14 Day Twin Island Discovery

Kia ora and welcome to New Zealand. Today is about settling in and getting ready for the journey ahead. Spend time exploring Auckland or relaxing after your travels. In the afternoon we meet to get you familiar with your bike and introduce you to your fellow riders, followed by a relaxed welcome dinner overlooking the marina in the Viaduct Harbour.

Auckland to Taupo

Our first riding day leads us south through the Waikato region on quiet back roads that ease you into New Zealand riding. Expect smooth sweepers, gentle elevation changes and open farmland as we leave the city behind. As Lake Taupō comes into view, the road opens up and the volcanic plateau begins to shape the landscape ahead.

Taupo to New Plymouth

Today’s ride crosses the centre of the North Island toward the west coast, blending forested sections with flowing rural roads. You’ll ride through river valleys and past native bush before Mt Taranaki appears on the horizon — a near-perfect volcanic cone that dominates the skyline. The closer we get to the coast, the more open the roads become, with long bends and wide views toward the Tasman Sea. Our destination today is New Plymouth, a relaxed coastal city known for its parks, art scene and ocean views.

New Plymouth to Whangamomona

Today’s ride is a true highlight and a favourite with our guides. We follow the coastline around Mt Taranaki before turning inland onto the legendary Forgotten World Highway. This road is made for motorcycles, with constant corners, changing surfaces and dramatic scenery. Expect tunnels carved through hillsides, narrow valleys and stretches where it feels like the road belongs only to us. After lunch in the tiny “Republic of Whangamōmona,” we return toward New Plymouth via the slopes of Mt Taranaki. The road climbs steadily into cooler air, with sweeping bends and panoramic views back across farmland and out to the Tasman Sea. On a clear day, the perspective from the mountain makes the earlier coastal ride feel a world away — a perfect contrast and a memorable way to finish the day.

A chance to slow the pace and enjoy New Plymouth’s coastal setting. Walk the waterfront path, explore Pukekura Park or visit the Govett-Brewster Art Gallery. With Mt Taranaki often visible behind the city, this is a great place to recharge before heading back into more remote riding country. Dinner tonight is at your leisure.

New Plymouth to Apiti

We head south along sections of the rugged west coast, where black sand beaches meet rolling farmland and distant mountain ranges. The road alternates between long open sweepers and tighter rural sections as we move inland toward the Ruahine Ranges. Tonight’s stay at a family-run farm lodge adds to the sense of being deep in New Zealand’s rural heartland and where warm hospitality is part of the experience.

Apiti to Wellington

Today’s ride flows through the back roads of the Wairarapa, a region of wide valleys, vineyards and quiet farming towns. After visiting Pūkaha National Wildlife Centre to see native species, we climb into the hills and tackle the Rimutaka Hill Road — a classic New Zealand pass with tight bends, steep gradients and sweeping views before dropping down into Wellington.

Wellington to St Arnaud

This morning we trade asphalt for water as we cross Cook Strait by ferry, cruising through the sheltered bays and forested hills of the Marlborough Sounds. Back on the bikes in the South Island, the ride to St Arnaud introduces us to alpine scenery — cooler air, clear lakes and mountain ridgelines lining the road into Nelson Lakes National Park.

St Arnaud to Kumara

The Buller Gorge delivers one of the South Island’s most enjoyable rides, with the road twisting alongside the river through dense native bush. Expect a steady rhythm of bends and changing light as cliffs and forest close in around the road. We pass through the historic gold town of Reefton before reaching the historic settlement of Kumara, where reminders of the gold rush still shape the town. This region is rich in gold mining history and is truely an unspoilt and untamed natural wilderness.

Kumara to Lake Tekapo

Crossing the Southern Alps via Arthur’s Pass is a true highlight of the tour. The road climbs through steep valleys and braided rivers before opening into high alpine scenery. As we descend onto the Canterbury Plains, the landscape changes again to wide open spaces and big skies, before arriving in Lake Tekapo with its turquoise-blue waters and the Southern Alps in the distance. .

A full day to enjoy Tekapo’s alpine setting. Wander the lakeshore, soak in hot pools, or explore high-country roads and lookouts by 4WD. At night, Tekapo’s Dark Sky Reserve offers some of the clearest stargazing in the world.

Lake Tekapo to Cardrona

Leaving Lake Tekapo this morning, we ride beside Lake Pukaki with Mt Cook dominating the horizon, one of the most photographed road views in New Zealand. The climb over Lindis Pass brings long flowing curves through golden tussock valleys and rocky outcrops. Central Otago’s dry, open landscapes signal our arrival in the historic settlement of Cardrona, home to one of New Zealand’s oldest and most photographed hotels, where we stay tonight. It is one of only two remaining buildings from the Cardrona Valley gold rush era.

Cardrona to Manapouri/Doubtful Sound

Heading south to Manapouri, we prepare for a unique experience in Fiordland National Park. Leaving the bikes behind, we'll board the Fiordland Navigator for an overnight cruise into Doubtful Sound, the deepest of New Zealand’s 14 fiords. Expect towering cliffs, waterfalls and rainforest as we glide through one of the most remote parts of the country. Kayaking and stargazing are on offer before settling into your private cabin.

Doubtful Sound/Manapouri to Queenstown

This morning we will experience more of this amazing Fjord before returning to shore. Back on the bikes once more we head to Queenstown along Lake Wakatipu where the Remarkables mountain range lines the road into town. Long sweeping bends and lake views make this a relaxed and scenic ride into New Zealand’s adventure capital. Tonight we’ll head out to explore Queenstown’s lively waterfront and dining scene.