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New Zealand Motorcycle Tour: North & South Islands in 16 Days

New Zealand is the land of Hobbits, green hills, fjords, glaciers, and Maori culture. Adventure awaits around every corner, from the volcanic North to the alpine peaks of the South.

This 16-day tour is a great choice for those who want to see all the main highlights of New Zealand. We will travel across both islands on a well-planned route. You will discover Maori culture in Rotorua on the North Island, see the capital city Wellington, cross the scenic Cook Strait, and explore the legendary roads of the South Island.

We will see the breathtaking views of the "Ice Line" road, the fjords of Milford Sound, the lakes and vineyards of Otago, and relax in the adventure capital, Queenstown. This is classic New Zealand at its most concentrated and bright.

A one-way moto tour: we start in Auckland on the North Island and finish in Christchurch on the South. An extended 21-day route is also available; check our calendar and tours section. 

  • 2026 Dates: November 14-29 (sold out)
  • 2027 Dates:
    • February 1-16 (available)
    • February 19 - March 6 (two places left)
  • Duration: 16 days
  • Total Distance: 3 500 km
  • Start/Finish: Auckland and Christchurch
  • Difficulty Level: Medium, asphalt route
  • Roads: 99% asphalt
  • Price with BMW F750GS, Triumph Tiger 800, Honda Transalp 750, Yamaha Tenere 700 rental – 9 950 EUR
  • Price with BMW F800GS (2024) rental – 10 250 EUR
  • Price with BMW F900GS rental – 10 500 EUR
  • Price with BMW R1250GS rental – 10 950 EUR
  • Price with BMW R1300GS rental – 11 350 EUR
  • Single room extra – 2 000 EUR  
  • Price for passenger – 4 950 EUR
  • Motorcycle security deposit – 2 000 USD/EUR

What's included in the tour price:

  • Accommodation in 3-4* hotels (double rooms)
  • Breakfasts
  • Fuel
  • Lead guide on a motorcycle
  • Support vehicle
  • Excursions
  • Technical support

What's not included in the tour price:

  • Lunches and dinners
  • Travel to/from New Zealand
  • Visa

Route:

Auckland – Rotorua – Napier – Wellington – Nelson – Hanmer Springs – Punakaiki – Franz Josef Glacier – Queenstown – Milford Sound - Te Anau – Dunedin – Tekapo – Christchurch

New Zealand Tour 16 days Rusmototravel

Day 1. Auckland

Arrival, briefing, motorcycle pickup, dinner.

Day 2. Auckland – Rotorua, 240 km

We start our adventure in Auckland, heading south through green, hilly landscapes to Rotorua. On the way, we visit the famous "The Lord of the Rings" film set, Hobbiton. In the evening, we will enjoy a traditional Maori cultural show and feast, and get a chance to see the iconic Kiwi bird.

Day 3. Rotorua – Napier, 230 km

Today we take smaller roads to Lake Taupo in the center of the North Island and visit the powerful Huka Falls, famous for its bright blue-green color. We cross the Ahimanawa and Maungaharuru mountain ranges and pass through the Eskdale vineyards before arriving in Napier, the Art Deco capital of New Zealand.

Day 4. Napier – Wellington, 340 km

We continue through vineyards and see the beautiful gardens of Hawke's Bay. Our route takes us through the windy Rimutaka Valley with great views of Wellington Harbour. Then we explore the capital of New Zealand, including the famous "Beehive" government building, and visit the excellent Te Papa Museum to learn about the country's history.

Day 5. Wellington – Nelson, 110 km

We take a 3.5-4 hour ferry across the Cook Strait, one of the most beautiful in the world, and travel along the legendary road of the Marlborough Sounds – the Queen Charlotte Drive. We go through dense pine forests to Nelson, one of the largest fishing ports in Australasia with a unique microclimate. Nelson has the most sunny days in the country and is known for its art and culture.

Day 6. Nelson – Hanmer Springs, 300 km

We continue south through the Mount Hope Saddle and Buller Gorge. We stop for lunch in the old gold-mining town of Murchison, then travel through the famous Lewis Pass to see stunning mountain scenery. We then reach the thermal resort of Hanmer Springs, set in a basin surrounded by forested mountains. Here you can relax in the natural hot pools, especially since tomorrow is a rest day.

Day 7. Rest Day, Hanmer Springs, 0 km

Today we relax in Hanmer Springs and enjoy the hot pools. Alternatively, you can try jet boating or white-water rafting.

Day 8. Hanmer Springs – Punakaiki, 260 km

We head west through the Lewis Pass, with its breathtaking views and ancient Maori greenstone trails. We stop for lunch in Reefton, a historic gold-mining town, then continue towards Punakaiki. On the coast, we will see the blowhole and the Pancake Rocks – limestone formations created over 30 million years ago.

Day 9. Punakaiki – Franz Josef Glacier, 250 km

Today we travel along the West Coast between the turquoise waters of the Tasman Sea and the snow-capped peaks of the Southern Alps. This road, nicknamed the "Ice Line," is famous for its stunning views of glaciers. An optional helicopter tour to the glacier is available.

Day 10. Franz Josef Glacier – Queenstown, 360 km

We continue south along the scenic Tasman coast road. After crossing the Haast Pass, the landscape changes dramatically, revealing native forests, rivers, and waterfalls. We continue into the Central Otago wine region and Mount Aspiring National Park, riding past huge lakes with snowy mountains in the background. We will cross the highest main road in New Zealand – the Crown Range – and descend into the world's adventure capital, Queenstown.

Day 11. Rest Day, Queenstown, 0 km

Queenstown is called the "adventure capital" for a reason: paragliding, jet boating, bungee jumping, and rafting are just some of the exciting activities you can try. We will join the action with a jet boat ride followed by rafting on the Kawarau River.

Day 12. Queenstown – Milford Sound – Te Anau, 400 km

Today we will ride to the fjord country of Milford Sound and back to Te Anau, admiring the pristine landscapes of Fiordland. Waterfalls drop hundreds of meters into forested valleys, and the towering mountains are majestically reflected in the fjord's waters.

Day 13. Te Anau – Dunedin, 390 km

We continue our journey through Central Otago, known for its rolling hills, rocky peaks, clear blue rivers, deep gorges, and grassy ranges. We spend the night in Dunedin, a city with strong Scottish influences. Its Victorian architecture and the beautiful Otago Peninsula make it a special place.

Day 14. Dunedin – Tekapo, 420 km

We leave Dunedin and head towards the Maungatua Range. The area is typical of the dry Maniototo region: hilly and covered in famous tussock grass. We stop in Cromwell, the "Fruit Bowl of New Zealand," before crossing the Lindis Pass and enjoying the alpine scenery on the way to Lake Tekapo.

Day 15. Tekapo – Christchurch, 260 km

Our final riding day takes us to Christchurch through the Canterbury Plains. We finish with a farewell dinner to share stories.

Day 16. Christchurch

Departure.