16 Day North & South - Self-Guided
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Travel Time16 days / 17 nightsDepartsAucklandA country of contrasts: From glaciers and geothermal wonders, to sandy beaches and alpine vistas.Synopsis
Experience the best that New Zealand has to offer on this motorcycle tour.
On the ‘Riding Through Paradise’ 16 day self guided tour you can experience the extreme contrasts of New Zealands' landscapes - from rolling King Country farmland to snow capped mountain ranges framing the horizon. See New Zealand’s finest cities and experience the country’s wild, remote locations.
Starting in Auckland, explore the North Island, with its geothermal wonderland and rich cultural heritage. Cross Cook Strait by ferry to the South Island which offers both “Middle Earth” vistas and warm hospitality. Do a full circuit of the Southern Alps, cross three alpine passes and finish your tour in Christchurch knowing that you have ridden the country in style.Click here todownload the tour PDF
What's incuded?
- Motorcycle of your choice
- Panniers and top box with soft lift-out bags
- Motorcycle insurance
- Your route pre programmed on a GPS
- 24 hour roadside assistance
- 17 nights superior B&B or 4-5* luxury hotel/lodge accommodation with breakfast - if there's a view to be had, you'll have it!
- Airport transfers
- Tour booklet and maps
Bonus:
- Maori Cultura levening and Hangi Feast and kiwi encounter
- Hobbiton Film Set tour
- Cook Straight ferry crossing through the Marlborough Sounds
- Milford Sound cruise
- Paradise cap to take home
10% discount for low season period - End of Easter week - 30 November
Band A: Up to 800cc Band B: Up to 1200cc
Please Note: All tour prices are PER PERSON in New Zealand dollars and include GST (government service tax)
Superior Bed & Breakfast
Band A Band B 
Couple, 1 bike share double $4864 $5664 
Rider, own room $9408 $11008 
2 Riders 2 bikes, share twin $6464 $7776 Superior 4/5 Star Hotel/Lodge
Band A Band B Couple, 1 bike share double $5784 $6592 Rider, own room $10768 $12364 2 Riders 2 bikes, share twin $7392 $8704 -
Day 1 Auckland to Rotorua 233km/145 miles 4 hours:The route takes you across the serene, green Hauraki Plains, then follows in the foot hills of the Hakarimata Ranges. Discover the real Middle-earth on the most picturesque private farmland near Matamata in the North Island of New Zealand, where you can visit the Hobbiton Movie Set from The Lord of the Rings film trilogy in a fascinating two-hour guided tour. Day 2 Explore Rotorua the geothermal wonderland of New Zealand - bubbling mud and gushing geysers. Visit the Agrodome, take a gondola and ride and try the luge, or discover what zorbing is. If you want to ride, there are woderful routes around the lake district. A Maori cultural show and hangi feast is arranged for the evening. Day 3 Rotorua to Napier 230km/144miles: 4 hrs: Lake Taupo, in the centre of the North Island is your first destination, it's a favourite holiday playground for North Islanders. Stop for lunch and visit the pounding Huka Falls. Cross the Ahimanawa and Maungaharuru ranges and ride through the vineyards of Eskdale, before arriving in Napier, New Zealand's home of Art Deco. Day 4 Napier to Wellington 320km/163 miles 4.5hrs: Continue south, through vineyard country and see Hawkes Bay's orchards. Ride over the windy Rimutakas, just north of Wellington where pretty houses cling to the hillsides overlooking Wellington Harbour. Explore the capital city and see the 'Beehive' - New Zealand's government building and visit the fabulous Te Papa Museum. Day 5 Wellington to Nelson 110km/68 miles: 1.45 hrs plus 3 hr ferry crossing: Cross Cook Strait by ferry, and ride the Marlborough Sounds iconic roadway - Queen Charlotte Drive. Follow the road through dense pine forests to Nelson, Australasia's largest fishing port with its unique microclimate. Nelson has the highest number of sunshine hours in the country and is known for its art and culture. Day 6 Nelson to Hanmer Springs 310km/192miles 4.5 hrs: Ride south over Mt Hope Saddle and through the Buller Gorge. Stop for lunch at the old gold mining town of Murchison, then ride the famous Lewis Pass with its world-class mountain scenery. Hamner Springs, set in a basin of forest clad mountains and home of natural hot springs where you can soak away your aches. Day 7 Hanmer Springs to Punakaiki 258km/160miles 4hrs: Ride Lewis Pass - a fabulous scenic ride and an old Maori greenstone trail. Stop at Reefton, old gold mining town for lunch then head to Punakaiki on the wild West Coast. See Pancake Rocks - incredible rock formations and blowholes that were 30 million years in the making. Day 8 Punakaiki to Franz Josef 216km/134 miles. 4 hours: The West Coast road looks towards the Tasman Sea on the right and Southern Alps on the left. The road is demanding and slow going, but magic riding. The glaciers are awe inspiring, amazing seen from the ground, and even more stunning from above. A helicopter can take you on a trip you'll never forget! Day 9 Franz Joseph to Queenstown 355km/219 miles – 5.5 hours : Ride the Fox Hills and visit Lake Matheson - one of New Zealand's most photographed lakes. Have lunch at the Salmon Farm Cafe and before taking on Haast Pass. When you ride this road which has been called 'motorcycle heaven' you will not believe its beauty. Have lunch in Wanaka and ride over the Crown Range to Queenstown. Day 10 Explore Queenstown: Paragliding, jet boating, bungee jumping and white water rafting are just a few of the adventure activities that you can try in Queenstown. Or, you could take a ride over the Crown Range to the Cadrona Hotel, visit a vineyard, or explore Arrowtown an old Gold mining town full of cafes and art galleries. Day 11 Queenstown to Te Anau 173 km/105 miles 3 hours: Take a short, but stunning ride to Te Anau and Fiordland's primeval landscapes. This is one of the few places on the planet of untouched wilderness. Waterfalls tumble hundreds of metres into pristine forested valleys. The mirror surfaces of the fiords reflect the majestic towering mountains the word 'silence' takes on a different meaning. Day 12 Te Anau to Milford Sound - Te Anau 110km/68 miles each way 2.5 hours each way: Ride along the shores of Lake Te Anau, through the famous Homer tunnel, and down to Milford Sound. The mountainous views on the road to Milford are almost as impressive as the Fiord itself. Keep an eye out for kea, an cheeky alpine parrot with a taste for rubber and plastic. Your cruise on Milford Sound is included. Day 13 Te Anau to Dunedin 320km/198 miles – 5 hours: Today's route is a curvaceous ride that winds through central Otago to the very Scottish New Zealand city of Dunedin. Victorian architecture and the lovely Otago Peninsula makes this a exceptionally attractive place to visit. You'll pass through the fly- fishing capital of New Zealand - Gore and have the chance to visit a vintage aircraft workshop. Day 14 Free Day to explore Dunedin: Dunedin is the heritage and wilderness capital of New Zealand. You can choose to explore the city or ride out to the Otago Peninsula to visit the Royal Albatross Centre and yellow-eyed penguins. The Peninsula has winding roads with stunning coastal views, while the city has historic buildings, museums and art galleries waiting to be explored. Day 15 Dunedin to Tekapo387km/258 miles–5 hours : Leave Dunedin for a great ride over the Maungatua Ranges. The area is characteristic of the dry Maniototo region - sparse, tussock clad rolling hills. Stop at Cromwell - 'fruit bowl of New Zealand'. Then take on the Lindis Pass, the saddle with alpine landscape between Lindis Valley and the Ahuriri River to Lake Tekapo. Day 16 Tekapo to Christchurch320Km/163 miles 4.5 hours : Lake Tekapo offers fantastic views of Mt Cook Aoraki- New Zealand's tallest mountain. At the Church of the Good Shepherd, admire the bronze statue of a sheep dog and views of the turquoise lake. Ride on to Christchurch via Burkes Pass and the Canterbury plains. Arrive early in Christchurch and say your goodbyes over a farewell meal. -
America's Cup Sailing in Auckland
A unique sailing opportunity to participate as crew on an actual NZ America's Cup yacht. Take the helm, exert energy on the grinders or simply sit back and enjoy the ride as we sail the beautiful NZ Waitemata Harbour. NZ$160Surfing in Auckland
Our one day tour is all about a fun safe day at the beach. This includes surfing, body boarding, swimming, beach games and, if we're in the right location, you can take on the challenge of the 10m water jump! NZ$120Maori Cultural Evening
See a pass by of Maori warriors arriving on an ancient war canoe, eat a traditional Hangi (a meal cooked in the ground), watch a great performance of the Maori Hakka and get a peek at the nocturnal flightless Kiwi. NZ$125 - included in Guided and Self guided tours.Zorb
Zorb is a large inflated plastic ball, with another ball inside in which you roll down a hill, reaching speeds of up to 50 kilometres per hour! Try the wash cycle and add a bucket of water! From NZ$45Deep Sea Fishing Bay Of Islands
Enjoy the thrill of big game fishing, using a high class vessel and an experienced crew in some of the most productive waters in the world. Marlin, Snapper and Tuna are common catches in the clean, clear New Zealand waters. Contact us for pricesHorse Trekking in Northland
Explore New Zealand's popular surf beach on horse back. Trek on the Ninety Mile Beach and over gentle grasslands. Rides to challenge the more experienced can be arranged. No experience necessary as we cater for novice to the experienced rider. Contact us prices and choice of trekWaipoua Forest Twilight Encounter
Step into our world: Guided tours in the Waipoua Forest of New Zealand. The spiritual environment of the Waipoua Forest provides a natural stage for an unforgettable encounter with some of the largest remaining kauri trees in the world. NZ$95Swim with Dolphins
Swim with dolphins (conditions permitting) and see the Bay of Island's abundant marine life. Our high speed luxury catamaran is purpose built for dolphin and whale watching, offering hot showers and easy access to the water. 4 Hours NZ$119Fly Fishing
Our New Zealand Fly Fishing Guides offer you guided fly fishing in the classical style of stalking large wild trout in the pristine streams, rivers and still waters of New Zealand using dry flies and nymphs. Contact us for prices.White Water Rafting
Wet 'n' Wild has been rafting New Zealand Rivers safely for 27 years, resulting in an accumulated wealth of rafting knowledge and experience. Based in Rotorua. Prices from NZ$99Volcanic Air Safaris
The main theme of our scenic flight tours is to showcase the many crater lakes, volcanic and geothermal landscape of the region Rotorua and Bay of Plenty. Imagine landing on and staring down the crater of New Zealand's most active volcano - White Island, or viewing the destruction caused by the dramatic 1886 eruption of Mt. Tarawera volcano with a landing in Rotorua's hottest geothermal park - Hells Gate. Prices from NZ$80.Fox Glacier Heli Hike
The fly-in, fly-out Heli Hike combines the excitement of walking on the Fox Glacier with the thrill of helicopter flights. By flying in you are able to access and explore a part of the glacier where its forces work hardest. Your guide chooses the route as you go and with an eye for the most spectacular ice formations you'll soon be making your way through a wonderland of towering pinnacles and brilliantly blue ice. 2 hours ice-time. NZ$399Glacier Scenic Flight
Sub-tropical forest and snow-covered glaciers vie for space on this narrow strip of land sandwiched between the Tasman Sea and the Southern Alps on the West Coast of the South Island. Experience the seclusion of a snow landing in this largely inaccessible alpine region. 15 minute flight with snow landing NZ$215Mount Cook & Glacier Flight
The ultimate glacial experience! Glacial icefalls, crevasses and neves, views from ocean to alps. Cross the Southern Alps spine and circle the peak of magnificent Aoraki/Mount Cook. Get your camera ready for the spectacular snow landing. 40 minutes including snowlanding NZ$395Luxury Day Spa
Fancy a day off from the hectic pace? Why not have a day of relaxation at the Day Spa in Queenstown. While your partner goes off Bungy jumping or the like, you can just unwind and relax.Contact us for prices and treatmentsWhite Water Rafting - The Shotover
Be driven to historic Skippers Canyon then raft through deep river canyons that cut through golden tussock-covered mountain ranges. Encounter the white water action of 'Rock Garden', 'Sharks Fin', 'Toilet', 'Pinball', 'Jaws' and 'Sequel' rapids. $195Heli-Rafting - The Shotover
Climb aboard your jet-turbine-powered helicopter for a spectacular flight up Skippers Canyon, the site of one of the world's richest gold strikes. The flight pushes your adrenalin levels to the edge with a roller coaster ride through the Canyon. Half day NZ$279Jet Boat Ride Queenstown
Get ready for the world's most exciting Jet Boat ride! It's a thrilling ride - skimming past rocky outcrops at close range in your Shotover Jet 'Big Red', as you twist and turn through narrow canyons at breath taking speeds. NZ$119The Triple Challenge Adventure
The Triple Challenge is a great value outdoor adventure package, combining three awesome activities: an exhilarating jetboat ride on the world-famous Shotover Jet; action packed helicopter ride; and adrenaline fuelled white water rafting adventure!Half day NZ$384The Nevis Triple Challenge
This outdoor adventure package includes a thrilling jetboat ride on the world famous Shotover Jet, a helicopter ride into stunning Skippers Canyon, the Shotover Jet white water experience, rounded off with a Nevis Highwire Bungy jump. Full day NZ$624AJ Hackett Bungy Jumping
The Ultimate Challenge is Bungy jumping from Kawarau Bridge - where bungy jumping was invented! From nervous to completely elated in five seconds. 99% of clients say it's the best thing they have ever done. NZ$180Horse Trek & Cruise Queenstown
Step aboard - watch the stokers fuelling the fireboxes and hear the hiss of the steam engines working as the TSS Earnslaw takes you on a nostalgic cruise of beautiful Lake Wakatipu in Queenstown. Following your TSS Earnslaw cruise, join a guided horse trek with a local horseman at Walter Peak High Country Farm. Your experienced guide will take you across rolling farm terraces to an outlook with spectacular views of the Wakatipu scenery. Your horse trek takes around 40 minutes and is followed by morning or afternoon tea. Suitable for riders of all abilities, including first-time riders 3.5 hours NZ$110Tandem Paragliding
Take an exhilarating Tandem Paragliding flight from the top of the Skyline Gondola in Queenstown. An adrenaline flying trip or a relaxed sightseeing tour - it's your choice. NZ$199Tandem Sky Diving
It takes a certain kind of person to jump from 15000ft into thin air. Harnessed to an experienced, qualified Jumpmaster, you step out that aircraft door and for some 60 seconds you plummet towards the ground at 200KPH, Terminal Velocity. Altitude Prices : 15,000ft $429 (60 second freefall) 12,000ft $329 (45 second freefall) 9,000ft $269 (25 second freefall)Te Anau Glowworm Cave
Have you ever seen limestone passages sculpted by water up-close? Have you drifted in silent darkness beneath the luminous blue-green shimmer of thousands of glowworms? A visit to the Te Anau Glowworm Caves is a must-see. NZ$70Milford Sound Cruise
Milford Sound is a simply stunning natural wonder of world fame. In Maori legend, the fiords were created not by rivers of ice, but by Tu Te Raki Whanoa, a godly figure who came wielding a magical adze and uttering incantations. NZ$65 (included on Guided tours and self guided tours covering Milford Sound)Deep Sea Fishing South
Enjoy the thrill of big game fishing using a high class vessel, a well experienced crew in some of the most productive waters in the world. Marlin, Snapper and Tuna are common catches in the clean clear New Zealand waters. Contact us for prices.Whale Watching - Kaikoura
Every Whale Watch tour is a unique experience and the sightings vary. Giant Sperm Whales are the stars of the show and year-round residents. You may encounter New Zealand Fur Seals, pods of Dusky Dolphins and the endangered Wandering Albatross. NZ$145Dolphin Encounter Kaikoura
Dusky dolphins inhabit the coastal waters off Kaikoura all year round, making Kaikoura a unique place in the world where wild dolphins can be encountered every day, weather permitting. Our success rate swimming with dolphins is second to none! NZ$170 -
Examples of accommodation we use during tours.
Cheltenham House B&B - Hanmer
Enjoy a thoughtful mix of comfort & traditional elegance in a warm atmosphere of generous NZ hospitality. Central heating. Evening wines in the billiard room. Delectable breakfast served in your own suite. 200m to Thermal Pools, restaurants, & forest walks.
Distinction Fox Glacier
The Distinction Hotel Fox Glacier's location provides a real sense of privacy and peaceful seclusion, while being only a short stroll to the main street of the charming Fox Glacier village.
Eliza's Manor - Christchurch
Our boutique hotel offers quality bed and breakfast accommodation and combines historic ambience with comfortable and modern facilities. Built in 1861, Eliza's Manor on Bealey is one of Christchurch's earliest buildings and has been fully restored in the last year.
Larnachs Castle Lodge
With its exciting, sometimes scandalous and tragic history, magnificent carved ceilings, New Zealand antiques and breathtaking views, Larnach Castle offers you a vision of the past and present. Larnach Lodge was designed as a re-creation of a colonial farm building, positioned with spectacular harbour, ocean and Peninsula views
Hamner Springs Heritage Hotel
Heritage Hanmer Springs hotel rooms have been restored to their original Spanish design, the former Hanmer Lodge site has been a part of Hanmer Springs for over a century. Now you can enjoy a stay in one of our beautifully restored deluxe or garden hotel rooms with all the features you would expect.
Novotel Lakeside Rotorua 4*
Situated on the picturesque shores of Lake Rotorua, this hotel offers tranquil surroundings with sensational views. Our central location is easily accessible to cafe's, restaurants and local attractions. Stunning natural scenery and geothermal wonders makes this the ultimate holiday destination
Peppers Bluewater Resort - Tekapo
Set near the shores of Lake Tekapo and surrounded by the spectacular landscapes of the Southern Alps, Peppers Bluewater Resort is a glimmering spectacle on New Zealand's South Island.
Punakaiki Resort
Punakaiki Resort is a stunning complex located on New Zealand's wild West Coast at Punakaiki Beach - and near the world famous Pancake Rocks and Blow Holes
Rainforest Retreat, Tree Lodges - F
Nestled in six acres of idyllic native bush at the foot of precipitous mountains,Rainforest Retreat is centrally located in the heart of Franz Josef Glacier Village on the West Coast of New Zealand's South Island. Tree Lodges and Tree Huts; each unit was built exclusively to embrace its beautiful, natural environment of the park providing guests with forest floor or mid canopy bush views.
Regent Hotel 5* Rotorua
Escape to The Regent of Rotorua, Rotorua's newest designer 5 star Boutique Hotel & Spa offering stylish luxury accommodation, restaurant, wine & cocktail bar, all with a touch of glamour.
Skycity Grand 5* - Auckland
Centrally located in the heart of Auckland City, the 5-star SKYCITY Grand Hotel is an urban oasis of contemporary elegance and style.
Te Anau Lodge
Experience the genuine warmth of traditional hospitality in the relaxed and tranquil environment of our 1936 relocated former convent, in one of New Zealand's most scenic locations- stunning Fiordland.
Te Pania Hotel 4* Napier
Hawkes Bay is one of the first places in the world to see the light each day, and Scenic Hotel Te Pania in Napier enjoys a premium waterfront location on Marine Parade. The hotel's slender curved form echoes the shape of the bay, and guests enjoy sweeping views out over the water. A fresh, contemporary style hotel, Scenic Hotel Te Pania is just a short stroll from Napier's main art deco style street.
Cotswold Cottage B&B - Thames
Cotswold Cottage Thames is a 5 star luxury boutique bed and breakfast. A beautifully restored 1920 villa with breathtaking sea, river and mountain views Just 1 hour from Auckland 3 min to Thames The perfect base to tour the Coromandel from.
Hokitika Heritage Lodge
Hokitika Heritage Lodge offers superb Qualmark rated 4+ Bed & Breakfast accommodation. Sited on a terrace above Hokitika looking to the mountains and sea. All rooms have ensuites and there is a seperate guest lounge. We are experienced hosts and look forward to welcoming you. We also have a Gatehouse Cottage self-contained 2 bedroom unit.
The Rees
Our absolute lakefront Hotel and Apartments offer a rare blend of luxury Queenstown accommodation, 21st century infrastructure, unique service features with articulate and passionate staff. The Rees Hotel and Luxury Apartments Queenstown is a fresh expression of the tradition of hospitality established nearly 150 years ago by Queenstown’s pioneering explorer, first settler, farmer, ferryman, builder – and first hotelier William Gilbert Rees. We look forward to being of service to you.
Breakers Boutique B&B
Breakers is a beachfront haven - a retreat from the world, where you can relax, revive and indulge in sheer tranquillity. Stunningly located on the Punakaiki Coastline, overlooking the Tasman Sea, Breakers is a boutique bed & breakfast, offering true NZ hospitality with its beachfront location and amazing panoramic sea views.