New Zealand Motorcycle Rentals and Tours
From the winding alpine passes of the South Island to the lush forests and coastal roads of the North, New Zealand offers some of the most spectacular and enjoyable motorcycle riding anywhere in the world. This page lists our trusted rental and tour companies.
The Best Motorcycle Rental and Tour Companies in New Zealand
Independently researched by us – full‑time round‑the‑world motorcycle travellers since 2018. We don’t take commissions or bookings. We simply show riders the companies directly.
Open Road NZ Motorcycle Tours
“We provide experienced guides with intimate knowledge of New Zealand along with great bikes that are perfect for New Zealand’s twisty roads.”
Services: Motorcycles available for rentals, tour advice and route planning, fully supported and guided tours including boutique small-group guided and self-guided motorcycle tours. All inclusive including airport collection, delivery of bikes, routes to ride, first class accommodation and meals.
Rental bikes: Aprillia Caponord 1200, Kawasaki Versys 1000, Triumph Tiger 800XR (including low seats and factory low models), Triumph GT900.
Rental prices: Get in touch with the team for more info on rentals.
Tours: Expect tour prices to start from around £2,100 for 6 day tours.
Insurance: Insurance is included with a $3,000 excess.
Kit availability: Kit is not normally provided, but can be sourced if needed.
Big Bike Tours – New Zealand
“Big Bike Tours offer the most exhilarating and authentic motorbike touring holidays and adventure motorcycle tours in Southeast Asia. And we also offer an epic 15-day Forgotten World New Zealand Tour”
Services: Fully inclusive guided motorcycle tours in Southeast Asia and New Zealand.
New Zealand tour: You ride New Zealand end‑to‑end, hitting fjords, alpine passes, glaciers, rainforest coastlines and empty twisty highways built for big‑bike touring. The route packs in Milford Sound, Queenstown, the Coromandel, Rotorua, Franz Josef, Lake Tekapo and the Forgotten World Highway. It’s a top‑tier motorcycle adventure with world‑class roads, huge scenery and a perfect mix of challenge and comfort.
For the full itinerary, details and all the info, check out their Tour page here.
Tour bikes: Honda NX400 SF, Suzuki V-Strom 650, Yamaha MT-09, Honda Transalp 750, Honda CBR600. Other models are available on request.
Tour prices: The 15-day all inclusive New Zealand tour is around 8,400USD.
Insurance: Standard motorcycle damage insurance is included in the tour price and covers incidental damages. You can always opt for additional insurance.
Contact
Mr. Nirin Chaiyapan
(WhatsApp) +66 873 160 907
info@bigbiketours.com
MotoGS WorldTours – New Zealand Motorcycle Tours
“MotoGS WorldTours is a Germany-based motorcycle tour operator offering guided motorcycle tours in New Zealand for experienced riders. The New Zealand tours are built around real motorcycle riding, carefully planned routes, small groups and a strong focus on the riding experience. MotoGS WorldTours also offers guided motorcycle tours in the Balkans and the countries south of the Alps.”
Services: Guided motorcycle tours in New Zealand, the Balkans and selected European destinations south of the Alps.
Tour bikes: Motorcycle models and upgrades depend on the respective New Zealand tour setup and local availability.
Tour prices: Tour prices depend on the tour duration, room category and motorcycle model. Please visit the MotoGS WorldTours website for current tour details and prices.
Insurance: Contact MotoGS WorldTours for more info.
Kit availability: Visit their site for more info.
This company is also listed on our Get Help Choosing a Motorcycle Rental and Tour Company in New Zealand
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FAQs on New Zealand Motorcycle Rentals and Tours
No, sorry. Mad or Nomad do not offer any rentals, tours or services. Please contact the companies listed on this page directly.
This page displays motorcycle rental and tour companies from around the world. We do a lot of research into these companies before adding them and speak to the managers and owners. Many of the companies we have also used in the past or have met the owners while travelling.
While we have collected them all together in one place for your ease, we take no responsibility in your business with them. We’re simply showcasing companies in one easy-to-use place and are not involved with your dealings with them. Any business you have with these companies is at your own risk. We will not be held liable or responsible in any way.
We rode through New Zealand on our round the world motorcycle trip and absolutely loved it. You’ll find all our articles on New Zealand like the best routes and guides in the New Zealand Destinations section. But if you fancy reading up on our ride there, check out the blog.
The best time to rent a motorcycle or join a tour in New Zealand is from December to March.
Take a video on your phone of the entire bike, do a walk around and film the condition of the chain, fairings, tyres, any bumps, dents and scratches. By doing so, you can’t get caught out and blamed for something you didn’t do when you return it.
Check the wheel bearings, chain, oil, coolant, brakes, clutch and that the handlebars are straight. Tyres need a decent amount of tread and should be suitable for the terrain you’re riding in. Take it for a short test ride and don’t feel pressured or rushed. Go with your gut and if there’s anything that catches your eye, speak to the owners immediately.
This is down to personal preference, where you’re riding and what’s available. If you’re renting or joining a motorcycle tour in the States and you’re going to be primarily on road, then you may want to opt for a big touring bike. If you’re headed to rural or mountainous countries and are going off-road in Central Asia for example, then go for a mid-weight single-cylinder.
We usually find lighter and cheaper rental bikes are better because they’re less stress, you don’t have to worry about dropping them all the time, are easier to fix and more fun.
For more info on choosing the right motorcycle for your trip, have a look at the below guide and also check out the adventure bikes page too.
READ MORE:
We recommend lightweight and comfortable gear suitable for the climate you’re travelling in. If you’re heading to a particularly cold place, then go for Gore-Tex pro laminate.
But, the best all-round option is ventilated, light and comfy adventure bike gear. Take the thermal and waterproof liners out and leave them at home. Take a cheap pair of waterproof throwovers and a compressible down jacket that can be stuffed into a small bag. You can use both items as layering if it’s cold and rainy and they double up when off the bike and will reduce the amount of gear you have to take with you in your luggage.
It’s always better to take your own bike gear over renting or using kit from the rental company. You know your own stuff fits, works and is comfortable – especially your helmet. The last thing you want is to get a few days into your trip and get a headache from a tight lid.
Check out our riding gear article for more info on how to choose the right clothing and the guides section for our recommended kit.
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Contact the rental or tour company and ask what luggage the bike comes with. Your bike might come with soft bags, hard boxes, a top box or nothing at all.
You can often leave the gear you don’t want to take with you on the trip at the rental or tour company’s headquarters. So you can travel on a plane with a larger kit bag and just take the bag and gear you need on the bike.
The type of luggage you need depends on the type of trip you’re on, how much off-roading you’re doing and how long you’re going for.
A good option is to go for a waterproof duffle bag and a pair of Rok Straps as this type of luggage setup can be fastened to any bike’s pillion seat and you don’t need racks. And take an additional small and light rucksack for your important gear (camera, passport etc) so you don’t have to worry about it when off the bike.
For more info on choosing your motorcycle luggage, check out our guide page below.
READ MORE: Adventure Bike Luggage Guides
Companies may offer motorcycle insurance as an optional extra, include it in the price or not offer it at all. This again depends on the country you’re riding in.
It’s worth getting insurance if you can and ask what the excess is as you will usually be liable for damage to the bike.
Motorcycle insurance is separate from personal travel insurance. This is incredibly important and you need to be very careful when choosing your personal insurance policy because the fine print often won’t cover you for bikes over 125cc, renting, touring or using a bike as your main mode of transport.
Check out our Admin section as you’ll find detailed guides on personal insurance, paperwork and safety on the road.
READ MORE: Admin Guides
Read more on motorcycle travel in New Zealand
Thanks for checking out our recommended New Zealand Motorcycle Rental and Tour Companies. We hope you found what you were looking for. Here’s a few more articles on motorcycling in New Zealand that we recommend you read next.
Click here for all of our New Zealand Motorcycle Travel Guides
This directory is a free resource. Mad or Nomad is not involved in any bookings or arrangements, and all decisions and dealings are solely between you and the provider.