
Starting in Christchurch, South Island and ending in Auckland, North Island, this is a most wonderful way to explore New Zealand at your leisure and is just perfect for couples or for those wanting a slower pace of life for a few weeks.
From the tip of the South in Invercargill, home of 'The World's Fastest Indian', to Cape Reinga in the Far North, this trip includes all the hot-spots for seeing and doing, and we've allowed plenty of time to do them all.
No rush, no hassle, no worries! For those who want to ride leisurely each day to really explore and savour New Zealand's history, culture, amazing scenery, and all the must-see, must-do attractions, this is the tour for you. And with South Pacific's unique and complimentary personalisation service we can turn this tour into the most amazing tailor-made vacation. There's simply not enough room here to tell you how wonderful this tour is, check out the Itinerary for more information.
You'll be travelling around 5000 kms in total. (+4 optional non-riding days).
Riding times:9am-4pm approx with breaks throughout the day for lunch, coffee, activities etc.
Distance:5000 kms (3125 miles) approximately, option to do more on 'Rest or Ride' days
Rest or Ride:Dunedin, Queenstown, Rotorua, Bay of Islands
Rider Competence:For experienced riders with safe motorcycle control in all situations
Route Grade:100% asphalt, some challenging sections, multiple mountain pass switchbacks/hair-pins
Support Vehicle Info:Route-loaded GPS, Personalised Handbook/Itinerary, 24-hour on-call service
All prices are in New Zealand Dollars. Price shown includes motorcycle hire. Click on the prices to convert the prices into a currency of your choice. The default is NZD to USD but you can choose any currency you like on the conversion tool.
Day 1
Christchurch to Lake Tekapo (270km, 3-4hrs + breaks)
Enjoy fabulous care-free riding across sheep-filled plains and over the mountain pass towards Mount Cook National Park. Check out quaint country villages and local galleries along the way. At stunning Lake Tekapo there's the iconic Church of the Good Shepherd, hot springs, and big skies for stargazing. Overnight Lake Tekapo
Day 2
Tekapo to Oamaru (210km, 3-4hrs + breaks)
Pure enjoyment is riding along-side pristine lakes from Mount Cook National Park today then there’s the awesome sweeps and bends on traffic-free roads that take you through Mackenzie sheep country, along-side hydro-lakes and dams, through limestone foundations all the way to Oamaru. Overnight Oamaru
Day 3
Oamaru to Dunedin (176km, 3-4hrs + breaks)
Amazing biking lanes today through ancient limestone landscapes that lead you to the Pacific Ocean where you can explore the beach with its 65 million year old boulders. From here it’s a leisurely ride to Dunedin City and the Otago Peninsula., home to the Royal Albatross, penguin and other sea creatures. Overnight Dunedin
Day 4
Dunedin to Invercargill (244km, 3-4hrs + breaks)
Your special route today skirts the white sand beaches of the deserted Catlins Coastline for mile upon mile. Quirky locations South Pacific secrets and fabulous care-free riding all day create a wonderful day. Time for a photo-shoot at NZ’s most southerly point before arriving at Invercargill, New Zealands Motorcycle Mecca! Overnight Invercargill
Day 5
Invercargill to Fiordland National Park (191km, 2-3hrs + breaks)
Invercargill is New Zealand's 'Motorcycle Mecca' and we'll show you all the best things to see including Burt Munro's legendary World's Fastest Indian. A superb shorter ride will then transport you from the ocean to magical Fiordland National Park with its huge mountains surrounded by stunning waterfalls, lakes and beautiful marine reserves. Te Anau township nestled beside the lake is the ideal place to relax and revive.
Day 6
Milford Magic (121kms. 2hrs each way + breaks)
Combine one of the finest scenic highways with one of the world’s best motorcycling roads and you have the Milford Road. Golden grasslands and mirror lakes give way to rainforest, majestic waterfalls, raging rivers, and mile-high mountains. Emerge from a dark tunnel into a forgotten world and descend down deep into the valley until in front of you stands the iconic Mitre Peak towering 1692 metres from the sea floor. Highly recommended is a boat cruise on Milford Sound before retracing your steps back to Te Anau. Overnight Te Anau
Day 7
Te Anau to Queenstown 213km, 3-4hrs + breaks)
You'll be riding the 'Devil's Staircase' today, snaking your way between beautiful Lake Wakatipu and the world’s most photographed mountain range - The Remarkables! Arriving in spell-binding Lord of the Rings country, try your hand at bungy jumping and jet-boating, or relax with a pint at a historic pub in a quaint old gold-mining village. Overnight Queenstown
Day 8
Explore Queenstown
You'll be riding the 'Devil's Staircase' today, snaking your way between beautiful Lake Wakatipu and the world’s most photographed mountain range - The Remarkables! Arriving in spell-binding Lord of the Rings country, try your hand at bungy jumping and jet-boating, or relax with a pint at a historic pub in a quaint old gold-mining village. Overnight Queenstown
Day 9
Queenstown to Franz Josef Glacier Village (351km, 5hrs + breaks)
Today you’ll be riding over NZ's highest tar-sealed road, over mountain passes and through lush rainforests. You’ll experience beautiful lakes, rivers, and waterfalls on your way to the Tasman Sea, not to mention the legendary Haast Pass and Mt. Aspiring National Park. At Franz Josef village there’s time to visit the glaciers, hunt for glow-worms, or soak away your aches in hot pools surrounded by rain forest. Overnight Franz Josef Glacier Village
Day 10
Franz Josef Glacier to Punakaiki (217km, 3-4hrs + breaks)
Snake your way through Jurassic rainforest and alongside the dramatic rugged coastline of the Tasman Sea, still so close to the mountains. A stop at the West Coast township of Hokitika allows you to sample local arts and crafts, continue along the magnificent coast-line to the Paparoa National Park for a visit to see the amazing Punakaiki Rocks and blowholes. Overnight Punakaiki
Day 11
Punakaiki to Hanmer Springs Village (259km, 5-6hrs + breaks)
Starting with one of the best coastal rides in the world, meander your way via the
traffic-free roads to peaceful Hanmer Springs village via the mighty Buller River
and the legendary Lewis Pass. Celebrate this most amazing ride with a hot soak
in the open-air thermal spring pools or a massage.
Overnight Hanmer Springs Village
Day 12
Hanmer Springs Village to Kaikoura (131km, 2-3hrs + breaks)
Time to explore Hanmer Village this morning before riding off the beaten track
via an old Maori trail that runs along-side the Seaward Kaikoura Ranges leading
to the Pacific Ocean. This afternoon we spend some time in Kaikoura to sample
local delicacies such as crayfish and scallops, and get up close to seals. But the
suggested activity today is the adrenalin-pumping boat ride out to sea to see the
mighty whales!
Overnight Kaikoura
Day 13
Kaikoura to Picton (156km, 3-4hrs + breaks)
Heading North along-side the Pacific Ocean you’ll be in heaven this morning,
then ride inland over roller-coaster hills and through the vineyards of the famous
Marlborough Wine region. Time for sampling this region’s award-winning wines
before resting up in Picton nestled amongst the Marlborough Sounds.
Overnight Picton
Day 14
Picton Ferry & Wellington City
Embark on one of the world’s most scenic ferry crossings today and soak up
the fabulous scenery of the Marlborough Sounds as you cruise across the
Cook Strait to the North Island. You will soon be in Wellington, New Zealand’s capital city we highly recommend visiting the innovative and interactive national
museum Te Papa this afternoon. Overnight Wellington
Day 15
Wellington to Napier Art Deco City (329km, 4-5hrs + breaks)
From Wellington you will enjoy a great blast
northwards and a welcome leg-stretch at a Wildlife Centre and Bird Sanctuary
before arriving into Napier Art Deco City. Nowhere else other than here can
you see such a variety of buildings in the styles of the 1930s - Stripped Classical,
Spanish Mission, and above all Art Deco, the style of the 20th Century. Overnight Napier
Day 16
Napier to Rotorua (220km, 3-4hrs + breaks)
Our chosen route to Rotorua provides a wonderful, easy day’s riding. At Lake Taupo check out the the iconic Huka Falls, where 220,000 litres per second of crystal clear water crash into a turbulent pool 11 metres below. The scenic highlights between Taupo and Rotorua will not disappoint as you traverse the unusual, volcanic geography combined with large pine forest plantations. Overnight Rotorua
Day 17
Rotorua 'Rest or Ride'
Rotorua, on the Volcanic Plateau, has one of the world’s most lively fields of
geothermal activity. Visit skyrocketing geysers, hot springs and boiling mud pools,
enjoy a Hangi Feast and Maori Cultural Performance, or treat yourself to an
indulgent spa therapy. If adventure is your thing, Rotorua has many attractions to
get the adrenalin flowing such as Skydiving, Luging and Zorbing.
Overnight Rotorua
Day 18
Rotorua to Coromandel Peninsula (222km, 3-4hrs + breaks)
The Coromandel Peninsula provides a mecca for motorcyclists with twists, turns,
convoluted hills and pretty bays providing a challenging variety of corner-carving
delights. Sea-side villages provides light refreshment before the fun really begins!
Fabulous Beaches, including the famous Hot Water Beach set the scene for your
wonderful overnight stay at Whitianga with clear blue waters and sea cave adventures.
Overnight Whitianga
Day 19
Coromandel Peninsula to Auckland West (233km, 4-5hrs + breaks)
Enjoy delightful narrow and twisty bends with ancient native tree- lined beaches
and spectacular scenery as you continue your journey around the Coromandel
Peninsular via the Pacific Coast Highway. Skirt the City of Sails to discover the
serenity of the West with its black-sand beaches and forest ranges.
Overnight Auckland West
Day 20
Auckland West to Hokianga Harbour (242km, 3-4hrs + breaks)
The Twin Coast Discovery Highway is a stunning ride for motorcyclists and leads
through the most beautiful areas of Northland. On the way up the West Coast
visit the interesting Kauri Museum, providing a perfect insight into Northland’s
pioneering past. This great riding road winds through ancient native forests, stop
to see the huge Tane Mahuta Kauri Tree before arriving at the gorgeous Hokianga Harbour, an untouched area made up of lush forests giant sand dunes, and
calm harbour waters.
Overnight Omapere
Day 21
Hokianga Harbour to Bay of Islands (210km, 34hrs + breaks)
A superb start to the day entails a ferry ride across the harbour, and then
there’s the option to ride to the lighthouse, at Cape Reinga, New Zealand’s most
northerly point and full of Maori legend. Its then easy riding along the east coast
where you can visit New Zealand’s oldest European building and the famous
‘Waitangi Treaty’ Grounds before arriving at the perfect location in the Beautiful
Bay of islands.
Overnight Paihia
Day 22
Bay of Islands 'Rest or Ride'
Spend the day lazing on the beach or on a yacht to explore the hundreds of
islands. Or take a Dolphin Cruise through the famous Hole in the Rock. Visit the
tiny historic village of Russell with its fascinating colonial heritage, where you can
relax with a beer by the water’s edge. And there’s plenty more great riding to
be had!
Overnight Paihia.
Day 23
Bay of Islands to Auckland - End of Tour
The scenic coastal route includes awesome sweeps and bends. The last stretch
via the Hibiscus Highway weaves its way through rolling hills and farmland,
allowing for diverse riding right up to the very last minute of your tour. Visit
an iconic biker’s pub before hitting the vibe of Auckland City and visiting South
Pacific’s Auckland base to return your bike.
23 Day Twin Island GPS Motorcycle Tour |
Day |
Route |
1 |
Christchurch to Lake Tekapo |
2 |
Lake Tekapo to Oamaru |
3 |
Oamaru to Dunedin |
4 |
Dunedin to Invercargill, home of Burt Munro |
5 |
Invercargill to Te Anau (Fiordland Nat Park) |
6 |
Te Anau to Milford Return |
7 |
Te Anau to Queenstown |
8 |
Queenstown Rest or Ride Day |
9 |
Queenstown to Franz Josef Glacier |
10 |
Franz Josef Glacier to Punakaiki |
11 |
Punakaiki to Hanmer Springs |
12 |
Hanmer Springs to Kaikoura |
13 |
Kaikoura to Picton |
14 |
Picton to Wellington (Ferry to North Island) |
15 |
Wellington to Napier |
16 |
Napier to Rotorua |
17 |
Rotorua Rest or Ride |
18 |
Rotorua to The Coromandel Peninsular |
19 |
Coromandel Peninsular to Auckland West |
20 |
Auckland West to The Hokianga Harbour |
21 |
Hokianga Harbour to the Bay of Islands (Cape Reinga) |
22 |
Explore the Bay of Islands (Rest or Ride) |
23 |
Bay of Islands to Auckland City |
Tour Highlights:-
- Church of the Good Shepherd, Lake Tekapo
- Aoraki Mount Cook - the 'Cloud Piercer'
- The ancient Moeraki Boulders
- The Fossilised Forest, Catlins
- Burt Munro's Fastest Indian & Motorworks Collection
- Magical Milford Sound & Fiordland National Park
- Queenstown - Adventure Capital of the Southern Hemisphere
- Ride New Zealand's highest sealed road
- Haast Pass, Mount Aspiring National Park
- The West Coast Rainforests & Glaciers
- Punakaiki Pancake Rocks
- Cape Foulwind Seal Colony
- The amazing Buller Gorge
- Lewis Pass
- Hanmer Alpine Thermal Hot Springs
- Ride the Great Alpine Highway
- Pacific Ocean-side riding
- Wellington Capital City
- Napier Art Deco City
- Huka Falls, Lake Taupo
- Rotorua's bubbling mud & geysers
- See the Giant Kauri Trees of Waipoua Forest
- Ride the Coromandel Peninsula
- Cape Reinga, NZ's most northerly point
- Relax at the beautiful Bay of Islands
- Riding SPMT's secret biking lanes!
Recommended Extra Activities:-
Here's a guide about some extra activities that SPMT can incorporate seamlessly into your Trip. There's no booking fee, the retail rate is simply added to your SPMT account, and in the unlikely event the operator cancels you will be refunded in full. Your friendly Tour Planner will send you further information about each activity to help you decide.
- Dark Sky Experience, Tekapo
- Yellow-eyed Penguin Tour (Oamaru)
- Penguin Tours (Dunedin)
- Royal Albatross Tour (Dunedin)
- Larnach Castle (Dunedin)
- Brewery Tours (Dunedin)
- Classic Motorcycle Mecca, Invercargill
- Glow-worm Caves (Te Anau)
- Milford Sound Boat Cruise (highly recommended)
- Jet-boat rides, boat cruises, wine tours, bungy, rafting, skydiving, bungy swing, (Queenstown)
- Glacier Helicopter Rides, Franz Josef
- Westcoast Wildlife Centre, Franz Josef
- Thermal Hot Springs, Hanmer
- Whale-watching, Kaikoura
- Omaka Aviation Centre (Blenheim)
- Kayaking & Boat Cruises (Abel Tasman)
- Glow-worm Caves (Waitomo)
- Jet-boat Ride (Taupo)
- Maori Village Cultural Evening with Dinner (Rotorua)
- Geothermal Wonderland Entry (Rotorua)
- Gondola, Lugw, Skyswing, Zipline (Rotorua)
- Hobbiton Movie Set Tour
- Bay of Islands Boat Cruises (Catamaran or Tall Ship)
The following is included in the Tour Price:-
Easy Rider (Motor-lodge no breakfast) |
- 23 Days Motorcycle Hire
- 23 Nights Accommodation
- Side and top luggage
- The South Pacific Tour Pack
- New Zealand maps
- Route loaded Garmin GPS
- Activity booking service
- 24/7 Roadside Assist
- Full insurance
- Government tax
- Luggage Storage facility
- Transfers to/from Christchurch Base
- 3-hour ferry boat cruise
- SPMT Sticker
|
Kiwi Classic (Bed & Breakfast) |
- 23 Days Motorcycle Hire
- 23 Nights Accommodation
- 23 Breakfasts
- Side and top luggage
- The South Pacific Tour Pack
- New Zealand maps
- Route loaded Garmin GPS
- Activity booking service
- 24/7 Roadside Assist
- Full insurance
- Government tax
- Luggage Storage facility
- Transfers to/from Christchurch Base
- 3-hour ferry boat cruise
- SPMT Sticker
- Embroidered SPMT Cap
|
Supreme (Hotel Full Breakfast) |
- 23 Days Motorcycle Hire
- 23 Nights Accommodation
- 23 Full Breakfasts
- Side and top luggage
- The South Pacific Tour Pack
- New Zealand maps
- Route loaded Garmin GPS
- Activity booking service
- 24/7 Roadside Assist
- Full insurance
- Government tax
- Luggage Storage facility
- Transfers to/from Christchurch Base
- 3-hour ferry boat cruise with Premier Lounge Upgrade
- SPMT Sticker
- Embroidered SPMT Cap
- Embroidered SPMT Tee-shirt
|
Platinum (Hosted Lodge Full Breakfast Full Dinner) |
- 23 Days Motorcycle Hire
- 23 Nights Accommodation
- 23 Full Breakfasts
- 23 Evening Dinners
- Side and top luggage
- The South Pacific Tour Pack with Full Colour Itinerary Booklet
- New Zealand maps
- Route loaded Garmin GPS
- Activity booking service
- 24/7 Roadside Assist
- Full insurance
- Government tax
- Luggage Storage facility
- Transfers between Christchurch hotel and SPMT Christchurch Base
- Transfers between Christchurch airport and Christchurch hotel
- Transfers between SPMT Auckland Base and Auckland Hotel
- Transfers between Auckland hotel and Auckland Airport
- Inter-island ferry boat cruise with Premier Lounge Upgrade
- SPMT Embroidered Patch per person
- Embroidered SPMT Cap per person
- Embroidered SPMT Tee-shirt per person
|
Not included:- Flights, travel insurance, drinks (except where indicated in lodgings inclusions) , fuel, activities (unless stated), room service, hotel incidentals (unless stated)