Best of New Zealand Tour
We call it the best because that's what it is. There is
no finer guided tour of New Zealand, of that we're pretty
sure. You'll pass through stunning scenery and visit the
most breathtaking attractions these islands have to offer.
22 day tour, 6000kms - Variable
pricing
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Day 1: Christchurch
After collecting you from Christchurch International Airport or
your hotel, we’ll take you to the the depot for a unique
Kiwi welcome day. It starts with our Maori greeting, whereafter
you'll be introduced to your fellow adventurers and tour leaders
– and to your motorcycle. After a safety and tour briefing
you'll have a chance for a familiarisation ride with rider training
included if required. The day ends with a great traditional Hangi
dinner.
 Day
2: Christchurch to Mt Cook
The first day's ride gets you in the mood for the brilliant roads
to follow. It twists and turns over the mountain passes of the
scenic Four Peaks Range and along turquoise lakes with snow-capped
mountains in the background, offering countless photo opportunities.
The mighty Mt Cook is the highest peak in Australasia and well
worth a visit.
Day 3: Mt Cook to Dunedin
Today's ride via Lindis Pass and back to the East Coast brings
diverse scenery and more great roads. The very Scottish city of
Dunedin (meaning 'Edinburgh' in Celtic) is your stop for the night.
It reputedly has the best night life on the South Island and we'll
be happy to prove it to you!
Day 4: Dunedin local area
Today you'll have a chance to explore the South Island's second
largest city. Dunedin has grand Victorian architecture and the
steepest street in the world. A walk up Baldwin Street with its
1 in 1.266 gradient will have you ready for the next attraction,
a tour of a local brewery with some free beer tasting!
Day 5: Dunedin to Te Anau
The tour from Dunedin to the south end leads us on a twisty coast
road through Catlins State Forest Park to Invercargill. If you
ask nicely, we may even throw in a stop in the southernmost town
on the South Island - the tiny town of Bluff is world-renowned
for its oysters. We don't know if they really help with the libido
(ahem!) but for many the destination for the night can't come
soon enough...Before we get there though there's still the very
unique scenery and a beautiful ride through the rolling green
hills of Southland and the Clutha Valley.
Day 6: Te Anau to Milford Sound and
return
There is only one road in to and out of Milford Sound but you
won't mind riding it twice, it's as scenic as they come. At Milford
Sound you'll have the opprtunity for a cruise on the sound, a
highlight of this tour. The scenery is out of this world and if
you don't believe me you'll just have to come and see for yourself!
No matter how you say “steep ravines, deep fjords, blue
shimmering crevasses, snow-covered Alps, blue seas and thundering
waterfalls” the words just cannot do this area justice.
Take a look at the pictures and you'll see what we mean!
Day 7: Te Anau to Queenstown
Today we partly retrace our steps and then head for a beuatiful
ride through farm country and along the shores of Lake Wakatipu.
Queenstown - the adrenalin capital of the world - is today's destination.
 Day
8: Queenstown local area
This is the perfect place for both adventurers and leisure seekers.
There's plenty to keep you busy if you don't want to ride. Choose
from bungy jumping, jet-boating, white-water rafting, river surfing,
white-water sledging, paragliding, parachuting, canyoning, mountain
biking and aerial sightseeing! Still not enough? Add fishing,
water-skiing, windsurfing, yachting, horseback riding and rock
climbing. For the not-so-active it has some of the best restaurants
on the South Island in one of the most scenic spots in the world
on the shores of Lake Wakatipu.
Day 9: Queenstown to Franz Josef
If Queenstown didn't provide enough adrenaline, the shortcut via
Cardrona to Wanaka will! From there you'll ride over the Alps
via the beautiful Haast Pass. The road winds along steep slopes
with huge views over the glacier lakes Hawea and Wanaka and down
to the town of Haast. After a great ride along the west coast
you'll arrive at two of the most prolific glaciers in the world
- Fox Glacier and Franz Josef Glacier are tumbling rivers of ice
streaking down the valleys towards the sea. There are plenty of
great walks in the area but the best way to see the glaciers is
via helicopter.
Day 10: Franz Josef to Punakaiki
Winding roads take us further up the West Coast to Punakaiki.
The landscape is unique with the rough Tasman See on your left
and the deep green bush and rainforest on your right. The Pancake
Rocks and Blowholes are just a few minutes away from our destination
and a distinctive place to visit.
Day 11: Punakaiki to Christchurch
Returning to Christchurch you’ll leave the west coast and
ride one of the most beautiful roads in New Zealand. Arthur's
Pass is the highest, most impressive and by far the twistiest
highway over the Southern Alps! Thick rain forest, steep slopes,
strange rock formations, snow-covered mountains, deep blue icy
rivers, colossal valleys and flat plains are all within just 250
kilometres of each other.
Day 12: Christchurch local area
Also known as the 'Garden City', Christchurch is the most
'English' of NZ's cities and was designed to reflect ordered class
structure instead of being just another shabby colonial outpost.
Stroll through exquisite botanical gardens, punt on the Avon River,
ride a tram, follow the walkways around Lyttelton Harbour or people-watch
in Cathedral Square. For those who want to ride some more, why
not head down to the Banks Peninsula? Summit Road is a beautiful
drive along the edge of the crater and Akaroa is a picturesque
village where the presence of its original Fench settlers still
linger strongly.
 Day
13: Christchurch to Blenheim
Today's ride takes us up the east coast to Kaikoura for some whale-spotting
and you'll end the day in Blenheim (can you say 'Blenum'?) in
the heart of the world famous Marlborough wine region. Take the
opportunity to sample some of the best wines New Zealand has to
offer while you reflect on another superb ride!
Day 14: Blenheim to Wellington
From Blenheim we travel to Picton to catch the ferry to Wellington
across the Cook Straight. The ride via Queen Charlotte Drive along
Marlborough Sound to Nelson will present countless photo opportunities.
Convoluted waterways, delightful bays and islands and a beautifully
surfaced, twisty, scenic coastal road - it's a short ride but
you'll love it. Wellington is the capital of Zealand and boasts
a magnificent harbour, fine museums, beautifully preserved 19th-century
buildings and so many restaurants, cafes and activities that you
won't know where to start. Don't worry, we'll show you the best
ones!
 Day
15: Wellington to Napier
Napier is famous as one of the best examples of an Art Deco city
anywhere in the world but there's so much more! Friendly people,
great restaurants, a beautiful marine parade and superb coastal
setting is topped by a mild Mediterranean climate. Do you need
another reason to visit? OK, how about the famous Hawke's Bay
wineries, over 30 of which offer cellar tastings? Or the gourmet
culinary delights handmade with the freshest ingredients?
Day 16: Napier to Rotorua
It's a relatively short ride today but we have a few surprises
for you. After passing Lake Taupo our destination for the night
is one of New Zealand's best known tourist spots.
Day 17: Rotorua local area
You have a full day to explore NZ's most active thermal area.
Spurting geysers, steaming crevices, mud pools and hot springs
lead to healing thermal baths but this is not all. It's also an
important cultural centre for the Maori and one of the most accessible
to outsiders. We'll of course be there to tell you where to find
the best thermals and cultural performances...
 Day
18: Rotorua to Coromandel Peninsula
You'll quickly see why New Zealanders flock here on holiday. The
serenity attracts 'alternative lifestylers' away from Auckland
but the rest come for the North Island's best beaches and coastal
scenery. With a backdrop of rugged, green-forested mountains the
views over the offshore islands are incredible. What better way
to end the day than to dig a hole in the sand at Hot Water Beach
and relax in your own sandy hot water spa!
Day 19: Coromandel Peninsula to
Auckland
A beautiful ride to a beautiful city. Almost a quarter of New
Zealand's population call Auckland home. Blessed with magnificent
scenery it's also very cosmopolitan. Stroll through Queen Street,
enjoy some of the best dining in New Zealand and cruise magnificent
Waitemata Harbour, the 'heart' of the city. You don't have to
be a yachtsman to appreciate the City of Sails - but it helps!
 Day
20: Auckland to Bay of Islands
A run up the Twin Coast Highway leads you through the heart of
Maori culture and past villages with cafés, museums and
shops all built in the original colonial style and brings us to
another of New Zealand's top tourist attractions. Clear blue water
and dozens of sheltered coves will show you why this area is so
famous for its coastal scenery! And while the Bay of Islands is
undoubtedly scenic it's also of historical significance as the
site of the first European settlement in New Zealand.
Day 21: Bay of Islands local area
Boat cruises, sea kayaking, swimming with dolphins, sailing, fishing
or scuba diving - the choice is yours. Or take a ride up to Cape
Reinga, not actually the northernmost point in New Zealand but
a must see for that special feeling of reaching the 'end of the
world' when you look out over the endless ocean. It's also the
location of one of the most sacred sites for the Maori people;
the 800-year old pohutukawa tree at the tip of the Cape.
Day 22: Bay of Islands to Auckland
Back to the big city along our carefully-chosen route to take
in a few last sights and enjoy a last great ride together. Then
it's haere ra (goodbye) to new friends and toast the
end of the tour with a glass of New Zealand's finest!
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 Option
1:
Standard Tour:
Code GBS22A: 22 days/21 nights - NZ$
17,182
Price is based on rider in a private room
For pillions add NZ$
2,882
Two riders sharing the same room save NZ$
2,200
Deluxe Tour:
Code GBL22A: 22 days/21 nights - NZ$
25,344
Price is based on rider in a private room
For pillions add NZ$
5,896
Two riders sharing the same room save NZ$
3,850
Choice of bikes: BMW F650GS
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