Magellan Motorcycle Tours

Twin Island Adventure

New Zealand

Overview Highlights Itinerary Questions

Twin Island Adventure

New Zealand

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24 days across both islands of New Zealand. Volcanoes, glaciers, beaches, rainforests, hot springs, and incredible roads line this route.

Find out more about the Magellan team.

The North and South Islands of New Zealand are home to some of the planet’s most awe-inspiring natural wonders. Luckily for those of us on two wheels, they’re all connected by an unbroken chain of incredible motorcycling routes too. Over 24 days, this bucket-list tour will have you riding twisty mountain roads, spotting whales in the Pacific Ocean, relaxing in geothermal pools, climbing glaciers that carve through fjords, and much more!

Guided Tour
24 Day Tour
3700 miles
Christchurch, NZ.
SUPPORT VEHICLE
HIRE BIKE AVAILABLE

UPCOMING
TOUR DATES

02/02/27 – 25/02/27
02/03/27 – 25/03/27
01/02/28 – 24/02/28
29/02/28 – 23/03/28

Even on your flight into New Zealand, you’ll realise that this country is something quite special—a land shaped by the natural elements into an adventure paradise. We begin our bucket-list trip in the “Garden City” of Christchurch, where tree-lined avenues set the scene for you to meet your fellow riders. Over a welcome meal, you’ll trade stories and look ahead to three captivating weeks on the road.

The following morning, you'll collect your bikes and enjoy a warm up with a local ride out we've prepared, before the next day embarking on the journey north, with lush vineyards, rolling farmland, and the renowned Aviation Heritage Centre lining the route to Picton. Here, the scent of salt fills the air as we make our first crossing of the famed Cook Strait to the North Island, watching for pods of dolphins that regularly race alongside the boat.

Upon landing, we hug the coast, where imposing cliffs and rolling surf frame the journey to New Plymouth, with an overnight in Wanganui en-route. The near-perfect cone of Mount Taranaki rises like a sentinel over the landscape, its snowy peak a stark contrast to the deep greens of the surrounding forest. Heading inland towards Rotorua, the earth itself comes alive—bubbling mud pools, spouting geysers, and the scent of sulphur create a visceral experience in this geothermal wonderland.

Felix Billington, Magellan Guide

New Zealand truly has it all for us motorcyclists. It's one of those rare locations where the highlights come day after day, and you'll have a hard time putting down the camera!

Talk to us about New Zealand

🇬🇧 +442039621162 9am - 5pm GMT, M - F
🇺🇸 +1 206-558-0990 5am - 12pm EST, M - F

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Talk to us about New Zealand

🇬🇧 +442039621162 9am - 5pm GMT, M - F
🇺🇸 +1 206-558-0990 5am - 12pm EST, M - F

Send an Enquiry

Book Consultation

Speak to us on WhatsApp

Milford Sound

Along the shores of Lake Taupo—a vast crater lake formed by a supervolcanic eruption—and skirting the ancient forests of Urewera National Park, we ride to the Bay of Plenty, where golden beaches stretch for miles. In Gisborne, we find Māori heritage woven into the town before riding through the untamed beauty of Morere Springs Scenic Reserve and around Hawke’s Bay. Our final stretch on the North Island takes us over the incredible Remutaka Ranges, where twisting roads and switchbacks climb high into the hills before plunging towards the capital, Wellington. From here, we return across the Cook Strait to the wild, raw, and untamed beauty of the South Island.

Tracing the coastline to Kaikōura, mountains fall seamlessly into the Pacific Ocean, where we swap bikes for boats and head in search of the giants of the deep—whales surfacing in the crisp southern air. Our road then climbs towards the heart of the South Island, where Lake Tekapo shimmers in turquoise, and the road to Mount John offers one of the best panoramic views in the country. This is one of the world’s premier stargazing locations, and even by day, the vastness of the landscape feels almost celestial.

The next day has hints of Scotland as you head to Dunedin, a city with a thriving arts scene and a strong Celtic influence. Known as “Old Edinburgh,” Dunedin’s Scottish roots are unmistakable.

From here, we trade the wild and windswept coastline of the Catlins for a journey through ancient rainforests, past cascading waterfalls, and alongside secluded bays where sea lions bask on the sand. Just south, the town of Invercargill holds a special place in motorcycling history. Here, the legendary machine that shattered records—the World’s Fastest Indian—stands as a tribute to Burt Munro.

A short ride to Fiordland National Park provides the unique opportunity to go underground into glowworm-lit caves, where subterranean rivers weave through limestone formations. Above ground, there are countless trails and hidden corners to explore.

Rested, it’s time to visit a place you’ll have seen plastered on billboards and in magazines. Milford Sound deserves its reputation as one of the world's greatest natural wonders, and the road to get there is just as spectacular. Here, we take a boat deep into the fjord, where waterfalls tumble from staggering heights, alpine parrots dance in the updrafts, and mist clings to the peaks.

En route to Queenstown—a lakeside retreat nestled beneath the jagged ridges of The Remarkables—we ride the Devil’s Staircase, a serpentine ribbon of tarmac that hugs the water's edge. From here, we trace the shoreline to Glenorchy, where golden plains set the stage for some of the most iconic scenes in The Lord of the Rings. With its quiet remoteness and cinematic character, it’s easy to feel like you’ve stepped into a fantasy novel yourself.

Using Queenstown—New Zealand’s adventure capital—as a base, you can take a jet boat down river canyons or ride the Skyline Gondola to a panoramic mountain viewpoint. As the birthplace of bungee jumping, it also offers true thrill-seekers the chance to brave the leap over the dramatic Kawarau Gorge.

Back on the road, we climb over Crown Range Road, the highest pass in the country, each turn revealing staggering views over Queenstown’s alpine basin before descending into the valleys of Mount Aspiring National Park, where waterfalls, beech forests, and glacial rivers line the route. Up and over the twisting Haast Pass, the mountains give way to the untamed West Coast, a place where nature still very much calls the shots.

Here, we’re led to another of the world's most spectacular sights—the Franz Josef Glacier. Carving its way through lush rainforest towards the Tasman Sea, this mighty river of ice is one of the few glaciers in the world to exist at such a low altitude. Step onto the glacier itself, hire an ATV, or take to the skies in a helicopter to witness a world sculpted by the forces of time.

Tracing a route from the West Coast to the Southern Alps, we ride incredible roads through the Rohotu Scenic Reserve and the Wildeberg Range, with twisting turns leading to Mount Hercules before dropping back down to the coast. Among towering rimu and kahikatea trees, a treetop walk offers the chance to see the rainforest and Lake Mahinapua from above.

From Westport and the Tasman Sea, our road winds through Butler Gorge and Mount Richmond Forest Park, providing more incredible motorcycling. Heading further north, the limestone formations of Kahurangi National Park reveal a hidden underground world—the Ngarua Caves—where stalactites drip from the cavern ceilings and fossilised remains of ancient creatures lie frozen in time.

Turning inland, we take on the Four Rivers Highway, a legendary stretch of road weaving through the Warbeck Scenic Reserve to the tiny alpine settlement of St Arnaud before continuing into Hanmer Forest Park. Our final day’s ride is a fitting farewell—two of the country’s most celebrated mountain passes. Arthur’s Pass and Lewis Pass are motorcycling magic, leading us back to Christchurch, where we return our bikes and toast an incredible 24 days on the road. The landscapes may fade in the mirrors, but the memories never will!

Ride the best national parks across the North and South Islands of New Zealand this year!

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Tour highlights

Incredible Natural Wonders – Cruise through the towering cliffs and waterfalls of UNESCO-listed Milford Sound, soar over the Franz Josef Glacier on a helicopter tour, and descend into the ancient limestone chambers of the Ngarua Caves.

Thrill-Seeking Adventures – Race jet boats through winding river canyons, take a heart-stopping bungee jump into Nevis Canyon, or soar 300 metres above the ground on the 1.6km “Flying Fox” skywire.

Relax in Nature – Unwind in the steaming geothermal pools of Rotorua and Hanmer Springs, where mineral-rich waters soothe both body and soul.

Wildlife Encounters – Set sail from Kaikoura into the rich waters of the Pacific in search of whales and other marine wildlife.

Epic Riding Roads – Tackle New Zealand’s most thrilling motorcycling routes, from the sweeping bends of Remutaka Summit to the dramatic climbs of Arthur’s Pass, Haast Pass, and the Crown Range Road.

Explore Cinematic Landscapes – Step into Middle-earth on a 4x4 tour of Lord of the Rings filming locations, including Isengard, Lothlórien, and the Misty Mountains.

Tour Photo Album

Tour Map / Itinerary

Full Itinerary

Day 1 Arrival

Arrive in Christchurch, check into your hotel, and meet your fellow riders over a welcome dinner before the adventure begins.

Day 2 100 Miles

Collect your bikes and enjoy a warm up ride out, returning to Christchurch.

Day 3 215 Miles

Set off north to the coastal port of Picton, stopping en route to visit the renowned Aviation Heritage Centre in Blenheim.

Day 4 147 Miles

Cross to the North Island, stopping in Wanganui.

Day 5 144 Miles

Ride along the coast to New Plymouth, where the striking, extinct Mount Taranaki volcano dominates the skyline.

Day 6 270 Miles

Ride north through mountain landscapes to Rotorua, famous for its hot pools and geothermal wonders, before continuing inland to the beautiful Lake Taupo.

Day 7 230 Miles

Skirting the Urewera National Park, enjoy sweeping forest roads before reaching the Bay of Plenty. From there, ride south through rolling countryside to the coastal city of Napier.

Day 8 255 Miles

Ride through the lush Morere Springs Scenic Reserve, following the coastline of Hawke’s Bay before heading inland through farmland to Wanganui.

Day 9 60 Miles

Tackle the thrilling twists and turns of the Remutaka Range before arriving at Wellington to board the ferry for a scenic three-hour crossing back to the South Island.

Day 10 100 Miles

A relaxed morning ride along the South Island’s east coast to the resort town of Kaikōura, followed by an afternoon whale-watching boat trip.

Day 11 250 Miles

Ride to the breathtaking viewpoint at St. John’s Observatory, offering panoramic views of Lake Tekapo.

Day 12 280 Miles

Ride to Dunedin, the Scottish capital of New Zealand, via some secret biker roads. Visit the Steam Punk headquarters and Moraki boulders.

Day 13 175 Miles

Enjoy stunning coastal and forest roads through the Catlins. In the afternoon, visit a motorcycle museum in Invercargill and see Burt Munro’s legendary World’s Fastest Indian.

Day 14 120 Miles

A short ride into Fiordland National Park, arriving in Te Anau. Take a boat trip to the glowworm caves or explore the lakeside scenery.

Day 15 150 Miles

Ride through the enchanted valley to Milford Sound and take a cruise through the UNESCO-listed fjord, surrounded by towering peaks and lush rainforest.

Day 16 180 Miles

Follow the Devil’s Staircase along Lake Wakatipu to Queenstown. Ride up the Remarkables for breathtaking views, then lunch in Glenorchy, where The Lord of the Rings was filmed.

Day 17 Explore Day

A rest day in Queenstown to enjoy its many activities—jet boating, bungee jumping, gondola rides, or simply soaking in the alpine scenery.

Day 18 205 Miles

Ride over the Crown Range, New Zealand’s highest paved road, through Mount Aspiring National Park and over Haast Pass to the Franz Josef Glacier.

Day 19 Explore Day

A day off the bike to explore the Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers—on foot, by helicopter, or on an ATV.

Day 20 220 Miles

Ride through the Rohotu Scenic Reserve to Mount Hercules and the Wildeberg Range, then take a spectacular treetop walk at Lake Mahinapua before continuing to Westport.

Day 21 165 Miles

Head east through Butler Gorge, riding through Mount Richmond Forest Park and into Kahurangi National Park, stopping to explore the stunning Ngarua Caves.

Day 22 250 Miles

Follow the Four Rivers Highway into Warbeck Scenic Reserve, ride through St Arnaud, and finish the day soaking in the hot pools at Hanmer Springs.

Day 23 265 Miles

An epic final day, crossing the Southern Alps twice via Arthur’s Pass and Lewis Pass before looping back to Christchurch. Return your bikes and celebrate the journey with a farewell dinner.

Day 24 Departure

Fly home, taking with you incredible memories of riding through some of the most breathtaking landscapes on the planet.

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What's included

If you select motorcycle rental, insurance and breakdown cover is included.

A whale watching trip from Kaikōura.

A cruise on the UNESCO World Heritage Milford Sound.

23 nights accommodation in high quality hotels.

Ice-breaking welcome meal and final farewell feast as well as excellent breakfasts each morning in the hotels.

Full use of all hotels’ leisure facilities.

Detailed route plans and maps.

GPS routes (Garmin/TomTom).

Detailed daily itinerary including sights and suggested coffee / lunch stops.

Fully guided and supported by experienced Magellan tour guides throughout.

Support vehicle to accompany your journey. There are limited spaces for partners to travel in the truck so they can join us on the tour without having to ride on the back of a bike. (Contact us for availability on this if it is something you are interested in.)

What's not

Fuel.

Toll charges.

Admission charges.

Occasional hotel parking charges.

Meals and drinks other than specified above.

Travel and medical insurance.

Flights.

Common questions about this trip

Where should I fly into?

You’ll fly in and out of Christchurch International Airport (CHC). Transfers from here to your first and last hotel are simple to organise.

When should I fly in?

Arriving a day or two early gives you time to adjust to the time zone, explore Christchurch, and start the tour feeling refreshed. We can recommend accommodation if you’d like to extend your stay.

Do I need to bring my own motorcycle gear?

Yes, you’ll need to bring your own helmet, jacket, gloves, and riding trousers, as these will be the best fit for you.

What is included in motorcycle rental?

Your rental bike comes fully equipped with side cases and a top box (trunk) for luggage, comprehensive insurance, and a sat nav (GPS).

What will the weather be like on this tour?

January is summer in New Zealand, so you can expect warm temperatures and good riding conditions. In the North Island, temperatures range from 20–30°C, while the South Island is slightly cooler, averaging 15–25°C, with alpine areas dipping lower. Rain is always a possibility, especially on the West Coast, so bringing waterproof layers is a good idea.

Will I find this tour too tiring?

You shouldn’t do no. We design all of our trips to be accessible to riders of all abilities and include ample days off the bike as part of this. These extended trips are no exception; we could easily shorten them by 4 or 5 days, but we opt to add multiple rest days and minimise the use of motorways to ensure you can enjoy the ride and arrive at your hotels in the evening to relax before dinner.

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More information

For general information on planning and preparing for motorcycle trips including what to pack please see our Prepare for your trip section.

More Information

Magellan Hub

Want to ask one of the team a question, or a get a previous tourer’s take on a trip?

Visit the rider group

Bike Option	Single Rider Price (Total for 1 rider, 1 bike)	Rider & Passenger (Total for 2 riders, 1 bike)	Two Bikes, Shared Room (Total for 2 riders, 2 bikes)
Own Bike	£14695	£21190	£24190
Can-Am Spyder	£21295	£27790	£37390
HD Ultra Limited	£19975	£26470	£34750
HD Road Glide Ultra Limited	£19975	£26470	£34750
HD Road Glide Touring	£19975	£26470	£34750
HD Street Glide Touring	£19975	£26470	£34750
HD Heritage Softail Classic	£19975	£26470	£34750
HD Road King Special Touring	£19975	£26470	£34750
HD Heritage Sport Glide	£19975	£26470	£34750
HD Tri Glide Ultra	£19975	£26470	£34750
HD Pan America 1250 Special	£19975	£26470	£34750
HD Sportster Touring	£19975	£26470	£34750
HD Road/Street Glide Touring	£19975	£26470	£34750
HD Heritage Classic	£19975	£26470	£34750
BMW R1300GSA	£19755	£26250	£34310
BMW R1300GS	£19535	£26030	£33870
BMW R1250GS	£19095	£25590	£32990
Honda CMX500 Rebel	£19095	£25590	£32990
Honda Africa Twin 1100	£19095	£25590	£32990
KTM 1290 Adventure R	£19095	£25590	£32990
KTM 1290 Adventure S	£19095	£25590	£32990
Husqvarna Norden 901	£19095	£25590	£32990
KTM 890 Adventure	£18875	£25370	£32550
BMW F900GS	£18655	£25150	£32110
BMW F850GS	£18435	£24930	£31670
BMW F800GS	£18435	£24930	£31670
BMW F750GS	£18435	£24930	£31670
Honda XL750 Transalp	£18435	£24930	£31670
Yamaha Tenere 700	£18435	£24930	£31670
Honda CB500X	£18435	£24930	£31670
CFMOTO 450MT	£18435	£24930	£31670

Twin Island Adventure

New Zealand

Twin Island Adventure

New Zealand

Tour highlights

Tour Map / Itinerary

Full Itinerary

Full Pricing

Common questions about this trip

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