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Ride New Zeala

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Live the Dream

Paihia Hokianga Harbour Auckland

Coromandel

Rotorua

Napier

Picton Punakaiki Kaikoura Hanmer

Springs Franz Christchurch Josef Mt Cook

Milford Sound Queenstown Te Anau Dunedin Invercargill

South Pacific Motorcycle Tours

43 Roscrea Place, RD2 Kaiapoi 7692 Christchurch New Zealand P 00643 312 0066 / F 0064 3 3120015 / E [email protected] / W motorbiketours.co.nz

23 Day Tour - Christchurch to Auckland DAY 1 Christchurch to Mount Cook After your transfer to the SPMT Base and checking out your bike, start the day with pleasant, easy riding towards the Southern Alps via the Canterbury Plains. Try local jams and cheeses at a country town before climbing over Burkes Pass to the glacial ice-blue lakes of Tekapo & Pukaki where we stop to see the iconic Church of the Good Shepherd. At Mount Cook National Park, one of New Zealand’s most spiritual, cultural and geographical areas, get up close to NZ’s highest mountain! Overnight Mount Cook DAY 2 Mount Cook to Dunedin Awesome sweeps and bends on traffic-free roads take you through Mackenzie sheep country and along-side hydro-lakes and dams. Amazing biking lanes through ancient limestone landscapes lead you to the Pacific Ocean where you can take a walk and explore the beach with its 65 million year old boulders. From here it’s a leisurely ride to Dunedin City and the Otago Peninsula., home to the Royal Albatross, penguin and other sea creatures. Overnight Dunedin

Recommended Activity – Speights Brew House Tour No visitor to Dunedin should leave without taking the Speight’s Brewery tour! If you like beer, you’ll love this tour. But it’s just as rewarding for history buffs or those seeking to discover a few secrets direct from the brewers.

DAY 3 Dunedin ‘Rest or Ride’ We have allowed time for you to sample the delights and highlights of Dunedin – City of Grace and Grandeur. The Otago Peninsula with its sea-life and winding coastal lanes. Choices include the Royal Albatross Sanctuary, penguins, seals, Larnach Castle,Taieri Gorge Railway, Speights Brewery, Cadbury’s chocolate factory, and the interesting Dunedin Victorian architecture. So much to see and do! Overnight Dunedin

Recommended Activity – Larnach Castle and Gardens Introducing New Zealands only Castle built prominenlty on the Otago Penninsular in 1871. It is steeped in exciting, scandalous and tragic history and has some magnificent carved ceilings to enjoy! Also the Spectacular tower views and a Garden of International Significance complete this enjoyable award-winning experience.

DAY 4 Dunedin to Invercargill The recently tar-sealed Southern Scenic Route skirts white sand beaches of the deserted Catlins Coastline for mile upon mile. Try some fresh oysters at Bluff, NZ’s most southerly point. The Southland speed legend Burt Munro was immortalised in the film ‘The World’s Fastest Indian’ starring Sir Anthony Hopkins. At the Motorworks Private Collection hear the Burt Munro Story, see Burts bikes, and other amazing machines on display. Overnight Invercargill

DAY 5 Invercargill to Te Anau Today you will experience effortless riding through sleepy fishing villages and checking out the old suspension bridge that connected the villages of yesteryear. Empty ribbon roads pass through some amazing rugged scenery leading to the wonderful Fiordland National Park. It won’t be long before you are riding beside beautiful Lake Manapouri and Lake Te Anau and arriving in Te Anau - the gateway to Milford Sound and the closest town to Milford Sound. Home to glow-worm caves and other great activities. Overnight Te Anau DAY 6 Milford Magic Combine one of the world’s finest scenic highways with one of the world’s best motorcycling roads and you have the Milford Road. Via endless sweep and hairpin bends, golden grasslands and mirror lakes give way to rainforest, majestic waterfalls, raging rivers, and mile-high mountains. Emerge from a dark tunnel into another world and descend down deep into the valley, until in front of you stands the iconic Mitre Peak towering 1692 metres from the sea floor.We recommend a boat cruise out to the Tasman Sea which allows you to get up even closer to Milford Sound’s pristine beauty and rare creatures. Overnight Te Anau Recommended Activity - Milford Sound Boat Cruise Delve into the mysterious history, geology and wildlife of New Zealand’s Fiordland National Park on this wonderful boat cruise that takes you from the head of Milford Sound to the open sea. Spot seals, dolphins and penguins and marvel at the vertical sheer cliffs that tower above with their huge waterfalls and dense Jurassic-like rainforest. This is a truly magical experience not to be missed!

DAY 7 Fiordland to Queenstown This glorious five star ride snakes its way between Lake Wakatipu and the world’s most photographed ‘Remarkables’ mountain range. You’ll soon find yourself in The Lord of the Rings country, where there’s time for bungy jumping, wine tasting, jet-boating and even panning for gold, before arriving into Queenstown, ‘Adventure Capital of the Southern Hemisphere’! Overnight Queenstown. Recommended Activity – Jet-boat Ride You like 1000 horse power V8 engines, you like going fast, and now’s your chance to experience both – but this time on water! Your vacation would not be complete without experiencing one of New Zealand’s unique jet-boat rides. Skim along the river, through rapids, between canyons, around islands, and hold on tight as your spin around 360o for a real adrenalin rush! This is one amazing activity not to be missed! DAY 8 Queenstown ‘Rest or Ride’ Known as the Adventure Capital of the Southern Hemisphere, Queenstown provides the perfect opportunity to do all those once-in-a-lifetime activities - a magical steam-boat-cruise across Lake Wakatipu to an isolated working sheep-farm, a gondola ride to the mountain top, white-water rafting, and the legendary bike ride to Glenorchy - to name just a few! Overnight Queenstown

Recommended Activity - Maori Cultural Experience Journey through the mythical legends and step into the world of Maori. Feel the spirit of our proud history celebrated in traditional song & dance. Experience the fearsome haka and the stunning poi display. A unique live show performed by a leading Kapa Haka group

Recommended Activity TSS Earnslaw Vintage Steamship Cruise & Walter Peak Farm Tour The leisurely 90 minute cruise across the lake showcases some of Queenstown’s spectacular alpine scenery while offering you plenty of time to explore a piece of Queenstown’s living history – the 100 year old TSS Earnslaw. Get a taste of New Zealand’s farming lifestyle at Walter Peak High Country Farm. A top attraction not to be missed.

DAY 9 Queenstown to Franz Josef Glacier Village Today you’ll be riding over the highest tar-sealed road in New Zealand through mountain passes and lush rainforest. You’ll experience beautiful lakes, rivers, and waterfalls on your way to the Tasman Sea, not to mention the legendary Haast Pass and Mt. Aspiring National Park. At Franz Josef village there’s time to visit the glaciers, hunt for glow-worms, or soak away your aches in hot pools surrounded by rain forest. Overnight Franz Josef Glacier Village

Recommended Activity – Twin Glacier Helicopter Ride/Glacier Landing Fly over two of New Zealand’s most famous glaciers and land at the head of either the Franz Josef Glacier or Fox Glacier. View the incredible natural phenomenon of the glacier as it winds slowly down the carved valleys from its origin in the mountains high above you.

Recommended Activity – Kiwi Wildlife Experience - Backstage VIP Pass Located in the centre of Franz Josef. It is the official home to the incubation and captive rearing programme for New Zealand’s rarest Kiwi – the Rowi and Haast tokoeka. The forest and bush around the West Coast are largely dense and untouched and the undergrowth is teeming with incredible wildlife – much of which is rarely seen as it is often only active at night.

DAY 10 Franz Josef Glacier to Punakaiki Snake your way through Jurassic rainforest and alongside the dramatic rugged coastline of the Tasman Sea, still so close to the mountains. A stop at the West Coast township of Hokitika allows you to sample local arts and crafts, continue along the magnificent coast-line to the Paparoa National Park for a visit to see the amazing Punakaiki Rocks and blowholes. Overnight Punakaiki

DAY 11 Punakaiki to Hanmer Springs Village Starting with one of the best coastal rides in the world, meander your way via the traffic-free roads to peaceful Hanmer Springs village via the mighty Buller River and the legendary Lewis Pass. Celebrate this most amazing ride with a hot soak in the open-air thermal spring pools or a massage. Overnight Hanmer Springs Village

DAY 12 Hanmer Springs Village Rest or Ride Hanmer Springs is fantastic in spring & summer for walking, biking or relaxing. Famous for it’s thermal pools, Hanmer also has many surrounding forest walks and adrenaline filled activities, making this alpine township one of our favourite places to visit. Have a soak at the Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools and Spa, walk up Conical Hill, shop for quality possum/merino clothing, wine and dine at one of the many restaurants and bars. Overnight Hanmer Springs Village

DAY 13 Hanmer Springs Village to Kaikoura Time to explore Hanmer Village this morning before riding off the beaten track via an old Maori trail that runs along-side the Seaward Kaikoura Ranges leading to the Pacific Ocean. This afternoon we spend some time in Kaikoura to sample local delicacies such as crayfish and scallops, and get up close to seals. But the suggested activity today is the adrenalin-pumping boat ride out to sea to see the mighty whales! Overnight Kaikoura

Recommended Activity – Whalewatch Kaikoura Kaikoura is the Whale Watching capital of New Zealand, every Whale Watch tour is a unique experience and the sightings vary. Giant Sperm Whales are the stars of the show and year-round residents. A typical Whale Watch tour may encounter New Zealand Fur Seals, pods of Dusky Dolphins and the endangered Wandering Albatross. With a 95% success rate though, Kaikoura is the best place to spot a whale!

DAY 14 Kaikoura to Picton Heading North along-side the Pacific Ocean you’ll be in heaven this morning, then ride inland over roller-coaster hills and through the vineyards of the famous Marlborough Wine region. Time for sampling this region’s award-winning wines before resting up in Picton nestled amongst the Marlborough Sounds. Overnight Picton

DAY 15 Picton to Napier (North Island) via Cook Strait Ferry Relax on-board the ferry this morning and enjoy the wonderful views of the Marlborough Sounds from the Cook Strait. Then enjoy a great blast northwards and a welcome leg-stretch at a Wildlife Centre and Bird Sanctuary before arriving into Napier Art Deco City. Nowhere else other than here can you see such a variety of buildings in the styles of the 1930s - Stripped Classical, Spanish Mission, and above all Art Deco, the style of the 20th Century. Overnight Napier

Recommended Activity – Kiwi Experience Experience endangered wildlife up close and in the wild.You will see for yourself what is being done to save kiwi, tuatara, kokako, kaka and return them to our forest. They have exclusive guided walks and talks to ensure you get the most out of your visit.

DAY 16 Napier to Rotorua The Thermal Highway to Rotorua provides a wonderful, easy day’s riding. You’ll stop at Lake Taupo and see the iconic Huka Falls, where 220,000 litres per second of crystal clear water crash into a turbulent pool 11 metres below. Perfect terrain for Jet-boating! The scenic highlights between Taupo and Rotorua will not disappoint as you traverse the unusual, volcanic geography combined with large pine forest plantations. Overnight Rotorua

Recommended Activity – Jet Boat Ride The half hour of thrills, fun and excitement takes you along a beautiful river environment, lined with native bush, sheer rock cliff face and natural hot springs. Combine 360° spins and passing nature by incredibly close at disorientating speeds for an amazing must-do visitor experience whilst in Taupo, before even reaching the awe inspiring majesty that is the Huka Falls.

DAY 17 Rotorua Rest or Ride Rotorua, on the Volcanic Plateau, has one of the world’s most lively fields of geothermal activity. Visit skyrocketing geysers, hot springs and boiling mud pools, enjoy a Hangi Feast and Maori Cultural Performance, or treat yourself to an indulgent spa therapy. If adventure is your thing, Rotorua has many attractions to get the adrenalin flowing such as Skydiving, Luging and Zorbing. Overnight Rotorua

Recommended Activity – - Mitai Maori Village A Sacred Place... A Spiritual Place... An evening at Mitai will give you an authentic introduction to Maori culture leaving you amazed and in awe. Enter the world of Mitai. Be enthralled by the natural bush setting, see warriors in traditional dress, paddle an ancient warrior canoe (waka) down the Wai-o-whiro stream, and don’t miss your only opportunity in the Rotorua area to see glow worms in their natural habitat.

Day 18 Rotorua to Coromandel Peninsula The Coromandel Peninsula provides a mecca for motorcyclists with twists, turns, convoluted hills and pretty bays providing a challenging variety of corner-carving delights. Sea-side villages provides light refreshment before the fun really begins! Fabulous Beaches, including the famous Hot Water Beach set the scene for your wonderful overnight stay at Whitianga with clear blue waters and sea cave adventures. Overnight Whitianga

DAY 19 Coromandel to Auckland West Enjoy delightful narrow and twisty bends with ancient native tree- lined beaches and spectacular scenery as you continue your journey around the Coromandel Peninsular via the Pacific Coast Highway. Skirt the City of Sails to discover the serenity of the West with its black-sand beaches and forest ranges. Overnight Auckland West DAY 20 Auckland to Hokianga Harbour The Twin Coast Discovery Highway is a stunning ride for motorcyclists and leads through the most beautiful areas of Northland. On the way up the West Coast visit the interesting Kauri Museum, providing a perfect insight into Northland’s pioneering past. This great riding road winds through ancient native forests, stop to see the huge Tane Mahuta Kauri Tree before arriving at the gorgeous Hokianga Harbour, an untouched area made up of lush forests giant sand dunes, and calm harbour waters. Overnight Omapere DAY 21 Hokianga Harbour to The Bay of Islands A superb start to the day entails a ferry ride across the harbour, and then there’s the option to ride to the lighthouse, at Cape Reinga, New Zealand’s most northerly point and full of Maori legend. Its then easy riding along the east coast where you can visit New Zealand’s oldest European building and the famous ‘Waitangi Treaty’ Grounds before arriving at the perfect location in the Beautiful Bay of islands. Overnight Paihia DAY 22 Bay of Islands Rest or Ride Spend the day lazing on the beach or on a yacht to explore the hundreds of islands. Or take a Dolphin Cruise through the famous Hole in the Rock.Visit the tiny historic village of Russell with its fascinating colonial heritage, where you can relax with a beer by the water’s edge. And there’s plenty more great riding to be had! Overnight Paihia. Recommended Activity - Hole in the Rock Boat Cruise Enjoy the power and comfort of a large catamaran that whisks you away from Paihia across the sea to spot dolphins, other wildlife and the most spectacular scenery. The icing on the cake is the opportunity to power through the iconic ‘Hole in the Rock’. Learn about the rich culture and history of the Bay of Islands as your engaging crew captivate you with tales of local characters and cultural mythology.

DAY 23 Bay of Islands to Auckland - End of tour The scenic coastal route includes awesome sweeps and bends. The last stretch via the Hibiscus Highway weaves its way through rolling hills and farmland, allowing for diverse riding right up to the very last minute of your tour. Visit an iconic biker’s pub before hitting the vibe of Auckland City and visiting South Pacific’s Auckland base to return your bike.

“Please note we’ve taken out all our ‘trade secrets’, so if you think this itinerary is good ‘you ain’t seen nothing yet guys!“ - from Carole and Mike and the Team at South Pacific