New Zealand is an idyllic destination for motorcyclists, with miles upon miles of empty roads winding through seemingly untouched scenery. Traffic levels are low and long distances can easily be covered within a single ride day.
New Zealand boasts a stunning landscape dominated by fjords, mountains, vineyards and its famed adventure capital status – so much so that bungee jumping and jet boat rides are two popular activities there.
North Island
New Zealand’s North Island is an absolute motorcyclist’s delight, boasting a population smaller than the USA and an array of mountains, volcanoes, waterfalls and beaches to discover and visit. But what makes this place truly remarkable for bikers are its roads: silky smooth yet not busy and winding their way through landscapes so spectacular it feels like movie set scenery!
Start your tour in Auckland, New Zealand’s largest city. Here you can experience an exhilarating walk around the outside ring of Sky Tower for an exhilarating walk, as well as shop and dine throughout this vibrant metropolis. After enjoying a restful night’s rest on your motorcycle you will travel through rainforests, farmlands and narrow mountain passes with many twists.
As you ride deeper into the heart of North Island, you’ll discover a world of natural beauty and cultural history. From beautiful coastlines and giant Kauri trees, to places with Maori legends. Finally you will reach Rotorua as capital of North Island where you can experience traditional Maori culture, relax in hot springs or visit Hobbiton film set!
From here you’ll embark on one of New Zealand’s most spectacular motorcycle routes – one which will leave you boasting about your adventure for years. Towering cliffs, lush Beech forests, Maori history and even a tunnel cut through an immense mountain await your visit on this trip!
South Island
New Zealand boasts one of the lowest population densities worldwide and its South Island is filled with breathtakingly gorgeous scenery that motorcyclists will be delighted to experience on two wheels. Motorcyclists can touch glaciers, climb mountains and cruise along beaches of white sand beaches while taking advantage of silky roads that wind throughout this magical landscape, providing safe yet enjoyable riding conditions for riders of any skill level.
Silver Fern Adventures, an established New Zealand tour operator, provides self-guided motorcycle tours designed specifically for mature bikers. One such ride takes riders along Lake Pukaki at the southern tip of South Island. Here you can discover its stunning scenery – it was used for filming The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings movies!
Coromandel Peninsula provides another exciting South Island ride, as riders can visit a thermal hot spring. Popular with city folks from Auckland looking for some respite on weekends away. You should plan to arrive two hours either side of low tide so you can dig a hole in the sand and bathe in its bubbling waters.
An unforgettable ride through New Zealand’s Southern Alps from Lake Hawea to Wanaka on SH 6 should not be missed if visiting. With incredible vistas of snow-capped mountain peaks and alpine lakes as you traverse lush greenery hugging narrow, winding roads punctuated with hand-dug tunnels dotted along its route, this ride should not be missed when visiting New Zealand!
Self-Guided Tours
For those wanting to experience New Zealand on their own terms, there are numerous self-guided tour operators options that provide tailor-made itineraries. GoTour customizes each trip based on survey responses and provides accommodation reservations, road maps and local activities and attractions as part of its customized tours.
New Zealand is an incredible biking paradise, described by journalist Ian Prentice as being “gobsmackingly amazing.” With light traffic and breathtaking landscapes that provide perfect touring conditions – not to mention picturesque towns that dot its terrain – New Zealand roads and scenery make an excellent travel destination.
New Zealand’s roadways are so peaceful, you can hear the wind through your hair as you twist down the throttle. And for those wanting to explore on two wheels, there is no shortage of bike rental companies throughout New Zealand.
Ben Townley and his team from KTM NZ offer one of the more popular tours. Riders have the chance to test out some of the latest KTM models on some of the toughest tracks and trails worldwide.
Custom Tours
An exclusive New Zealand tour offers an unforgettable way to discover and experience this country at your own pace. These tours can accommodate between 2 and 4 guests with expert guides who take into account any particular cultural, scenic and culinary preferences you might have.
New Zealand is home to some stunning natural wonders, complemented by unique towns and cities that reflect them. Explore Maori culture in Auckland while seeing natural marvels like geysers and calving glaciers in Rotorua. In Wellington explore art galleries, theater performances or sample local wine and cuisine!
Adventure motorcycle tours for mature riders can be as relaxing or exciting as desired, depending on what experience you seek out of them. For instance, touring countryside by riding on an off-road motorcycle and enjoying its thrill as it winds its way through country lanes is always enjoyable!
For something a bit more adventurous, Springfield provides an idyllic wilderness to mountain bike through rugged tussock covered hills and snow fed streams; in Waitomo there’s the adrenalin-inducing rush of leaping off cascading waterfalls or floating through its dark depths while diving beneath cascading waterfalls; both cities provide activities and experiences sure to please every traveler. New Zealand cities boast diverse activities and experiences sure to meet everyone’s travel preferences!