24 Day North & South Island Self-Guided Motorcycle Tour

Auckland to Whitianga - Self Guided

This morning you will collect your motorcycle from our Auckland headquarters and ride towards the East Coast & the start of the Coromandel Loop Rd. This narrow, twisty & windy road hugs the coast with fantastic views across the Firth of Thames and Hauraki Gulf and is a favourite destination for motorcycle riders. A road trip along the Coromandel Peninsula has got to be one of the best scenic drives in New Zealand. Between its pristine white sand beaches, turquoise sea, and fern-filled rainforests, the Coromandel is one of the most gorgeous regions in the North Island. It's worth making a stop for lunch in Coromandel Town so you can sample the local delicacy - oysters. Tonight your accommodation is in the small coastal town of Whitianga.

Whitianga to Taupo Self Guided

Today you leave the twisty roads of the Coromandel and head to the lakes and geothermal wonderland of Rotorua & Lake Taupo. After a fun-packed ride through Karangahake Gorge, the straight and undulating roads of the Waikato Plains will make a relaxing change from yesterday’s curvy coastal roads. Take some time to experience Rotorua's amazing geothermal activity before continuing your journey through the rolling verdant Waikato countryside to the northern shores of Lake Taupo and your destination for today.

Taupo to New Plymouth Self Guided

Today your route guides you through the captivating forests and gorges of New Zealand's mesmerizing west coast. Follow the back roads through rolling farmland & native forests as you journey south towards the vibrant and contemporary city of New Plymouth. New Plymouth is known for its flourishing art scene, sunny climate, and picturesque parks. The pièce de résistance of New Plymouth's landscape is the majestic Mt Taranaki. Rising with almost perfect symmetry, this awe-inspiring mountain stands tall, often crowned by a cap of clouds. Keep an eye out for this iconic peak as it can be spotted from almost anywhere in the region, adding a touch of grandeur to the skyline.

New Plymouth to Whangamomona Self Guided

Today your route winds around the western edge of Mt Taranaki before heading inland once more and along the twists and turns of the Forgotten Highway to the self proclaimed Republic of Whangamomona. In 1989 the small rural town of Whangamomona was the victim of a regional boundary change and in disgust decided to proclaim its independence from NZ. You can even pick up a Whangamamona passport as a souvenir. No visit to this eccentric little town would be complete without a stop at the tavern for lunch. Experience incredible ride through one way tunnels hand cut through the bushland and experience real country hospitality in a country hotel with a great vibe.

Test

New Plymouth to Pukeokahu Self Guided

Back on the bikes today you’ll ride around the west coast where volcanic activity has shaped a stunning coastline, with black sand beaches backed by rugged mountains. You are heading for the mighty Manawatu district at the foothills of the Ruahine Ranges. Tonight you stay in a family run country lodge nestled beside the rushing waters of the Rangitikei River, where we’ll enjoy real kiwi hospitality.

Pukeokahu to Wellington Self Guided

Heading south today you will ride towards the rolling landscape of the Wairarapa, a rural area with an off-the-beaten-track charm and also a great wine producing region. This afternoon make a brief stop at Pukaha National Wildlife Centre where you will be able to see conservation in action and meet some of New Zealand's most treasured wildlife such as the Tuatara, Kiwi, Kaka & Takahe. You end your day with a dramatic ride over the windy Rimutakas into our capital city Wellington.

Wellington to St Arnaud Self Guided

Your 3 hour ferry ride today takes you from Te Ika a Maui (the North Island) to Te Waipounamu (the South Island) through the outstanding natural beauty of Queen Charlotte Sound. If you’re lucky we may even see dolphins. Once you make shore your destination today is the small lakeside town of St Arnaud perched on the edge of Lake Rotoiti within the Nelson Lakes National Park. You’ll be enchanted by the alpine landscape of rugged peaks and stunning glacial lakes. Be sure to check out the native eels that live under the jetty.

St Arnaud to Arthurs Pass Self Guided

Today you’ll have a wonderful ride through the Buller Gorge, a wild and picturesque river valley where the bush-clad road twists and turns as it follows the Buller River on its journey to the sea. Your ride takes you through the small gold rush town of Reefton, where many of the heritage buildings have been lovingly restored. From Reefton the road rises towards Arthur’s Pass National Park in the heart of the Southern Alps. Here high mountains with large scree slopes, steep gorges and wide braided rivers straddle the main divide between east & west, and are the ‘backbone’ of the South Island. The view of the Otira Viaduct from the lookout offers some awesome natural views and you might even encounter our mischievous native alpine parrot, the Kea. Just don’t let them anywhere near the bikes!

Arthurs Pass to Lake Tekapo Self Guided

Continuing your journey south today you'll leave the highest route through the Southern Alps and descend towards the Canterbury Plains & onto the Mackenzie District, riding alongside wide shingle-filled riverbeds and vast swathes of beech forest. You’ll visit the tiny historic village of Burkes Pass, discovered by Europeans in 1855 as a route leading into the vast Mackenzie region. The village was the last outpost of civilization in those days and has remained relatively unchanged since. Arriving in the small town of Tekapo we’ll make a stop at the Church of the Good Shepherd on the lakefront for a photo opportunity. Check out the awe-inspiring views of Lake Tekapo and the surrounding mountains through the church's altar window. Tekapo, being almost totally free from light pollution, is one of the best stargazing sites on earth. The thousands of glittering constellations will simply take your breath away.

Lake Tekapo to Cardrona Self Guided

Leaving Lake Tekapo this morning your route takes you towards the vivid blue Lake Pukaki, stop at Peter’s Lookout for its stunning views of Mt Cook. The road here passes through a landscape of high country tussock, farmland & snow capped mountains. If time permits a ride up to Mt Cook is one for the bucket list. From Pukaki you’ll ride over the dramatic Lindis Pass that links the Mackenzie Region with Central Otago and is a fantastic stretch of road that climbs through rocky gorges and grass filled plains. You end your day in the historic gold mining town of Cardrona where our hotel, established in 1863, is one of New Zealand's oldest and most photographed hotels. It is one of only two remaining buildings from the Cardrona Valley gold rush era which in its hey-day was a prosperous settlement and significant commercial hub for the area.

Cardrona to Te Anau Self Guided

Today you are in for a real treat, as we head south to Te Anau the gateway to Milford Sound. This morning take your time and enjoy the gentle winding road that skirts Lake Wakatipu as the scenery here is stunning, with the Remarkables mountain range on our left and the magnificent lake on your right. Tonight your accommodation is in the small town of Te Anau, nestled on the edge of the South Island’s largest lake, and is the perfect stepping off point for exploring the wilderness of Fiordland.

Te Anau to Queenstown Self Guided

Today you are in for a fantastic days riding. The road to Milford Sound, is a fantastic scenic experience all of its own, so be prepared for breathtaking views and have the camera ready. The weather here can be a little unpredictable (it has been known to snow in summer!) but this just makes the dramatic scenery even better. At Milford you'll cruise one of NZ"s most magnificent fjords - Milford Sound, where you can experience the fiord’s spectacular waterfalls, rainforest, mountains and wildlife – you’re bound to encounter seals and, if you’re lucky, maybe dolphins and penguins too. Back on dry land your journey back to Queenstown provides another opportunity to experience the fantastic scenery of the Fiordland National Park.

Queenstown to Franz Josef Self Guided

Today marks the start of your journey north, and this morning you will start the day with an exhilarating ride along the spectacular Crown Range, NZ’s highest sealed road. Renowned for its beautiful views and epic scenery the road takes you through the historic mining town of Cardrona. It is rumoured that the historic Cardrona Hotel, one of NZ’s oldest and most iconic hotels, is the most photographed building in NZ. After a short pit stop by the lake shore of beautiful Lake Wanaka continue your journey and ride alongside Lakes Hawea & Wanaka and enjoy the stunning views of Mt Aspiring National Park as you head towards Haast Pass and the West Coast. This route was a traditional pathway for Maori journeying west in search of pounamu (greenstone or jade). Here the scenery changes from lush rainforest and glacier valleys to dramatic windswept coastal wilderness - it's a truly enjoyable ride. Tonight you stay in the heart of Glacier Country - Franz Josef.

Franz Josef to Punakaiki Self Guided

Continuing your journey north your route follows the West Coast road with the glistening Tasman Sea on one side and the magnificent Southern Alps on the other. It's a beautiful ride through small coastal towns, rich in gold mining & greenstone history. Your destination today is Punakaiki. Here you’ll get a chance to view the famous Pancake Rocks and watch the ocean crash through impressive blowholes where you can hear and feel the boom of the waves hitting the rocks and whooshing up into the air. Your camera will certainly get a work out here.

Punakaiki to Hanmer Springs Self Guided

Today's adventure takes you from the untamed beauty of the West Coast and leads inland, crossing the majestic alps via the Lewis Pass towards the enchanting alpine thermal spa town of Hanmer Springs. The journey is an extraordinary run through breathtaking mountain scenery, surrounded by lush tropical rainforests and nestled within tranquil alpine valleys. You'll have the opportunity to experience more of the awe-inspiring Buller Gorge, with its wild and picturesque river valley. Your destination today is Hanmer Springs with its soothing thermal waters, offering a perfect place to unwind and rejuvenate after a day of adventure.

Hanmer Springs to Blenheim Self Guided

This morning you ride to the picturesque coastal town of Kaikōura, the perfect place for marine life encounters, coastal walks, and tucking into a plate of crayfish. You might like to join an Albatross or Dolphin Encounter Tour here. This small intimate guided tour is a fantastic way to view the large variety of pelagic birds including albatross, shearwaters, petrels, penguins, gannets, skuas, & terns that regularly call this coastline home. Their extremely knowledgeable guides will provide you with a special experience bringing you as close to wildlife as possible. On their Dolphin Encounter tours you are sure to see whales & dolphins out on the water. Back on dry ground the road north takes you along a dramatic coastline where you might still see evidence of the earthquake that shook this region in 2016. Make sure to stop at one of the many viewpoints along the way to catch sight of our native fur seal basking on the rocks below.

Blenheim to Martinborough Self Guided

Bidding farewell to the South Island & back to the North, offers another opportunity to relish the stunning beauty of the Marlborough Sounds. This ferry ride is often described as one of the most breathtaking in the world, surrounded by picturesque landscapes and tranquil waters. Upon arriving in our vibrant capital city Wellington, you’ll enjoy a another spirited ride up the Rimutakas, the mountain range that connects Wellington with the Wairarapa., enjoying the winding road and breathtaking vistas along the way. Tonight you stay in the quirky little village of Martinborough in the heart of the beautiful South Wairarapa wine country.

Martinborough to Napier Self Guided

Today you leave the vineyards of Martinborough behind & make your way towards another great wine growing area - the Hawkes Bay. Your destination today is the town of Napier, which is known as the Art Deco capital of the world. As a result of a terrible earthquake in 1931 which flattened many of the buildings in the central business district of Napier, the town was rebuilt in the Art Deco style. Your hotel tonight is a wonderful example of this and you'll love the luxury & old world styling.

Napier to Taupo Self Guided

Heading west this morning you'll ride the twisty and windy road affectionately known as the Gentle Annie across the Ruahine Ranges a stretch of mountains that run through the middle of the lower north island. With lots of flowing bends, great views & no traffic it's one of our favourite stretches of road. Follow this up by riding the Desert Highway a stretch of road that lies under the watchful gaze of Mt Ruapehu. Lord of the Rings fans may recognise this mountain as Mt Doom. This volcanic desert area is a wild & beautiful place and unlike any other in NZ. Your final destination today is Taupo at the northern shore of Lake Taupo, our largest lake, where a dip in the pool will be welcome after a long day on the road.

Taupo to Auckland - Self Guided

This morning before you head north back to Auckland make a stop to view the Huka Falls & experience the power and sound of nearly a quarter of a million litres of water per second erupting from this natural gorge and thundering 11 metres into the Waikato River below. It’s hard to tear your gaze away from the endless, mesmerizing torrent. Your ride back to Auckland will take you through the rolling Waikato countryside, along the back roads where you can enjoy the lack of traffic and the verdant landscape.