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Two motorcyclists overlook a winding valley road from a gravel roadside stop

MOTORCYCLE-TRIPS · NEW ZEALAND 

Motorcycle trip New Zealand: North and South Island in 21 days

This motorcycle trip through New Zealand takes you over 21 days across the North and South Islands - from Auckland to Christchurch.

How long? 21 Days
When? Nov 8, 2026
Price € 14,319 / Person

The Journey

Guided motorcycle tour of the North and South Island of New Zealand

In 21 days you will visit the most beautiful corners of both islands on this motorcycle tour through New Zealand - and you will feel as if you have traveled across several continents. From tropical rainforests and lonely beaches to glaciers and snow-covered mountains, as well as sand dunes, volcanoes, and rainforests, you will experience an immense variety. You will ride the best routes in the country and choose your favorite bike from various BMW models - how about an F800GS? The classics include the Rimutaka Ranges, Milford Road, and the Lewis and Lindis Pass. Additionally, there is the Haast Pass, simply referred to as motorcycle heaven by many riders. Riding this pass yourself is one of the most beautiful moments a motorcycle trip in New Zealand has to offer.

Two motorcyclists ride down a winding hillside road through coastal scrub Two motorcyclists ride a winding road through green farmland with grazing cattle Two motorcyclists ride a curving road through forested hills, seen from above A motorcycle's windshield and front end framed against dunes and a beach coastline Two motorcyclists pause at a roadside lookout over a green harbour landscape Motorcycle trip New Zealand: North and South Island in 21 days
Key Highlights of the Trip

Key Highlights of the Trip

01 Both islands in one trip
01
Both islands in one trip
In 21 days from the subtropical North Island to the glaciers and fjords of the South Island.
02 Legendary passes in the saddle
02
Legendary passes in the saddle
Drive the Haast Pass, the Lewis Pass, the Lindis Pass, and the winding Milford Road.
03 Your BMW of choice
03
Your BMW of choice
Choose your motorcycle from the BMW fleet, from the F750GS to the larger GS for an additional charge.
04 Rotorua to Fiordland
04
Rotorua to Fiordland
Steaming geothermal fields, Milford Sound, and the quiet wilderness around Te Anau.
05 Comfort after each stage
05
Comfort after each stage
Stay overnight in good 3-4 star hotels and lodges, with support vehicle and tour guide on the bike.
Motorcycle Tours
Days 1-22
Two motorcyclists ride down a winding hillside road through coastal scrub
Auckland - Arrival and Transfer

Auckland - Arrival and Transfer

Your motorcycle tour in New Zealand begins relaxed: After landing at Auckland Airport, you will be picked up and taken to your hotel. You have time to recover from the long flight, to gather first impressions of the "City of Sails," and to gear up for the upcoming 21 days in the saddle. In the evening, you can already stroll through the vibrant downtown and prepare for the adventure.

Two motorcyclists pause at a roadside lookout over a green harbour landscape
Auckland - Hokianga through Kauri forests

Auckland - Hokianga through Kauri forests

In the morning we will pick you up at the hotel and take you to our base, where your motorcycle will be set up and the paperwork will be completed. Then your motorcycle journey through New Zealand really begins: From Auckland you will ride along the coast of the Tasman Sea up the west coast and through the Waipoua Forest with its ancient Kauri trees, including the over 50-meter-high "Tane Mahuta". You will spend the night at the quiet Hokianga Harbour with a view of 300-meter-high sand dunes. Distance: approx. 275 km, driving time approx. 4.5 h.

Two motorcyclists overlook a winding valley road from a gravel roadside stop
Hokianga - Paihia in Northland

Hokianga - Paihia in Northland

With a charming little ferry, you cross the Hokianga Harbour. On the low-traffic roads of Northland, you roll through a golden, green, and blue world full of beaches, bays, and subtropical flair - pure enjoyment on this leg of the North and South Island motorcycle tour. In the afternoon, you explore the historic Russell Kororareka, the first capital of New Zealand. Distance: approx. 210 km, travel time approx. 4 h.

A motorcycle's windshield and front end framed against dunes and a beach coastline
Paihia - Auckland on the coast

Paihia - Auckland on the coast

Today you drive south along the coast and enjoy the wide view of the Pacific. You then turn inland and reach Auckland again, the "City of Sails" and a vibrant, multicultural center. This motorcycle tour of New Zealand combines quiet country roads with the urban pulse of the country's largest city. Distance: approx. 280 km, driving time approx. 4 h.

Two motorcyclists ride a winding road through green farmland with grazing cattle
Auckland - Whitianga to Coromandel

Auckland - Whitianga to Coromandel

It continues south out of the city, through hilly, emerald-green countryside to the Coromandel Peninsula. This area is known for its beauty and fantastic motorcycle roads. Behind every bend, the view opens up to lush forests, rugged hills, and turquoise blue sea - a highlight of your guided motorcycle tour of New Zealand. Distance: approx. 210 km, driving time approx. 4 h.

Two motorcyclists ride a curving road through forested hills, seen from above
Whitianga - Rotorua in Thermal Country

Whitianga - Rotorua in Thermal Country

You drive the circuit around the Coromandel Peninsula and take a lunch break in the community. Bush-covered hills and coastal panoramas accompany you before you roll through the charming Karangahake Gorge towards Tauranga. This stage of the New Zealand motorcycle tour ends in Rotorua, a geothermal hotspot with steaming pools and geysers. Distance: approx. 250 km, travel time approx. 4.5 h.

Two motorcyclists stopped beside a road sign under an overcast sky
Rotorua - free day in the thermal area

Rotorua - free day in the thermal area

Today you have time to explore the bubbling mud pools and natural geysers in the Whakarewarewa Maori village. Take the gondola up the mountain and enjoy the view, try summer tobogganing or venture into "Zorbing". In the evening, a Maori cultural show and a Hangi feast await you - and with a bit of luck, you'll see the kiwi, New Zealand's national bird. A quiet day on your motorcycle trip New Zealand to recharge.

A motorcyclist rides a gravel farm track past a grazing horse and rolling hills
Rotorua - Napier in Art Deco Land

Rotorua - Napier in Art Deco Land

Lake Taupo in the center of the North Island is a popular destination. You stop for lunch and visit the roaring Huka Falls with their characteristic blue-green color. Over the Ahimanawa and Maungaharuru mountain range and through the vineyards of Eskdale, you reach Napier, New Zealand's capital of Art Deco. A varied stage of your motorcycle tour of New Zealand. Distance: approx. 230 km, travel time approx. 4 h.

Napier - Wellington to the capital

Continuing south, you drive through the wine-growing region and past the lush fruit orchards of Hawkes Bay. Over the windy Rimutaka Pass, north of Wellington, you curve towards the capital, where charming houses cling to the hills overlooking the harbor. Explore the "Beehive" and the Te Papa Museum. A highlight of the North and South Island motorcycle tour. Distance: approx. 320 km, driving time approx. 5 h.

Wellington - Nelson across the Cook Strait

Cross the Cook Strait by ferry and switch to the South Island. On the legendary road of the Marlborough Sounds - the Queen Charlotte Drive - you roll through dense forests to Nelson, the largest fishing port in Australasia. Nelson has the most hours of sunshine in the country and is known for art and culture. Your motorcycle tour of the South Island of New Zealand begins. Distance: approx. 110 km plus 3.5 h ferry ride.

Nelson - Hanmer Springs via Lewis Pass

You travel south over the Mt. Hope Saddle and through the Buller Gorge. In the old gold mining town of Murchison, you take a lunch break before the famous Lewis Pass, with its world-class mountain scenery, awaits you. Hanmer Springs is located in a basin of wooded mountains and offers natural hot springs - ideal for you to relax after this leg of your motorcycle trip through New Zealand. Distance: approx. 310 km, travel time approx. 4.5 h.

Tour expert

Questions about the tour itinerary?

Our tour guide is happy to answer any questions about the day-by-day route, stops, and details.

Hanmer Springs - free day & Kaikoura

Today is a rest day. You can relax in Hanmer Springs or take a day trip to Kaikoura. From the boat or from the air, you can observe whales here - depending on the season, humpback whales, pilot whales, blue whales, and southern right whales. Afterwards, the freshly cooked crayfish by the shore tastes particularly good. A relaxing day on your adventure motorcycle trip in New Zealand.

Hanmer Springs - Punakaiki to the West Coast

The day takes you once again over the spectacular Lewis Pass with its expansive landscapes and an ancient Maori greenstone path. In the historic gold mining town of Reefton, you take a lunch break and then drive to Punakaiki on the wild west coast. There, the ocean roars through the famous Pancake Rocks. A wild leg of the motorcycle tour of New Zealand's South Island. Distance: approx. 260 km, travel time approx. 4.5 h.

Punakaiki - Fox Glacier on the Ice Run

The West Coast Road runs between the turquoise Tasman Sea and the distinctive Southern Alps. Known as "The Ice Run," this road is famous for its glacier spectacle. From above, the ice formations look even more impressive - a helicopter flight can bring you closer if you wish. A highlight of your guided motorcycle tour of New Zealand. Distance: approx. 215 km, travel time approx. 4 h.

Fox Glacier - Queenstown via Haast Pass

On this beautiful, wild road, the landscape changes dramatically. As you drive inland on the famous Haast Pass, more and more rainforest appears. Winding roads, rivers, and waterfalls accompany you towards Wanaka, before you reach the adventure capital of Queenstown over the Crown Ranges, New Zealand's highest road. A dream day of your motorcycle trip in New Zealand. Distance: approx. 355 km, driving time approx. 5.5 h.

Queenstown - Discover adventure day

Today you explore Queenstown: Paragliding, jet boating, bungee jumping, and white-water rafting are just some of the adventures that await you. Drive along the lakeside road to Glenorchy, a famous "Lord of the Rings" filming location, visit a vineyard for lunch, or the gold mining town of Arrowtown with its cafés and galleries. A free day of your North and South Island motorcycle tour.

Queenstown - Te Anau into Fiordland

Today you will drive to Te Anau in Fiordland, an area of 1.2 million hectares of pristine beauty. Here you will find one of the last untouched wildernesses on Earth: waterfalls plunge into forested valleys, fjords reflect towering mountains. Dolphins, seals, and Fiordland penguins call this home. A highlight of your motorcycle tour in Fiordland New Zealand. Distance: approximately 175 km, travel time approximately 3 hours.

Te Anau - Milford Sound & Homer Tunnel

A fantastic drive along Lake Te Anau brings you to the famous Homer Tunnel, which was hand-carved into the rock in the 1930s. On the other side, a magnificent mountain landscape awaits you. Keep an eye out for the cheeky, clever Kea alpine parrots. To finish, you undertake a two-hour boat trip on Milford Sound - a dream of every motorcycle trip in New Zealand. Distance: approx. 220 km, driving time approx. 5 h.

Te Anau - Dunedin via Otago

You drive through the center of Otago with vast hilly landscapes, snow-covered mountains, clear rivers, and deep gorges to the Scottish-influenced city of Dunedin. Victorian architecture and the Otago Peninsula make the place particularly charming. Along the way, you stop in Gore, the fly-fishing capital, for lunch and visit an aircraft museum. Motorcycle tour New Zealand at its finest. Distance: approx. 320 km, travel time approx. 5 h.

Dunedin - free day & Otago Peninsula

Dunedin stands for New Zealand's natural heritage. You choose whether to explore the city or go to the Otago Peninsula to observe giant albatrosses and yellow-eyed penguins. The peninsula offers winding roads with wide views of the coast, while the city has historic buildings, museums, and galleries. A relaxed day of your guided motorcycle trip in New Zealand.

Dunedin - Tekapo via Lindis Pass

You leave Dunedin for a fantastic ride over the Maungatua Ranges. The barren, tussock-covered Maniototo region is typical of this area. Through Cromwell, the "fruit bowl of New Zealand," you take the Lindis Pass with alpine scenery between the Lindis Valley and the Ahuriri River to Lake Tekapo. A magnificent stage of the South Island motorcycle tour in New Zealand. Distance: approx. 290 km, travel time approx. 5 h.

Tekapo - Christchurch at Mount Cook

Lake Tekapo gives you a wide view of Mt. Cook, the highest mountain in New Zealand. At the Church of the Good Shepherd, you admire the bronze statue of a sheepdog and the turquoise lake. Via Burkes Pass, Mount Hutt, and the Canterbury plains, you reach Christchurch. During a farewell dinner, you conclude your motorcycle journey through New Zealand. Distance: approx. 255 km, travel time approx. 4.5 h.

Want a detailed description of all tour days?

Our expert will walk you through the full itinerary and answer all your questions.

Verified Reviews

What riders say about Motorcycle-trips in New Zealand

5.0

3 reviews

Michael S.

The support from the team during the 21-day motorcycle trip in New Zealand was effective and well thought out. Daily briefings enabled clear preparation for the...

Translated from German · Show original

Die Betreuung durch das Team während der 21-tägigen Motorradreise in Neuseeland war effektiv und durchdacht. Tägliche Briefings ermöglichten eine klare Vorbereitung auf die Tagesetappen, wie die Fahrt vom tropischen Regenwald zur Gletscherregion. Die Gruppengröße von maximal 12 Personen sorgte zudem für individuelle Aufmerksamkeit und Unterstützung.

Guest

Michael H.

The motorcycle trip through New Zealand, which includes both the North Island and the South Island, offered a structured technical preparation. Before each dail...

Translated from German · Show original

Die Motorradreise durch Neuseeland, die sowohl die Nord- als auch die Südinsel umfasst, bot eine strukturierte technische Vorbereitung. Vor jeder Tagesetappe, wie der Fahrt von Auckland nach Hokianga, wurden ausführliche Briefings durchgeführt, die GPS-Tracks und aktuelle Wetterbedingungen bereitstellten. Die Auswahl des BMW F750GS-Motorrads war sinnvoll für die abwechslungsreiche Streckenführung. Zudem wurde eine umfassende Motorradversicherung angeboten, die in Kombination mit der maximalen Gruppengröße von 12 Personen eine persönliche Betreuung sicherstellte. Diese Klarheit in der Organisation untermauerte das zugängliche Reiseerlebnis.

Guest

Christian W.

The tour through New Zealand, especially the North and South Islands, offered thoughtful, well-organized support by an experienced team. The daily briefings ena...

Translated from German · Show original

Die Tour durch Neuseeland, insbesondere die Nord- und Südinsel, bot eine durchdachte Betreuung durch ein erfahrenes Team. Die täglichen Briefings ermöglichten es, die Routen präzise zu planen, etwa die Fahrt von Auckland nach Hokianga am zweiten Tag. Jedes Mitglied der kleinen Gruppe von maximal 12 Personen erhielt ausreichend individuelle Aufmerksamkeit, was die Erfahrung auf dem BMW F750GS erheblich verbesserte. Die klare Struktur sorgte dafür, dass auch Einsteiger gut mithalten konnten.

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Offroad adventure

PRICE

from

€ 14,319 / person

Price Options

Driver € 14,319
Passenger € 3,969

Additional Options

BMW F800GS neues Modell Gesamtpreis für einen Fahrer € 15,600
BMW R1300GS, R1250RT, K1600GT, R1300RT total price for one rider € 16,575

Trip includes

  • Side cases and top case for your luggage
  • Comprehensive motorcycle insurance
  • 22 overnight stays in very good hotels and motels
  • 22x breakfast
  • Joint farewell dinner
  • Airport transfers on arrival and departure
  • Multilingual tour guide on the motorcycle
  • Support vehicle with its own driver
  • Tour book and maps
  • Visit to a Maori cultural show
  • Crossing with the Cook Strait ferry
  • Boat tour on the Milford Sound
  • Visit to Burt Munro ("World's fastest Indian")
  • Travel security certificate (insolvency protection according to BGB §651r) - mandatory for all OVERCROSS trips

FAQS

  • Which motorcycles are available?
    The travel price includes BMW F750GS and F800GS. For an additional charge, you can also ride larger models like the R1300GS, R1250RT, or K1600GT.
  • How many kilometers will you cover?
    Over the 21 days of this North and South Island motorcycle tour, you will cover around 4,650 km.
  • What should you bring?
    Your own motorcycle gear including helmet, gloves, and boots as well as all personal travel documents.
OVERCROSS note on itinerary
The above travel description is a non-binding online proposal and does not represent a binding travel itinerary. We expressly reserve the right to make changes to the route, schedule, and accommodations (§ 651d BGB in conjunction with Art. 250 EGBGB). The terms and conditions of OVERCROSS apply.
Terms and Conditions of OVERCROSS

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