New Zealand Motorcycle Tours 2026 | The Ultimate Riding Guide

Epic Ride Team
by Epic Ride Team
6 min read
Jun 14, 2026 6:13:12 AM

Quick facts

Column 1
Country
New Zealand (Aotearoa)
Main riding islands
North Island + South Island
Total road network
94,000 km of sealed and unsealed road
Side of the road
Left
Peak riding season
Noveber to March
Best shoulder months
September to October, March to May
Most popular start city
Christchurch (South Island)

 

There’s nothing quite like the freedom of setting out on the open road, visor up, boots laced, and bike rumbling beneath you. In New Zealand, that feeling is amplified in ways few places can match. Snow-capped peaks tumble into turquoise lakes, coastal highways hug the sea, and winding backroads lead you through landscapes that feel like they’ve been lifted straight from a movie set — some of them literally have. The Lord of the Rings trilogy was filmed across the South Island.

For riders, this is more than a holiday. It’s a bucket-list experience, the kind that stays with you long after you’ve left the saddle.

Why New Zealand tops the list for motorcycle touring

What makes Aotearoa truly unique is how much variety you can pack into a single day’s ride. One moment you’re carving through alpine passes, the next you’re rolling past vineyards, before finishing the day with your boots in the sand. Unlike sprawling countries like the US or Australia, New Zealand’s scale works in your favour: distances are manageable, yet the scenery changes constantly.

Add smooth, well-maintained roads, a strong safety culture, and a welcoming community of Kiwi riders, and you’ve got all the ingredients for an unforgettable adventure.

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The best motorbike roads in New Zealand

At a glance — our nine favourite rides:

Road
Island
Approx. distance
Best season
Queenstown to Milford Sound
South
~290 km
Nov–Apr
Arthur’s Pass
South
~140 km
Oct–May
West Coast Highway (SH6)
South
~600 km
Year-round
Catlins Coast (Dunedin–Invercargill)
South
~280 km
Oct–Apr
Queenstown to Glenorchy
South
~45 km
Year-round
Twizel to Mount Cook
South
~65 km
Oct–Apr
Forgotten World Highway (SH43)
North
~155 km
Late summer / autumn
Napier to Gisborne
North
~215 km
Year-round
Auckland to Cape Reinga
North
~430 km
Year-round

South Island icons

Queenstown to Milford Sound is a ~290 km ride through fjords, rainforest, waterfalls and sheer granite peaks. If you can, time your ride just after a rain shower — the mountainsides come alive with thousands of waterfalls, some cascading right beside the road.

Arthur’s Pass is a ~140 km mountain crossing through the Southern Alps, best ridden October to May. Switchbacks, dark valleys and snow-dusted peaks make it one of NZ’s most photographed rides.

West Coast Highway (SH6) is a remote, wild stretch of glaciers, pounding surf and rainforest, all in a single day. Frequent rain keeps the landscape impossibly lush, and the region’s gold-mining ghost towns add a layer of Kiwi pioneer history to the ride.

The Catlins Coast from Dunedin to Invercargill is a southern gem few travellers make time for. Wild beaches, windswept cliffs, sea lions basking on the sand and waterfalls tumbling through native bush make this ~280 km route a rider’s paradise.

Queenstown to Glenorchy is short but spectacular — just 45 minutes each way, hugging Lake Wakatipu with snow-tipped peaks reflected in the water. Every bend is postcard material.

Twizel to Mount Cook is a road that defines “epic.” Riding toward Aoraki / Mount Cook — New Zealand’s highest peak at 3,724 m — you’re flanked by the turquoise waters of Lake Pukaki and the Southern Alps rising ahead.

North Island gems

The Forgotten World Highway (SH43) is a rugged, remote 155 km route between Stratford and Taumarunui, weaving through valleys and tiny settlements where time feels like it’s stood still. Best ridden in late summer or autumn.

Napier to Gisborne is a sun-soaked coastal ride with sweeping ocean views, vineyards and art-deco towns. Spring and summer are the standout seasons, with long sunshine hours and plenty of stops for wine tastings.

Auckland to Cape Reinga takes you from bustling city streets to the windswept northern tip of New Zealand. Ride it in spring or early autumn to avoid peak holiday traffic and enjoy long, relaxed riding days.

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Pro tips for the ultimate New Zealand motorcycle tour

1. Pack for all seasons. Sunshine in the morning, rain by afternoon, frost at night — it’s all part of the Kiwi “four seasons in a day” experience. Layers are your best friend; Epic Ride will advise you on exactly what to bring.

2. Plan shorter days. NZ roads are twisty and narrow. 300 km here feels like 600 km elsewhere, so build in time for scenic stops.

3. Bring a camera, GoPro and (if regulations allow) a drone. You’ll want proof when you tell friends about riding through Middle-earth landscapes.

Best times to plan your ride

Summer (Dec–Feb) brings long, warm days and peak riding conditions. The sun doesn’t set until 9–10 pm, giving you hours to explore. Pack sunscreen and enjoy every minute.

Spring (Oct–Nov) is a riot of colour as flowers bloom across the country. A perfect time for photography and quieter roads.

Autumn (Mar–Apr) brings crisp air and golden landscapes. Arrowtown in the South Island is a must for its fiery autumn colours.

Winter (May–Sept) can ice over alpine roads in the South Island, but snow-capped peaks add a magnificence you won’t see in summer. North Island rides remain accessible, with fewer crowds.

Riding with Epic Ride makes all the difference

Riding through New Zealand is incredible solo, but it’s unforgettable in a group. Joining one of Epic Ride’s guided motorcycle tours NZ means you don’t just ride — you share the road with like-minded adventurers.

Here’s what you get:

  • A modern, well-maintained fleet of adventure and touring motorcycles, with most bikes less than three years old.

  • Local expertise — guides who know the backroads, hidden detours and best stops for a Kiwi pie or flat white. They’re also happy to offer free route advice if you’re planning your own ride.

  • Seamless logistics — routes, accommodation and support handled for you, so all you do is ride.

  • Connection — swap stories, share laughs and form friendships with riders from around the world.

Instead of sweating the details, you can focus on what matters most: the ride. → [link to NZ tours page]

Ready to ride?

New Zealand isn’t just another destination; it’s the world’s ultimate motorcycle playground. From wild coastlines to alpine passes, every day brings a new horizon and a new story to tell.

Join Epic Ride’s guided adventure motorcycle tours and experience New Zealand the way it’s meant to be — from the saddle of an adventure bike. Explore our upcoming tours today.

Explore our upcoming tours today
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FAQs

What’s the best motorbike road in New Zealand?

Most riders rank Queenstown to Milford Sound, Arthur’s Pass and the West Coast Highway (SH6) as the three best motorbike roads in New Zealand. All three are on the South Island and can be combined into a single multi-day loop.

How long does it take to ride around New Zealand?

A relaxed motorcycle tour of New Zealand typically takes 14–21 days end-to-end — long enough to ride both islands without rushing. You can ride the South Island in 7–10 days if time is tight.

Is New Zealand good for beginner motorbike riders?

Yes, with the right preparation. NZ roads are well maintained and traffic is light, but the country is famously twisty and weather changes fast. Beginners do best on smaller bikes (e.g. Yamaha MT-03, Honda Rebel 500, CF MOTO 450MT) and on shorter, lower-altitude routes.

Can you motorbike in New Zealand in winter?

Yes, but with care. North Island routes remain ridable through winter (May–September). South Island alpine passes such as Arthur’s Pass and the Crown Range can ice over, so winter riders should stick to lower-altitude roads and check NZTA road conditions daily.

Do you need an international licence to ride a motorcycle in New Zealand?

Visitors can ride in NZ for up to 12 months on a current overseas motorcycle licence. If your licence isn’t in English, you also need either an English translation or an International Driving Permit.

How many days do I need for a South Island motorcycle tour?

A short South Island motorcycle tour can be done in 7–10 days, but 12–14 days is more comfortable if you want to include Christchurch, Queenstown, Milford Sound, the West Coast, Mount Cook and Kaikōura.

Are guided motorcycle tours better than self-guided tours in New Zealand?

Guided tours are best for riders who want local knowledge, group riding, support and fully planned logistics. Self-guided tours are better for riders who want more freedom while still having GPS routes and accommodation arranged.

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