future.
Many thanks for everything.
Guy
Guy Pollard, Switzerland
"Dear Mike and Carole
I am dropping you this line to express my appreciation for the unforgettable experience I had during the SPMT tour of New Zealand. the winding mountain roads and the breath-taking vistas were only surpassed by your friendly hospitality and expert guidance. The accommodations were all top notch. and as we all know, without simon's critical background support delivered with his interminable smile, the tour would not have been the same. I wish you the success in the future that is well deserved and please feel free to use me as a reference at any time. It will be given with pleasure and without reservation.
Joe McGrath, Bedminter, New Jersey 07921 USA
"Thanks again for making our vacation a wonderful dream. What we experienced was beyond any expectation that we had"
Clay and Joy Norman, USA
"Wonderful hospitality, great surroundings and fantastic biking - what more could a man want? Thanks"
John Carter, Singapore
A very worth while gift from the family. Recommend it to anyone for a different experience.
Murray Moffat, Ohoka, New Zealand
"Thank you so much for a wonderful experience - from beginning to end. We really appreciated the attention to detail and the very personal nature of the tour and our time with you. Should you ever find yourselves within striking distance of Houston we would love to see you. We can't offer a pet lamb or an encounter with a weta, just some good old Texas hospitality"
Irvin & Vivien Saron, USA
"Thank you for a wonderful experience! We enjoyed your hospitality, beautiful home, great food, helpful advice, everything :) The bike tour was memorable for ever!"
The Carvalho Family, Kowhai Island, USA
"Absolutely awesome! Thank you for a great trip. I will be sure to recommend you to everyone I can. Definitely A++++++!!! Thanks again"
Debra & Bill Amorde, USA
"Thanks for everything, the bike tour was better than we could have imagined, every day was an adventure with something different, extremely well organised from start to finish, someday we'll be back. Watch out for trains! - choo choo!" -
Pat & Therese Dowd, Ireland
Dear Mike and Carole,
Hi guys it's Liam. Firstly I hope your feeling better Mike and thankyou for sending the pictures promptly. Not having done alot of touring on motorcycle before I really didn't know what i'd be in for on the 11 day tour of the south Island if I can sum it up in words I would have to say magic,as if the sceanery wasn't enough with the twists and turns up and down mountains the activities off the bike were just as good. Thanks for a great holiday hope too see you soon. Good luck and all the best.
Liam, Australia
"Thanks a lot for this great motorcycle tour, your kindness, and the magnificent glow-worms!"
New Zealand has the best roads to ride on a bike: beautiful and very varied scenery, and very (very !) few cars... To me riding a bike is the perfect way to discover this country. The only trouble is that you may get bored riding a bike anywhere else after this ! Beside the riding, the atmosphere created by Carole and Mike on the tour is very relaxed and friendly. The motorcycles are very well maintained and in perfect condition, and you don't have to worry about which road to take, how to carry your stuff, or where to book for your accodomation. Carole and Mike know the country very well, and take you on the best itineraries and to the best accomodation. Moreover, the Mandeville Lodge is gorgous. If you like riding among beautifull landscapes in a very friendly atmosphere, whatever your riding experience is, go for it ! SPMT has it all. I had an excellent time during this 8 days guided tour all around the South Island. Probably my best holiday time ever !! Thanks a lot and see you soon !"
Richard Pouget, France
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Dave Powley relaxing
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Jacky & Bill Bridges
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Raghu and friends
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Happy Hungarian H.O.G.s!