New Zealand

Riding in paradise

1 island, 11 days, 3100 km

Bike: Triumph Bonneville SE

New Zealand – an explosion of beauty

New Zealand’s South Island offers almost everything an adventurer could ask for. Incredible mountains with big glaciers to exotic forests and long beaches. Then add beautiful vineyards, cool cities and the cutest penguins. How can all of this even fit on this little island out there in the Tasman Sea?

To land in New Zealand is like an explosion of impressions. Since you can’t ride into the country there’s no way for New Zealand to give you a smooth introduction with one cool thing at a time, it’s just there with a big boom with all it’s beauty. There’s only one thing you can do when getting there – grab nearest vehicle and go exploring!

Favorite sights

& stops

01/

SOUTH PACIFIC MOTORCYCLE TOURS, CHRISTCHURCH

Family owned motorcycle rental. Very reliable and kind people with reasonable prices. The best thing is that they have modern classic bikes like Triumph Bonneville, not only big adventure/touring machines.

02/

HANMER SPRINGS

Cozy little town most known for it's natural hot springs – bring your swim gear!

03/

CAPE FOULWIND LIGHTHOUSE, WESTPORT

Amazing spot to watch the sunset from.

04/

FRANZ JOSEF GLACIER

Amazing little town for hiking and great nights out. Breathtakingly beautiful. Don't forget to see the actual glacier.

05/

AJ HACKET BUNGY, QUEENSTOWN

New Zealand’s highest bungy jump! Jumped like a pro without a second thought and made the whole staff drop their jaws.

06/

THREE CREEKS, BURKES PASS

The coolest little place in a typical old western style. Old cars, bikes, road signs and shops.

07/

MILFORD SOUND

Probably the most beautiful ride to get there, and the place itself is incredible.

08/

E. HAYES & SONS, INVERCARGILL

For some legendary motorcycle history, visit the place that has the world’s fastest Indian in the house.

09/

STIRLING POINT, BLUFF

The most southern point of New Zealand's main land.

10/

THE LOST GYPSY GALLERY, PAPATOWAI

Like a little tivoli, that’s how I’d describe this gallery that’s also a café.

11/

LARNACH CASTLE, DUNEDIN

A cute little castle that’s worth a visit if you’re in the area. Nice ride out there too.

12/

OAMARU BLUE PENGUIN COLONY, OAMARU

If you want to spot the blue little penguins (duuuh – hell yeah, of course you want to!).

13/

HARBOUR STREET, OAMARU

Incredibly cute little street with shops and cafés. Bought a book in the genuine book shop “Adventure Books” and had lunch at “Collective Café”. Highly recommended!

14/

MOUNT JOHN OBSERVATORY, TEKAPO

Probably the best view I’ve ever had while eating a meal. Lake Tekapo is magneficent!

The ROUTE

CHRISTCHURCH – HANMER SPRINGS

Highway 1 + Highway 7 + 7A.

HANMER SPRINGS – WESTPORT

Highway 7 + 65 + 6 + 67.

WESTPORT – WANAKA

Highway 6.

WANAKA – TE ANAU

Cardrona Valley Road + Highway 6 + 94

TE ANAU – INVERCARGILL

95 + 99.

INVERCARGILL – DUNEDIN

Gorge Road + Chaslands Highway + Papatowai Highway by the coast (not the big highway) + Highway 1 into town.

DUNEDIN – CHRISTCHURCH

Highway 1 + 83 + 8 + 79 + 72 + 77 + 72.

FRANZ JOSEF GLACIER

MILFORD SOUNDS

WESTPORT

TE ANAU

HANMER SPRINGS

CHRISTCHURCH

QUEENSTOWN

OAMARU

TEKAPO

DUNEDIN

INVERCARGILL

favorite ROADS

01/

HIGHWAY 6

The road that stretches almost all the way by New Zealand’s west coast. My favorite parts were between Lake Wanaka and Lake Hawea and next to Lake Wakatipu.

02/

PORTOBELLO ROAD, DUNEDIN

If you visit Larnaca Castle, this is the road to take back into town.

03/

UPPER BULLER GEORGE ROAD

A great mountain pass on the way to Westport.

05/

CARDRONA VALLEY ROAD

Take this road instead of Highway 6 when you’re going from Wanaka to Queenstown. Just trust me on this one.

06/

GODLEY PEAKS ROAD, WANAKA

Put the bike in neutral and just roll down from the observatory. Enjoy.

07/

CROWN RANGE PASS

A part of the Cardrona Valley Road. Priceless introduction of Queenstown.

04/

MOUNT CARGILL ROAD, DUNEDIN

Really cozy road among the little towns over the mountains and hills outside of Dunedin.

accomodations

01/

BREAKFREE ON CASHEL, CHRISTCHURCH

Very affordable and good hotel in the centre of Christchurch.

02/

YHA HANMER KAKAPO LODGE, HANMER SPRINGS

Hostel, but they also have good private rooms. That’ what I booked and was more than happy with. Good parking for the bike behind the house.

03/

KIWI HOLIDAY PARK & MOTELS, WESTPORT

Got a wonderful little cottage that I fell in love with! Park up front just as a motel. Kitchen and showers in a shared house. Fridge, plates and cutleries are found in the cottage.

05/

GET AWAY HOLIDAY PARK & APARTMENTS, TE ANAU

Really good apartments and camping possibilities. Shared bathroom and kitchen, but has a sink and fridge in the apartment. Parking up front.

06/

LIVING ON DEE, INVERCARGILL

Like a big room in a house, very clean and nice. Parking behind the house.

07/

LARNACH CASTLE, DUNEDIN

If you like it fancy. Recommended by the motorcycle rental.

04/

TAHUNA POD HOSTEL, QUEENSTOWN

Booked a pod bunk bed which worked perfectly for two nights. Clean and nice hostel with a nice vibe. Very central located and has a parking behind the building.