18-day South Island Motorcycle Tour

Shuttle to Hotel - You will be met at Christchurch International Airport and shuttled first to your hotel to check in, and then to pick up your bike. The rest of the day is set aside to allow you to settle in and rest up before the adventure begins tomorrow or you can visit some of the city sights. The day will include a safety meeting to review road rules and safety requirements, followed by a 'get to know you' dinner.

Christchurch to Blackball - 250 km / 155 mi route (Approx. 3:50 hrs. riding). Leaving the old English-style city, you will head across the plains before beginning the twisting climb into the Southern Alps. Stopping near the top to watch the native Kea parrots is a great photo opportunity. Continuing down from the pass and through scattered native bush brings you to your stop for the night at a 200-year-old hotel full of history, maybe a ghost or two, and home to the best chef in the South Island.

Blackball to Kaikoura - 325 km / 200 mi route (Approx. 4:45 hrs. riding). Cruise between rich farmlands and patches of thick native bush on meandering well-maintained roads. Today will take you back through the Southern Alps. Ride along the base of the coastal mountain range to your stop for the night in a peaceful seaside town.

Kaikoura to Nelson - 280 km / 170 mi route (Approx. 4:15 hrs. riding). Picturesque seascapes, winding roads, native bush, changing elevations, and numerous photo stops. This is a GoPro day (Make sure your GoPro is ready with plenty of back up batteries). Stop at small local restaurants to sample fresh seafood, and consider zip-lining.

Nelson to Westport - 265 km / 165 mi route (Approx. 3:45 hrs. riding). Head towards the coast through bush-covered hills leading to excellent gorge riding. Fantastic cornering and great scenery make this another GoPro day.

Free Day, Westport loop - Optional 200 km / 120 mi route (Approx. 3:00 hrs. riding). Free day for sorting photos, updating journals, notes, or laundry. Optional local ride routes are available.

Westport to Fox Glacier - 305 km / 190 mi route (Approx. 4:40 hrs. riding). Ride along the world-famous coastal highway, sweeping through fantastic corners, past rocky outcrops. Mix this with fantastic stops for unique scenery.

Fox Glacier to Cardrona - 290 km / 180 mi route (Approx. 4:15 hrs. riding). Enjoy waterfalls, wild bush, misty mountains, and easy sweepers. The road takes you alongside lakes, rivers, and other great photo opportunities (another GoPro day). End the day at a quaint country pub/hotel.

Cardrona to Queenstown - 50 km / 30 mi route (Approx. 1:15 hrs. riding). An easy ride through some tight corners towards the adventure capital of New Zealand. Spend the balance of the day and evening enjoying available features.

Queenstown Loop - 105 km / 65 mi route (Approx. 2:00 hrs. riding). Adventure day: jet boat ride, gondola ride, zip-lining, or a relaxed steamer cruise on the lake. Optional easy riding or a casual day for notes, photos, postcards, or laundry.

Queenstown to Te Anau including Milford Sound - 410 km / 255 mi route (Approx. 5:50 hrs. riding). Follow the sweeping lake shore south to Te Anau to check into accommodations. Optionally, ride out to Milford Sounds before returning.

Te Anua to Invercargill - 240 km / 150 mi route (Approx. 3:30 hrs. riding). Ride to the south end of the highway (photo op) for a night's stay in a peaceful southern city. Suggested dinner: Fish & Chips, with Oysters (if in season) and Beer. Stop to see the 'World's Fastest Indian' display.

Invercargill to Dunedin - 255 km / 160 mi route (Approx. 4:00 hrs. riding). Visit Niagara Falls (yes, real ones - photo op). Climb steadily through great scenery. End in Dunedin, a city with a distinct Scottish flavor and home to a great brewery.

Dunedin Loop - 420 km / 260 mi route (Approx. 5:30 hrs. riding). Loop through the foothills for close-up mountain views. Ride through potential Orc battle locations.

Free day Dunedin - 0 km / 0 mi route. Free day with nothing planned. Several sightseeing options available, including Baldwin Street - The Steepest Street in the World. Or catch up on laundry. Make time for lunch at Speights Brewery.

Dunedin to Timaru - 470 km / 290 mi route (Approx. 6:00 hrs. riding). Head inland to enjoy great rolling country, cruising alongside picturesque lakes. End the day on the coast for a relaxing evening.

Timaru to Christchurch - 300 km/ 185 mi route (Approx. 5:30 hrs. riding). One more day of fun riding, looping back into Christchurch through more amazing scenery. No time deadlines today, set your own pace. Relaxing ride around the inlets of Akaroa before returning to Christchurch to drop off your bike and catch your shuttle to the hotel for final sorting and packing. A farewell dinner wraps up the day.

Christchurch hotel to airport. After a typical NZ breakfast, catch your shuttle to the airport. Talk about the adventure you've just had. Additional nights can be arranged if desired.