7 Day “Northern Explorer” Guided Motorcycle Tour in New Zealand includes Bike Hire

Overview

Rydges Formosa Resort, Beachlands, Auckland, New Zealand If you want beautiful forests, beaches, coastlines with almost deserted winding roads, and comfortable accommodation, then this is it. The North Island of New Zealand offers some of the best riding in the world, and the Northland region is an amazing area of incredible natural beauty. Beautiful native Kauri forests, beaches, and coastlines are the highlights of this region, plus the amazing roads. Because these roads are not high-speed, the Himalayan 450 is a perfect choice.

Highlights

• Get to experience a three-kilometer beach stream traverse and a full-length ride of "90 Mile" beach
• Ride the spectacular Twin Coast Discovery Highway
• Visit Cape Reinga, where the largest ocean in the world collides with the Tasman Sea
• Explore the mystical Waipoua Forest and its ancient Kauri trees
• Guided by locals with full support throughout
• 2 professional guides, including first aid and mechanical support
• 6 nights accommodation - overnight stays in picturesque coastal towns
• Sealed road alternatives available

Itinerary

1. Day 1

   - Arrival in Auckland with a free airport pick-up and check-in to the hotel for a pre-tour dinner and briefing

2. Day 2: Maraetai to Waipu (200 km / 124 mi)

   Despite having to ride through Auckland, you'll avoid the main highways as much as possible and take some great little backroads, past some beautiful beaches. It will be an easy ride of about 200 km and three hours.

3. Day 3: Waipu to Paihia (168 km / 104 mi)

   Although only another three hours of riding covering 168 km, this day’s ride will take in some amazing backroads and more beautiful beaches, so that it will still feel like a full day.

4. Day 4: Rest day in Paihia

   Paihia and the Bay of Islands are a historically and culturally significant area, so having the day to experience this will be nice. There are also plenty of water-based tourist excursions to take. Choosing either The Cream Trip, Hole in the Rock, or dolphin experiences is worth considering.

5. Day 5: Paihia to Ahipara via Cape Reinga (320 km / 199 mi)

   This will be a bigger day of riding today with four and a half hours covering 320 km. On this day, you'll ride to the northern tip of New Zealand, Cape Reinga. The ride up will start with some of the most fun that you can have on two wheels, riding over the Mangamuka Hills. On the return leg from Cape Reinga, and if the conditions are good, you’ll jump onto 90 Mile beach to complete the ride to Ahipara and hopefully experience an amazing sunset.

6. Day 6: Ahipara to Kauri Coast (145 km / 90 mi)

   This will be an easy three-hour ride covering only 145 km, but detours out past Mitimiti to the coast will be a pleasant side tour. And of course, there will be a stop at the magnificent Tane Mahuta (giant Kauri tree) in the Waipoua Forest. From the location where you will stay the night, tours can be run into the nearby Trounson Kauri Forest to hopefully see Kiwi.

7. Day 7: Kauri Coast to Maraetai

   - End of the tour

Ride Details

Terrain

Approximately 75% tarmac, 20% gravel roads, and 5% beach riding on "90 Mile" beach, including a three-kilometer ride down Te Paki stream (to 90 Mile beach)

Mileage

Approximately 1,098 km / 682 mi in total

Daily rides

145 km to 320 km / 90 mi to 199 mi

Bike

Customized Royal Enfield Himalayan 450; rental included

Riding gear

Riders bring their own gear; MotoTours will provide 2x 25L Givi; soft luggage (note that a limited range of motorcycle gear is available to rent upon prior request)

Meals

Daily breakfasts and three dinners included

Accommodation

This tour includes comfortable hotel and lodge accommodation.

Food

Daily breakfasts and three dinners are included in the tour price.