8 Day Self Guided 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 Rotorua - Self Guided

Today we head south to the Karangahake Gorge & the gentle rolling country roads of the Waikato Plains, it’s a nice change from the twisty roads of the Coromandel. Then it’s onto Rotorua, famous for its geothermal activity, bubbling mud pools, shooting geysers and natural hot springs. Here you can explore the beautiful Government Gardens where you can see ancient bubbling geothermal pools, traditional and modern Māori-inspired art & sculptures. Also within the park is the Blue Baths, a Mediterranean style public swimming house where you can relax in heated waters in an architecturally stunning setting.

Rotorua to Napier

Continuing your journey south today you will ride through farmland and forestry on the Thermal Explorer Highway. This takes you through some fantastic scenery with rugged hills, beautiful valleys, gentle plains and huge vistas. This afternoon you can explore some of the Hawkes Bay countryside taking the back roads of this fertile region lying just below the Ruahine Ranges, past award-winning wineries & small towns. End the day with a ride up to the lookout at Te Mata Peak, a ridge of dramatic uplifted limestone with spectacular panoramic views of Hawke’s Bay. On a clear day, you’ll be able to see as far as Mt Tongariro. 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 harks back to this elegant era. Another great day of riding with views to match.

Napier to Wanganui - Self Guided

Today your route takes you inland along the twisty and windy road affectionately known as the Gentle Annie which crosses the Ruahine Ranges, a stretch of mountains that run through the middle of the lower north island. This road is one our favourite rides where the views are simply wonderful and stretch for miles. You'll often have the road all to yourself. By the afternoon you will have reached the start of the Whanganui River Road which follows the river as it makes its way towards the sea. There are stunning views of the river along much of the road’s length and of particular interest are the many beautifully preserved marae (gathering places) which are usually visible from the road.

Wanganui to Whangamomona - Self Guided

Today you will continue your ride along the west coast towards Mt Taranaki, where volcanic activity has shaped a stunning coastline, with black sand beaches backed by rugged mountains. Riding inland along the Forgotten World Highway you'll have an incredible ride past remote farms, through pristine sub-tropical rain forests and unspoilt scenery via back country roads that wind over four mountain saddles and through a 180 metre single lane tunnel. Tonight you stay in the eccentric little town of Whangamōmona, where you'll experience real country hospitality in a country hotel with a great vibe.. In 1989 the small rural town of Whangamōmona 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.

Whangamomona to New Plymouth - Self Guided

This morning head back along the Forgotten World Highway towards majestic Mt Taranaki, where the mountain’s cone is almost perfectly symmetrical and when not hiding his head beneath a cap of cloud can be seen from almost anywhere in the region. Here you can ride up to the Plateau lookout for fantastic views of the surrounding countryside and to walk to the new 100m Suspension Bridge which spans the Manganui Gorge. You destination today is the vibrant and contemporary city of New Plymouth.

New Plymouth to Taupo - Self Guided

Your route today meanders north through the forests and gorges of the west coast & the rolling verdant Waikato countryside to the northern shores of Lake Taupo and your destination for today. Taupo is a popular town to visit for its thermal pools, lively town centre, and magnificent views of Lake Taupo and Mount Ruapehu in the distance.

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.