About us - Enviromentally Friendly Bikers!

We're passionate about keeping our beautiful environment 'clean and green'.

Our motorcycles are wonderful 'mean machines' but they emit fuel gases and get through hundreds of tyres each year. So we're addicted to protecting our little corner of the planet by reducing the amount of fuel, electricity and water we use, and reducing the amount of waste we generate, in other words, putting more back in than what we take out.

Paying it back

You too can do your bit by off-setting the carbon-footprint (pollution) you make when you fly to New Zealand and ride your bike. We are proud Sponsors of The Ohoka Bush Domain Advisory Group. You can make a donation to the Group by purchasing your very own New Zealand Native grass, fern or tree! Your grass, fern or tree will be planted in our local native bush area which has recently been re-discovered and undergoing conservation to restore it back to its original state, with added walkways, seating area and wetlands. This area is located next to our local Christchurch Gas Filling Station, so you can check it out for yourself!

You'll also notice the 'Take it or Leave it' and Recycling Bins in our Reception Area for you to recycle items.

CLICK HERE to download our Environmental Sustainability Statement.

Who are we?

St John First-aid Trained
Rental Service Licence approved
Qualified Passenger licenced Guides and Drivers
Qualmark Endorsed Visitor Activity and Visitor Transport
Qualmark Enviro Silver Accredited
'Exceptional Tourism Provider'Award Winners

Mike Lester

Mike Lester is the Managing Director and has been a passionate motorcyclist since way back.

“I was born with a pair of handlebars in my hands and Castrol in myveins! I've been riding bikes legally since 1965 and over the years I've owned a multitude of bikes including Triumphs, Blackbirds, and Harleys. I have a passion for all things motorised and my prized possessions currently include a couple of Triumph TR classics - a TR4A and a TR8.”

Mike is the CEO and owner of South Pacific. Be prepared for lots of bike talk if you're lucky enough to meet him when you pick up your Ride.

Previously an electrician in the UK, Mike moved to New Zealand in 2002. Trained to an advanced level by the Institute of Advanced Motorcyclists, Mike loves passing on his vast riding knowledge to our tour guests who want to improve their ride.

More about Mike

Carole Lester

Carole has lived in New Zealand since the 1970s and extremely proud to call Christchurch home. She is a wonderful host, excels in Customer Service, and manages the company alongside husband Mike. Carole’s enthusiasm and dedication to quality has helped South Pacific Motorcycle Tours New Zealand to become the best motorcycle touring company in New Zealand.

Carole got her full motorcycle licence at the ripe old age of 53 and has a message for all ladies thinking of moving from the passenger seat to rider’s seat – "do it!" Her favourite motorbike on the fleet is the Triumph Bonneville T100 Classic, all tuned up and fitted with full race exhaust. In addition to motorcycling Carole is passionate about the environment and Responsible Tourism. She's a Nature-lover and also a great cook..

More about Carole

Kim Johnston

Kim is Carole's daughter and a keen motorcyclist.

She is also an animal lover and when you arrive at the Christchurch base you'll probably meet her gorgeous Alaskan Malamute, Mika. She is also passionate about everything New Zealand.
Not only does Kim bring a wealth of skills to the company and her Customer Services and inter-personal skills are exemplary. Kim always strives to make our clients happy!

David

David moved over with his family from the UK many years ago and thoroughly enjoys being in NZ.

David is our resident qualified Bike Mechanic, he is the reason all the bikes are always ready to go out in pristine condition, so if you see him lurking in the depths of the Workshop, be sure to say hello and give him a pat on the back.

Hayley

Hayley, Mike's daughter, moved to New Zealand in 2004 along with her husband Ian and family.

Hayley has worked in the UK for magazine publications as a graphic designer and has continued within this field working with signwriting companies and producing our advertising material. She is now our Travel Manager and responsible for producing our legendary GPS and Fully Guided Tour Itineraries.

Chris Carey

Chris is a very likable and socialable guy as well as being a very experienced motorcyclist who has been guiding motorcycle tours all over the world.

Born and bred in New Zealand, with a wealth of knowledge and experience, you can be assured you will be shown not just the typical tourist stuff but some hidden secrets only known to Chris as well.

South Pacific Motorcycle Tours is privileged to have Chris on board.

Dave Cherry

Dave is originally from the UK but kiwi through and through these days. Recently retired from 30 years combined service with the Ministry of Transport and New Zealand Police starting off as a motorcycle cop in Auckland.

Mad keen on motorcycling and travel, has been all over NZ on 2 wheels and last year toured South Africa, Botswana, Zambia and Namibia by bike with his 19 yr old daughter.

Dave is currently riding a Kawasaki Concours GTR14 and member of several NZ and international motorcycle groups.