Reviews

“From booking to riding, to the hotels and the food, Open Road Motorcycle Tours NZ knocked it out of the park. Lance and Sally run a great operation. The ride was fantastic and was over all to soon! Highly recommend if you're considering a ride in NZ to choose this outfit!”

“ My wife and I have gone on a few similar self-guided tours. The Open Road experience is at the top of our list. It started with great communication leading up to the adventure, Lance and Sally do a great job of getting things set up and organized. Pickup at the airport, installing our GPS system on the bike and daily check-ins to make sure things are going well are all part of the great personal touch which set this trip apart from others. Great scenic roads, fantastic lodging and sightseeing suggestions that were catered to our preferences made this trip unique. We highly recommend Sally and Lance for your next adventure! Tracy and Robyn Canada ”

“My wife and I went on the 14 day Twin Island tour. Booking a tour with Lance and Sally was the first big win of the trip, closely followed by the excellent roads, accommodations, meals, and sights on both islands. Lance and Sally were amazing hosts and could not do enough to assist us in enjoying every second of our trip. Sally’s extensive knowledge of each town and area was amazing, and Lance's ability to set a pace that allowed you to enjoy riding the roads while allowing us to slow down to take in the amazing views. Marg & Greg Australia”

“From first contact I was impressed with how promptly any queries were dealt with. I did the 14 day twin island tour. It looked fantastic but in reality it far exceeded expectations. The bikes were great. The routes were a dream. The food and accommodations were way beyond expectations. My partner came along in the support vehicle and equally enjoyed the whole experience. Big big thanks to Sally and Lance who took great care to ensure everyone felt well looked after.”

“I will start by saying I am not (ordinarily) a tour kind of guy.I like to come and go (or stay) at my own pace. I also have no problem paying for nice creature comforts, like accommodations and fine meals. They hit the mark on all of that. The 14 day Open Road tour of New Zealand was a very good fit for me. The riding group was small enough to feel personal (nice chaps too), and our tour leaders, Lance and Sally showed a genuine interest in the well-being of all of us. A special shout out here to Sally, who always made sure that I was provided with a nice seafood option, as I am a pescatarian. I highly recommend this tour to anyone who is interested in a turn key experience. Just show up with your gear (and coins) and they take care of the rest. All you have to do is ride, eat, drink, and laugh. If you do not have a fantastic go with Open Road, it is entirely your fault. Bruce”

“If you're trying to decide on a motorcycle tour (either guided or self guided) and have found this review, do yourself a favor and send Lance and Sally at Open Road NZ an email asking if they have any availability on one of their fantastic tours across New Zealand. You wont regret it! Imagine spending 3-5 hours a day riding a motorcycle across open highways, stopping to take in the sights and the ice cream or cappuccinos that seems to appear at every stop. Lance guides you across NZ with the riders following and your luggage and spare bikes follow after in the Open Road Van and trailer driven by Sally. You find a small village and stop for lunch, walk around a bit and finish off with an ice cream or coffee again. Back on the bikes, you continue the journey until you reach your hotel for the evening. Sally arrives with the van and your luggage, so you can pretend to be a civilized non biker for dinner ( yea right...). You get a text with a time to meet for happy hour and when and where to meet for dinner. After a long day of riding a well maintained motorcycle across open and fun roads, you get to your hotel ready to eat and drink. The hosts, Lance and Sally do the hard part of finding incredible hidden gems and ordering dishes for dinner that are shared, making it so much easier to relax and not worry about where or what to eat when you're exhausted. They find really neat hotels to stay in; we stayed in an old bank vault one night, next to a glacier in a rainforest hotel, and on the beach where you can watch your motorcycle with the waves in the background. The bikes provided are in fantastic shape, spotless fairings and well maintained engines, chains, oil etc. The tires had fantastic traction and had me feeling totally comfortable when the rain picked. Being short, my greatest fear occurred and I dropped my bike and was pleasantly surprised at how cheap the charge for the repair was, far cheaper than anything I could imagine. Everyone was very supportive in making sure I didnt feel too bad about it. Ages ranged from 30s-70s, and experience ranging from a few years to decades. I would recommend having familiarity with twisty roads and feel somewhat comfortable riding when it's wet out so you can really enjoy the ride regardless of the conditions you encounter. If you havent started an email to Lance and Sally yet, you should probably start now and begin planning your vacation to New Zealand. (I receive nothing for this review other than knowing that I may have helped sway someone to take their most incredible vacation yet.)”

“Easily the best guided tour I've been on Lance and Sally are both cracking people. Great accommodation great food great crack with everyone on the ride. The one pleasant surprise was the bikes everyone of them were great and you would have them at home in your garage .The only downer is the plane ride down there but it's worth it to get away from the British winter for a month in January. I will hopefully return in 2026. Response from the owner Cheers for awesome review Steve, likewise you were fun company to have along. We are so pleased you had a great time, we do try hard to make sure everyone gets the best out of our tours. Hope to see you again.”

“My brother and I went on the 24-day tour in January 2024. The tour is by no means cheap, but everyone agreed it was remarkable value. I am not a motorbike fanatic and switched to the tour bus for the last 10 days of our trip however for the enthusiast you will see more challenging motorbike twists and turns in a 14-day tour than you will see in years of typical motoring. The motor biking is challenging so if you haven’t been regularly riding in the last year, I would recommend you get some practice in and make sure you are physically fit enough for the trip. There are a variety if touring bikes available to suit all needs however discuss your preferences in good time for Lance to organise any special requirements (a low seat height for instance). New Zealand is a lovely country of mountains and breath-taking scenery, and you will get your fill of both during your trip. The gem of Open Road holidays (for me at least) is the accommodation and gourmet food. Most evenings we were treated to some new boutique rest spot with amazing food from all over the world. I for one never expected anywhere near the standard of accommodation and food provided. For any partners not interested in the challenge of hairpin 15 KPH turns I would recommend a seat beside Sally in the tour bus. During my time in the “hot seat”, I was able to quiz Sally about her country and to learn a huge amount about NZ as she answered my questions with her encyclopaedic knowledge of her home. Each trip option includes a special event again all catered for in the fee. In conclusion therefore this tour under promises and over delivers. Prepare well, forget the cost and grab what will be a “bucket list” holiday of a lifetime!”

“Absolutely the BEST vacation EVER. Let me start by saying that Lance and Sally are business owners that TRULY care about customer service and providing the most amazing experience possible (hotels, views, Q&A, etc) I'm a traveler and have seen most of the world (6 continents and 30+countries). New Zealand may be the most gorgeous place in the world I have seen the beautiful sites and will cherish these memories for ever. The bikes are in EXCELLENT condition and maintained throughout the trip (again.... Because Lance is a bike guy, he's lubing chains, making adjustments for riders, cleaning the bikes... a real biker!). We stayed at amazing hotels and ate the finest foods. I certainly don't want to spoil the surprise, but IF you're looking for guided motorcycle journey.... This is the place. I don't say this lightly, it's an expensive trip.... (Bikes, hotels, Sally in the support van, epic meals) But if you're going to do something..... DO IT RIGHT I've gone on hack bike trips trying to save a few dollars in the past and ALWAYS regretted it.... ended up with POS (piece of ***) bike, poor service, etc. Life is short..... Sometimes you've got to go big ....I've met some great people on this journey and wouldn't trade it for anything..... Do it once, do it right and make it amazing”

“I recently completed a 28 day guided motorcycle tour around both Islands of NZ with Open Road. It is difficult to pick a precise superlative for this tour. The country was spectacular. The roads were endlessly curved, great surface and with interesting surroundings and the bikes supplied by Open Road were in excellent condition and well up to (and better than) the conditions. Lance led the group of 6 riders with style and good humour around 5,600 km of some of the best roads I have ridden in my long motorbike career. The riding was complimented by a social program, hotels and dining experience that was second to none and Sally organised that side of the tour superbly. So many great meals and excellent hotels. I will unhesitatingly recommend Open Road and Sally and Lance to anyone thinking of going to NZ and riding bikes. Their package was great value and the quality of the tour was second to none. You will not be disappointed. ”

“Our experience riding with Open Road was what we had anticipated and MORE. A 14 day adventure of the North Island. Amazing service. Sally and Lance are locals of New Zealand they are extremely knowledgeable regarding their country and the roads and share it all. Open Road did an excellent job of customizing our trip - outstanding hotels, restaurants and out of the way scenery. Totally hassle free. The bikes were in perfect condition and set for our needs. Spectacular scenery and sensational riding. If you are planning to ride New Zealand we highly recommend Open Road Motorcycle tours, whether it is on one of their planned tours or have them arrange a self guided tour . Looking forward to returning and traveling the South Island with them. Response from Open Road You lovely people waited so long to come, (booked pre covid) we really tried hard to make sure it was everything you hoped for & so pleased we delivered for you. It was a great ride & thank you for trusting in us, hope to see you back for the South Island next time.”

“.I just completed a NZ North Island, motorcycle cruise with “Open Road.” Sally And Lance organized the trip with expert efficiency from the choice of motorcycles to lodging, food, and interesting island highlights. My unique perspective of their expertise is based on difficulties I experienced in the middle of the trip with inability to maintain balance, a particularly necessary skill if you are going to ride a motorcycle. I considered quitting the trip, but continued riding in the support van with Sally, who entertained and astonished me with her beautiful, singing voice and encyclopedic recall of all words to all songs. Open Roads Is a fantastic company and scenery combined with some of the best motorcycle roads in the world make this a must do bucket list trip. Response from Open Road Thanks for the great review David it was our pleasure to host you on this tour. Yes, we do aim high and plan carefully, even down to the ‘in-van’ entertainment. Hopefully, the playlist was to your liking! Come back with Judy for our South Island tour next time.”

“Trip of a lifetime. So glad we chose Open Road! Great bikes! The support van was wonderful when I got too tired to ride pillion (not a passenger van, but was comfortable enough). Superb hotels and restaurants. Nice, intimate group. We saw everything one must see in New Zealand plus some fun local flavor like an excellent sheep herding demonstration. Lance and Sally were so on top of everything, handling new road and hotels closures due to the recent cyclone without diminishing the tour. They (and Woody) were also wonderful, fun people who I would want to hang out with for 23+ days, anywhere. I’m ready to go back (and it hasn’t yet been a month since I returned home).”

“If you are considering a guided trip to New Zealand focused on motorcycling and are a competent rider and wish to end your day with fine food and exceptional lodging, then seriously consider this venue.”

“Lance and Sally have cracked the code. When it comes to experiencing all that New Zealand has to offer, Open Road Motorcycle Tours delivers! Lance and Sally have gone the extra mile when it comes to route planning, accommodations, attractions and so many of the fine details to make this an amazing experience. This trip has been a dream of mine for quite some time and Open Road made this dream come true on so many levels. Aside from the trip being a phenomenal experience, i would like to add that Lance, Sally and team are simply wonderful people.”

“From first contact I was impressed with how promptly any queries were dealt with. I did the 14-day twin island tour. It looked fantastic but in reality it far exceeded expectations. The bikes were great. The routes were a dream. The food and accommodations were way beyond expectations. My partner came along in the support vehicle and equally enjoyed the whole experience. Big big thanks to Sally and Lance who took great care to ensure everyone felt well looked after. Gearoid O'Dwyer - IR - 18 March 2024 ”

“My wife & I have just returned from a great 10 day ride with Open Road in NZ. It was from Queenstown to Auckland. I have done 5 tours in Europe & this was the best. Great routes, exceptional service from Sally & Lance and, their best kept secret, fabulous hotels and dinners - included. See pic for the one in Martinborough. Beautifully restored hotel with a "one hat" restaurant. Can highly recommend this family company. Stef & Tony James, Sydney, Australia. ”

“I came, I rode...a long way, I shared (Perfusion pinot noir) and have Sally and Lance of Open Road Motorcycle Tours NZ to thank for a spectacular trip. 3 long years I waited and it was worth it. 😉 For anyone interested in details or a possible NZ tour contact me or Open Road Motorcycle Tours for details/options #openroadmotorcycletours #perfusionvineyard. From Open Road this is re-posted from Johns Instagram - Thanks John great ride, he even offered to pay 1/2 my speeding ticket! ”

“I would highly recommend these guys for touring around NZ. They went above and beyond to ensure I had the best experience possible. Everything was well organised and very professional. Somehow we managed to fit in every great road in the North Island in a fortnight and still have time to experience plenty of the local culture.”

“We booked a tour with Sally and Lance in January 0f 2020, little did we all know what was about to hit us all. Throughout the last year or so we were kept informed and updated by them both and we confidently left our deposit and booking with them for what we hoped would be a better 2021. It has become apparent with the UK travel ban and loss of flight that even this was too optimistic. We have now had our deposit returned and we hope to make it down in 2023. For all our Australian cousins and friends, enjoy your travel bubble and the Kiwi hospitality you can book with confidence, Sally and Lance will see you right. Good luck all, hope to see you soon. Best wishes, Karl & Tracy. UK.”

“What a pleasure to have the Open Road Tour stay with us ! And to have those beautiful motor bikes on the property was a sure attraction. We highly recommend Lance and Sally and the Open Road Tour if you have not been up to the Far North. It’s the best way to see the country with people who know their stuff. We look forward to seeing many more Open Road Tours up this way in the near future !! The Management Team Acacia Lodge Mangonui Acacia Lodge - 18 August 2020”

“Hilarious fun, deep down dirty good fun. You couldn't ask for more out of a bike or a ride. Super comfortable easy to handle and heaps of grunt. You'll have heaps of fun and great guys to hang out with. Terry Jones ”

“Lance and Sally really know their stuff. We did some fantastic riding on routes I didn't even know existed. Loved the bike too! Motor Journalist - NZ ”