11 Day Guided Adventure Motorbike New Zealand Expedition Tour: South Island Kiwi Challenge

Overview

New Zealand, also known as the "Land of the Long White Cloud" or Aotearoa in Maori, is a unique blend of diverse terrains, including mountains, volcanoes, glaciers, wild coasts, long sandy beaches, tropical forests, and hot springs. It is home to a rich indigenous culture and the friendliest inhabitants one can imagine. This country offers a microcosm of the Earth’s most stunning landscapes! From sea to mountains, experience a variety of incredible and unique terrains... on the other side of the planet!

Highlights

• Starts and ends in Christchurch
• Ride on mountain roads, where the ocean meets the Southern Alps
• Traverse the lush rainforest of the west coast along wild beaches
• Stop in Cromwell, a region famous for its vineyards and fruits
• Epic day: Cross 23 rivers and streams in the remote Nevis Valley
• Rest and explore the jewel in the crown, Milford Sound
• Discover Mount Cook National Park, its glaciers, and this remarkable nature
• 10 nights accommodation

Itinerary

1. Day 1: Christchurch - Welcome to New Zealand!

   Your adventure begins in Christchurch, the "Garden City." Explore this charming city, visit the botanical garden, or admire the unique street art. This evening, you meet your guide and group to prepare for this unforgettable journey!

2. Day 2: Greymouth (240 kilometers / 149 miles - 3 hours and 30 minutes)

   Today, a beautiful mountain road takes you towards Greymouth, where the ocean meets the Southern Alps. You pass Arthur's Pass at an altitude of 900 meters. This area is of impressive natural beauty, with mountainous landscapes leading to the Pacific Rim where you will spend the night.

3. Day 3: Haast (315 kilometers / 196 miles - 4 hours)

   Now it's time to enter the wilderness. On your way to Haast, you'll traverse the lush rainforest of the west coast along wild beaches. If the weather is favorable, be prepared for incredible panoramas.

4. Day 4: Cromwell (260 kilometers / 162 miles - 4 hours)

   You leave the west coast, passing lakes and rivers, and stop in Cromwell, a region famous for its vineyards and fruits.

5. Day 5: Kingston (100 kilometers / 62 miles - 5 hours)

   Get ready for an epic day. Crossing the Nevis Valley, where roaring mountains and tumultuous rivers will accompany you. You will have 23 rivers and streams to cross in this remote valley. At the end of the day, you reach the peaceful town of Kingston, located on the shores of Lake Wakatipu, where you will spend the night.

6. Day 6: Te Anau (340 kilometers / 211 miles - 4 hours)

   After a slight detour to the south of the island, you spend two nights in Te Anau, a way to rest and explore the jewel in the crown, Milford Sound.

7. Day 7: Te Anau / Milford Sound (235 kilometers / 146 miles - 3 hours and 30 minutes)

   Take your time exploring Milford Sound. Short walks along the fjords or simply enjoy the calm of nature. You will have the opportunity to admire spectacular waterfalls, and majestic fjords, and maybe even spot dolphins on a cruise (optional). It's a day dedicated to peacefully exploring this jewel of New Zealand. Travel is also about taking the time to immerse yourself.

8. Day 8: Queenstown (245 kilometers / 152 miles - 5 hours and 30 minutes)

   You head back to Queenstown via the scenic Mount Nicholas track. You end the day by crossing the peaceful Lake Wakatipu by ferry to reach Queenstown, the mountain gem, where you will spend the night.

9. Day 9: Mt Cook / Aoraki (275 kilometers / 171 miles - 4 hours and 30 minutes)

   Heading to Mount Cook/Aoraki. In Maori, "Aoraki" means "Pierced Cloud." It's the traditional Maori name for New Zealand's highest mountain, which stands over the Pacific Ocean at over 3700 meters. A short walk is planned to discover this national park, its glaciers, and this remarkable nature.

10. Day 10: Christchurch (375 kilometers / 233 miles)

    You skirt Lake Pukaki to reach the first stop of the day by the vast Lake Tekapo after crossing the beautiful valley of the same name. You are now heading to the East Coast to reach Christchurch, where this journey ends. Take a last moment to soak up the atmosphere of this city before departing. Return of the motorbikes upon arrival in Christchurch then transfer to the hotel for a last night in New Zealand.

11. Day 11: Christchurch

    Depending on your return flight, enjoy a little more time in the city. Then, after this memorable adventure, it's time to head back home!

Ride Details

Terrain

Offroad

Bike

Rental bike, included (BMW F 850 GS, KTM 890 or Tenere 700)

Mileage

2,385 kilometers / 1,482 miles

Daily rides

100 - 375 kilometers / 62 - 233 miles

Meals

not included

Accommodation

Accommodations will be provided in motel and 2-3 person cabin.

Getting There

This loop motorcycle tour starts in Christchurch and will cover Greymouth, Haast, Cromwell, Kingston, Te Anau, Milford Sound, Queenstown, Mt Cook / Aoraki then back to Christchurch. [+](https://www.tripaneer.com/free-rider/11-day-guided-adventure-motorbike-tour-in-new-zealand-south-island-kiwi-challenge# "Zoom in") [−](https://www.tripaneer.com/free-rider/11-day-guided-adventure-motorbike-tour-in-