This short guide has a downloadable Google map of our full seven week motorcycle route and ride around stunning New Zealand. We reckon this is the ultimate New Zealand motorcycle tour…
This guide is based on our motorcycle ride through New Zealand during our round the world trip. The guides on this website are constantly updated by us and with info from contributors to keep them current, up-to-date and as helpful as possible.
The Ultimate New Zealand Motorcycle Tour
By Andy Davidson
Mad or Nomad - RTW motorcycle travellers
After five years of riding from the UK, we finally made it to New Zealand. It marked the halfway point of our round the world motorcycle trip and we had been looking forward to it since we first left.
We had a solid seven weeks to cram in as much as we could, so we plotted a route that would cover the best roads we could find and the top recommendations we received – as well as fitting in all the sights and activities we wanted to do along the way.
This guide plots out and explains our entire route through the country. Hopefully you can use the roads and points we covered to plot your own brilliant ride through New Zealand. We recommend checking out our Best New Zealand Motorcycle Routes and our NZ Travel Blog after so you can tie this route in together and save the areas you’re most interested in riding.
New Zealand Motorcycle Tour Downloadable Map
New Zealand motorcycle tour route explained
We started the tour in the North Island during the month of April. We originally wanted to ride the South Island first because it’s where the best riding is and we were about to head into winter and the South would get colder than the North.
But, the ferries had all been cancelled and we couldn’t get a crossing for a few weeks so we went north instead. Ironically, we had bad weather the further north we went and had brilliant weather by the time we reached the south.
The route starts in Hamilton and heads north. We wanted to ride to the tip, but that’s when the heavens opened. So we spent our time visiting Russell and criss-crossing the bucolic green north. There’s a lot of beauty – and culture – in the north, and it shouldn’t be missed.
The South has the most spectacular views, sights, roads and things to do. So, it’s definitely where you want to allocate the mass majority of your time. Your main routes here are crossing the Southern Alps passes (Haast, Arthur’s Pass, Lewis Pass), the west coast road, the insanely beautiful ride to Mount Cook, Glenorchy, Rainbow Road and stunning Akaroa.
What are the best motorcycle routes on this tour?
We wrote a dedicated guide to answer this question in more detail. The guide has Google Maps of specific routes and what makes them so brilliant. Here’s the link.
READ MORE: The Best Motorcycle Routes in New Zealand
What non-motorcycling activities do you recommend?
We listed our favourite activities in the New Zealand Motorcycle Travel Guide and explained what’s so good about them and how to book onto them.
How long does this tour take?
This ride took us just over seven weeks at a leisurely pace. You may not have time for such a long ride, so just pick and choose your favourite parts.
When is the best time to ride?
We rode between April and May, which is heading into the cold season. The best time is December, January and February.
How to ride this route in New Zealand
You have a few options here. You can ship your own motorcycle to New Zealand using a Carnet de passage. Or fly in and rent a motorcycle or join an organised or self-guided bike tour.
Shipping your personal bike in makes sense if you are here for a long period of time (but under 12 months because otherwise you will need to import your bike), or if you’re on a round the world trip etc.
For info on how to do this, visit our Motorcycle Travel Guide for New Zealand and check out the shipping area.
Renting a motorcycle in New Zealand is a great option if you’re planning a short tour of the island. And joining an organised bike tour takes all the stress out of plotting a route if you’re strapped for time or want to ride with others. This is a fantastic way to explore the country because there’s a lot of hidden gems in New Zealand and you’ll get the most out of your trip there. You’ll find a selection of excellent tour and rental companies for New Zealand below.
READ MORE:
Read more on motorcycle travel in New Zealand
Thanks for checking out The Ultimate New Zealand Motorcycle Tour guide. We hope you enjoyed it! Here’s a few more articles on motorcycle travel in New Zealand and Australia that we recommend you read next.
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Are you planning a motorcycle tour in New Zealand? Do you have any questions, tips or suggestions? Let us know in the comments below.
Hi guys, after travelling the Americas for almost 10 years, my wife and I are headed for New Zealand with Tigger, our Triumph Tiger 800XC, at the end of November 24. We’re from the UK. Really enjoying your website and applaud the tenacity required to keep such a thing up to date. I gave up on mine some time ago as it became too much like a job.
If I may, can I ask how you went about insuring the bike to ride in New Zealand. I don’t mean travel insurance, we have that covered, but motor insurance.
All the best
Steve, Janette and Tigger
Hi Steve and Janette, thanks for your comment and kind words. It’s definitely a labour of love!
Wow, 10 years?! That’s incredible. Good for you guys!
As far as we’re aware, motorcycle insurance is not compulsory in New Zealand.
We do have a motorcycle travel guide for New Zealand which explains more on paperwork and other info you might find helpful.
Hope this helps!
Cheers
Hey there!
Thanks so much for your great guides! I have a lot of inspiration for rides now. But is it possible to get gpx files of this awesome route you’ve made?
Thanks!