New Zealand Motorcycle Tour. Two Islands in 21 Days. Auckland, Maori, Hobbiton, Rugby & Lighthouses, Trekking & Bay of Plenty

Book the tour - 01 Apr - 21 Apr 2027

A motorcycle journey across New Zealand's two islands – the land where "The Lord of the Rings" was filmed, a land of fjords, glaciers, and incredible nature. This is a dream tour that could become one of the greatest adventures of your life.

This tour is for those who want to truly understand and feel New Zealand. Our route isn't just the classic sights; it's a real deep dive. We'll start from the very top of the North Island, at the mystical Cape Reinga, and thoroughly explore its coasts, including the Coromandel Peninsula and the Bay of Plenty.

We'll have time for trekking among volcanoes in Tongariro National Park, relaxing on the South Island's east coast with whale watching, and discovering the Scottish heritage of Dunedin. A journey for true adventure lovers who want to explore New Zealand from top to bottom.

This is an extensive 21-day, one-way motorbike tour: we start in Auckland on the North Island and finish in Christchurch on the South Island. A 16-day route is also available; check the calendar and/or tours section.

• 2026 Dates: December 1-21 (full group)
• 2027 Dates: April 1-21
• Duration: 21 days
• Total Distance: 5000 km
• Start/Finish: Auckland and Christchurch
• Difficulty Level: Intermediate, paved route
• Roads: 99% asphalt 
• Price with BMW F750GS, Triumph Tiger 800, Honda Transalp 750, Yamaha Tenere 700 rental – 13 300 EUR
• Price with BMW F800GS (2024) rental – 13 600 EUR
• Price with BMW F900GS rental – 14 050 EUR
• Price with BMW R1250GS rental – 14 650 EUR
• Price with BMW R1300GS rental – 14 950 EUR
• Single room extra – 2 750 EUR
• Price for passenger – 6 500 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 – Mahinepua – Whangarei – Coromandel Peninsula – Mount Maunganui – Tongariro – Opunake – Wellington – Nelson – Kaikoura – Punakaiki – Franz Josef Glacier – Queenstown – Milford Sound-Te Anau – Dunedin – Tekapo – Christchurch

Day 1. Auckland

Arrival, briefing, motorcycle pickup, dinner.

Day 2. Auckland – Mahinepua, 330 km

We begin our discovery of New Zealand with its northernmost and warmest regions. The road to Cape Reinga follows State Highway 1. We'll reach the Whangarei region, famous for its white-sand beaches washed by the warm Pacific Ocean. On the way, we'll visit the small town of Kawakawa, where the famous Austrian architect Hundertwasser spent the last 25 years of his life.

Day 3. Mahinepua – Whangarei, 440 km

Today we reach the northwesternmost point of New Zealand – Cape Reinga. We'll walk to the lighthouse of the same name, which offers a crazy view of the endless ocean. We'll take back roads to the Whangarei region, where we'll stay in a cozy coastal hotel.

Day 4. Whangarei – Coromandel Peninsula, 340 km

We continue our journey south through Auckland. Not far from the country's largest city is the large Coromandel Peninsula. It was crossed by the heroes of Jules Verne's "In Search of the Captain Grant". We won't be crossing it, but riding around its perimeter, enjoying the magnificent views – absolutely.

Day 5. Coromandel Peninsula – Mount Maunganui, 215 km

A beautiful winding coastal road will lead us to the small town of Mount Maunganui, or simply "The Mount" as locals call it. There are two main attractions here: the 230m high mountain, which is a sacred place for the native Maori people, and New Zealand's most beautiful beach, listed among the world's top 25 beaches. We'll see it all.

Day 6. Mount Maunganui – Tongariro, 290 km

In the morning, we'll visit the legendary "Lord of the Rings" film location – Hobbiton. Then we'll head to the town of Rotorua, known for its geothermal springs, geysers, and other bubbling, hissing wonders. In the afternoon, we'll take back roads to Lake Taupo in the center of the North Island and visit the thundering Huka Falls. By evening, we'll reach New Zealand's very first national park – Tongariro. A very full day.

Day 7. Tongariro, Rest Day

Or is it?... Because the famous 15-kilometer "Tongariro Crossing" trek goes through the national park. So, we'll swap motorcycle gear for comfortable hiking clothes and go see the volcanoes. Yes, the park is in an active seismic zone, and the route passes by craters of active and extinct volcanoes. And yes, "The Lord of the Rings" was also filmed here.

Day 8. Tongariro – Opunake, 320 km

Winding roads will lead us to the West Coast, washed by the Tasman Sea. The hairpin bends will take your breath away, and when we reach Mount Taranaki, discovered by James Cook, the excitement will be endless. Another national park and another piece of New Zealand beauty.

Day 9. Opunake – Wellington, 320 km

We'll continue through vineyards and see the beautiful gardens of Hawke's Bay. We'll ride through the windy Rimutaka Valley with lovely views of Wellington Harbour. Today we discover the capital and see the "Beehive" – the New Zealand government building. We'll visit the excellent Te Papa Museum and learn about the country's history.

Day 10. Wellington – Nelson, 110 km

Today we cross the Cook Strait by ferry (3.5 – 4 hours), one of the most beautiful in the world, and ride the legendary road of the Marlborough Sounds – the Queen Charlotte Drive. We'll ride through dense pine forests to Nelson, the largest fishing port in Australasia with a unique microclimate. Nelson has the most sunshine hours in the country and is famous for its art and culture.

Day 11. Nelson – Kaikoura, 300 km

Today we head to the east coast of the South Island. State Highway 1 runs right along the shore. This very road will lead us to a small town where you can watch New Zealand's marine life – whales. That's what we'll do tomorrow.

Day 12. Kaikoura, Rest Day

Today we rest and go whale watching.

Day 13. Kaikoura – Punakaiki, 400 km

Today we head west through Lewis Pass, with breathtaking scenery and an ancient Maori greenstone trail. We'll stop for lunch in Reefton, a historic gold mining town, then continue towards Punakaiki. On the ocean coast, we'll see the blowhole and the Pancake Rocks – formations and hollows created over 30 million years ago.

Day 14. Punakaiki – Franz Josef Glacier, 250 km

Today we ride along the West Coast between the turquoise Tasman Sea and the impressive Southern Alps. This road, nicknamed the "Glacier Highway," is famous for the spectacular sight of glaciers. Optionally, you can take a helicopter tour to the glacier.

Day 15. 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 local forests, rivers, and waterfalls. We continue into the Central Otago wine region and Mount Aspiring National Park, past huge lakes with snowy mountains in the background. We will ride across New Zealand's highest highway – the Crown Range – and arrive in the adventure capital of the world, Queenstown.

Day 16. Queenstown – Milford Sound - Te Anau, 400 km

Today we travel to the fjord country of Milford Sound and return to Te Anau, admiring the pristine landscapes of Fiordland. Waterfalls plunge hundreds of meters into forested valleys, and the towering mountains are majestically reflected in the fjord waters.

Day 17. Te Anau – Dunedin, 390 km

We continue our journey through Central Otago, famous for its sprawling rocky hills with snowy peaks, clear blue rivers, deep gorges, and grass-covered ridges. We arrive in the city of Dunedin, which shows a strong Scottish influence. Victorian architecture and the fabulous Otago Peninsula make this place special. Before reaching the Otago capital, we'll stop at Nugget Point, home to New Zealand's southeasternmost lighthouse. We'll say hello to its northern brother and head to the hotel.

Day 18. Dunedin, Rest Day

There's plenty to do in Dunedin. First, the city itself is very beautiful. Second, there's a fascinating museum about the first settlers, telling the story of the first Europeans who discovered these lands in the 19th century. And third, the city's geography is superb – numerous bays and beaches, one of which is home to a penguin colony, won't leave you indifferent. Let's relax.

Day 19. Dunedin – Tekapo, 420 km

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

Day 20. Tekapo – Christchurch, 260 km

On our final riding day, we travel to Christchurch via Burke's Pass, Mount Hutt, and the Canterbury Plains. We arrive in Christchurch and share our stories and memories of the trip over a farewell dinner with a glass of cold Sauvignon Blanc.

Day 21. Christchurch

Departure.