New Zealand

Day 1

Welcome to New Zealand and Auckland, the “City of Sails.” We will arrange to meet you when your flight arrives today. It will be a relaxed day after a long flight. We will spend the night in Auckland.

Day 2

Auckland.

Enjoy Auckland with its many attractions such as the Skytower, Waiheke Island, Devonport Village, or take a boat cruise. Auckland has a lot to offer, or you can simply explore the city’s restaurants and pubs.

Day 3

Auckland City to Whitianga, approximately 235 km.

We will pick up the bikes and ride the scenic “Pacific Coast Highway” today. The scenery is spectacular. As we leave New Zealand’s largest city and head to the peaceful Coromandel Peninsula, this road becomes a true biker’s paradise. Unique hot beaches, golden sand, colorful shores, Coromandel has it all. We will spend the night in Whitianga.

Day 4

Whitianga to Rotorua, approximately 300 km.

This morning, we continue south along the east coast to Rotorua, a geothermal wonderland and New Zealand’s cultural and spiritual center with its skyrocketing geysers, hot springs, and bubbling mud pools, a place like no other on Earth. There will be plenty of interesting stops along the way to Rotorua. We will spend the night in Rotorua.

Day 5

Rotorua to Waitomo, approximately 180 km.

You will feel like you’re on the set of “The Hobbit” as you ride westward today across lush rolling hills via the “Thermal Explorer Highway.” Waitomo is our destination, home to many mysterious caves and caverns. We will spend the night near Waitomo.

Day 6

Waitomo to Mt Tongariro, approximately 270 km.

Today, we will ride on many small roads through Bennydale, Mangakino, and Lake Taupo. It will be a short and scenic day with plenty of natural beauty. At the end of the day, we will stop along the road with a great view of Mt Tongariro, Mt. Ngauruhoe (Mt Doom in The Lord of the Rings), and Mt Ruapehu. We will spend the night in Tongariro National Park Village.

Day 7

Tongariro National Park to Wellington, approximately 320 km.

Today, we ride southward down to Wellington, New Zealand’s capital. We recommend a stop at the National Army Museum, which covers all the wars New Zealand has been involved in throughout history. Wellington is a vibrant city with a plethora of attractions, including the famous Te Papa Museum. We will spend the night in Wellington.

Day 8

Wellington to Kaikoura via Cook Strait Ferry, approximately 260 km.

We start the day with a 3-1/2-hour ferry cruise across Cook Strait to the southernmost island of New Zealand, where the mountains are the backbone of the country. We will drive through New Zealand’s famous vineyards alongside the Pacific Ocean before finally arriving in Kaikoura. It is home to mighty whales, albatrosses, and other marine mammals and birds. Make sure to have crayfish on the menu tonight. We will spend the night in Kaikoura.

Day 9

Kaikoura to Hanmer Springs Village, approximately 130 km.

It’s the adrenaline day. We start by riding through Hundalee Hills, where the view of the mountains is simply breathtaking. You can choose to relax in Hanmer Springs or explore one of the many attractions this small village has to offer, including its open-air hot pools, forest walks, and adrenaline-pumping activities like bungee jumping or taking a jet boat on the river. The possibilities are endless. We will spend the night in Hanmer Springs Village.

Day 10

Hanmer Springs Village to Punakaiki, approximately 280 km.

It doesn’t get any better than this! First up, the legendary Lewis Pass before entering rapidly changing natural vegetation. As you transition into another world, it almost feels like stepping back in time with little to no traffic. The stunning coastal scenery makes this one of the best motorcycle coastal routes in the world. We will spend the night in Punakaiki.

Day 11

Punakaiki to Fox Glacier Village, approximately 240 km.

Today can only be described as magical. We ride through Jurassic Park-like rainforests, and along the spectacular coastline of the Tasman Sea, with views of the mighty Mount Aspiring and Mount Cook and their unique glaciers. After a beautiful day on the bike with the sea, mountains, and rainforest, we arrive in the vibrant little town of Fox Glacier Village, where more fun awaits. We will spend the night in Fox Glacier Village.

Day 12

Franz Josef to Queenstown, approximately 350 km.

Today, we ride through the legendary Haast Pass, passing lakes, rivers, and waterfalls. We climb over the mountain ranges to the “Adventure Capital of the World” via New Zealand’s highest sealed road, passing through old historic gold mining villages. Another perfect day behind the handlebars. We will spend the night in Queenstown.

Day 13

Queenstown – Rest or Ride Day.

Queenstown offers many incredible “once-in-a-lifetime” opportunities to experience. Whether it’s a magical steamboat cruise on Lake Wakatipu, a gondola ride, rafting, or the legendary bike ride to Glenorchy, there are plenty of options in Queenstown. For those interested, the guide can arrange a day trip on the bike to bungee jump, go-karting, etc.

Day 14

Queenstown to Te Anau, approximately 180 km.

This brilliant riding day winds between Lake Wakatipu and the world’s most photographed mountain range. Later in the day, we will head towards Fiordland National Park, home to the legendary Milford Sound, a truly unique area known as the “Eighth Wonder of the World” by Rudyard Kipling. The town of Te Anau, located by a large lake, will be our base for two nights. We will spend the night in Te Anau.

Day 15

Magical Milford Sound, approximately 220 km round trip.

We will take a day trip from Te Anau to Milford Sound. The journey to Milford is simply magical, starting with winding roads that lead you deep into a valley where the only way up is through the Homer Tunnel. Emerging on the other side from the darkness, we arrive at Milford Sound itself. Those who wish can take a fantastic boat tour of the fjord at Milford Sound. We will return to Te Anau in the afternoon.

Day 16

Te Anau to Lake Tekapo, 430 km.

More mountain passes, more lakes. Can you handle another fantastic day on the bike? We ride northward through Lindis Pass to Mackenzie Country, home to New Zealand’s merino sheep. We will spend the night in Lake Tekapo.

Day 17

Lake Tekapo to Christchurch, approximately 260 km.

We depart from Lake Tekapo and take the superb route via Burkes Pass and the Inland Scenic Route through Canterbury Plains towards Christchurch. Sadly, this is where our fantastic New Zealand tour comes to an end. In the evening, we will enjoy a nice dinner and reminisce about the journey we’ve had. We will spend the night in Christchurch.

Day 18

Departure. We bid farewell to the group and head back to our home country.