Itinerary
Ultimate New Zealand Traverse
Duration: 15 Days / 16 Nights
Dates: 23rd - 31st October 2025
Start/End: Auckland / Christchurch
Total Distance: Approx. 2,569 km (1,596 mi)
Day 1: Auckland to Whangamatā
Route: Auckland – Kawakawa Bay – Coromandel Town – Whitianga – Hot Water Beach – Whangamatā
Distance: 318 km (198 mi)
Highlights: Depart bustling Auckland and head for the coast, where the twisty road to Kawakawa Bay offers early morning views of the Hauraki Gulf. The ride across the Coromandel Ranges is a spectacular blend of tight corners and hilltop lookouts, descending into Coromandel Town’s laid-back, arty vibe. Continue along SH25, one of the North Island’s best motorcycle roads, hugging the coast to Whitianga. Take a detour to dig your own natural hot pool at Hot Water Beach (tide dependent), before heading south to the charming beach town of Whangamatā, famous for its surf, scenic walks, and relaxed Kiwi atmosphere.
Day 2: Whangamatā to Taupō
Route: Whangamatā – Mount Maunganui – Rotorua – Wai-O-Tapu – Huka Falls – Taupō
Distance: 249 km (155 mi)
Highlights: A shorter riding day allowing time to explore the geothermal wonders and deep culture of this fabulous region. Head down the Bay of Plenty coast, where white sand beaches stretch for miles, before stopping for coffee and a beach stroll at Mount Maunganui. From there, climb inland to Rotorua, where geothermal wonders and Māori culture create a unique sensory experience, complete with bubbling mud, sulphur steam, and erupting geysers. Explore the colourful pools of Wai-O-Tapu, then continue south through pine forests toward the thundering Huka Falls. Roll into Taupō beside the vast lakefront, where mountains loom in the distance and the local pubs serve up hearty food and friendly vibes.
Day 3: Taupō to New Plymouth
Route: Taupō – Tūrangi – Waimarino – Taumarunui – Forgotten World Highway – Stratford – New Plymouth
Distance: 332 km (206 mi)
Highlights: Kick off with a lakeside cruise to Tūrangi and into the highlands of the central North Island. This is volcano country, and the landscapes shift between rugged farmland and dense bush. The ride along the Forgotten World Highway is a true gem, remote, historic, and loaded with character. Pass through the self-declared Republic of Whangamōmona, navigate tunnels and saddles, and take in the sense of timelessness this region offers. From Stratford, cruise west to New Plymouth, a lively coastal town nestled beneath Mt Taranaki’s near-perfect volcanic cone.
Day 4: New Plymouth to Ohakune
Route: New Plymouth – Ōpunake – Hāwera – Whanganui – Ohakune
Distance: 291 km (181 mi)
Highlights: Follow the Surf Highway along the windswept Taranaki coast, where lush farmland meets wild ocean views. Pause in Ōpunake for a short clifftop walk or beachfront lunch, then continue inland through rolling countryside to Whanganui, one of New Zealand’s oldest towns. Cruise up the Parapara Highway, where the curves and scenery get better with every kilometre. Arrive in Ohakune, a vibrant alpine village with great food, excellent mountain views, and a lively après-ride atmosphere, plus a chance to snap a photo with New Zealand’s biggest carrot.
Day 5: Ohakune to Palmerston North
Route: Ohakune – Taihape – Napier – Hastings – Palmerston North
Distance: 372 km (231 mi)
Highlights: This day delivers big variety. Start with winding country roads and farmland vistas through Taihape, then cross into the east via the sprawling highlands toward Napier. Stop for a late lunch and stroll among Napier’s beautifully preserved art deco buildings, or explore the vineyards of nearby Hastings. The journey west to Palmerston North offers a mix of wide open plains and smooth sweepers. The city itself is a university hub, with plenty of cafes, bars, and a touch of urban culture to wrap up the day.
Day 6: Palmerston North to Wellington (Ferry to South Island)
Route: Palmerston North – Pahiatua – Masterton – Rimutaka Hill – Wellington – Ferry to Picton
Distance: 202 km (126 mi) + ferry
Highlights: Ride through classic rural scenery toward the Wairarapa, where quiet roads weave through vineyards and farmland. Masterton and Carterton offer good coffee stops before you take on the legendary Rimutaka Hill Road, a favourite among Kiwi riders for its curves and lookout points. Arrive in Wellington early afternoon before boarding the Interislander ferry. The 3-hour crossing through the Cook Strait and into the Marlborough Sounds is a scenic experience in itself. Welcome to the South Island!
Day 7: Picton to Hanmer Springs
Route: Picton – Queen Charlotte Drive – Havelock – Blenheim – Kaikōura – Inland Road – Waiau – Hanmer Springs
Distance: 336 km (209 mi)
Highlights: Begin with the tight turns and stunning sea views of Queen Charlotte Drive, a rider’s playground above the turquoise bays. Cruise past vineyards and rolling hills as you cut through Blenheim and onto the coastal highway toward Kaikōura, with the Pacific Ocean on one side and mountain ranges on the other. If you’re lucky, spot dolphins or seals along the shore. From Kaikōura, head inland via a scenic route through Waiau, climbing steadily into Hanmer Springs, a picturesque alpine village famous for its hot pools and relaxed pace.
Day 8: Hanmer Springs to Hokitika
Route: Hanmer – Lewis Pass – Reefton – Buller Gorge – Punakaiki – Greymouth - Hokitika
Distance: 343 km (213 mi)
Highlights: Depart Hanmer early and ride through the heart of Lewis Pass, one of New Zealand’s lesser-travelled but most scenic alpine routes. Expect smooth corners, native beech forest, and sweeping vistas. Descend into the West Coast region via the Upper Buller Gorge and pass through the historic gold mining town of Reefton, a great stop for coffee and a bit of old-time charm. Continue along the Buller Gorge, a sensational section of twisting tarmac cut through steep rock faces and dense bush. Passing through Punakaiki, home of the world-famous Pancake Rocks and blowholes – well worth the short coastal walk to experience this natural phenomenon up close. Finish the day riding the rugged coast south to Greymouth, then Hokitika, a gritty town with strong West Coast character and dramatic Tasman Sea sunsets.
Day 9: Hokitika to Wanaka
Route: Hokitika – Franz Josef – Haast Pass – Wanaka
Distance: 418 km (260 mi)
Highlights: Leave Hokitika heading south down SH6, following one of the world’s great coastal roads through lush rainforest and wild beach views. Continue to the glacier towns of Franz Josef and Fox Glacier, where towering ice fields tumble into temperate rainforest. Past Fox, the road narrows and becomes even more remote as you approach the sparsely populated region of Haast. From here, the mighty Haast Pass takes you inland over the Southern Alps. This stretch is jaw-dropping, with countless waterfalls, swing bridges, and misty forest scenes. As you exit the pass, the landscape opens into dry, golden hills as you cruise into the lakeside town of Wanaka, framed by the Southern Alps and the deep blue of Lake Wanaka.
Day 10: Wanaka to Queenstown (Rest Day)
Route: Wanaka – Cardrona – Crown Range – Queenstown
Distance: 75 km (47 mi)
Highlights: Today is short in distance but absolutely loaded with scenery and top-tier riding. From Wanaka, cruise past the historic Cardrona Valley, where you'll want to stop for a photo and drink at the Cardrona Hotel, one of New Zealand's oldest pubs. From there, ascend the Crown Range Road, the highest sealed road in the country, with panoramic switchbacks and alpine vistas all the way down to Arrowtown. Take your time, this is a dream ride. Continue into Queenstown, where you’ll have the afternoon off the bike to relax or chase some adrenaline: options include bungy jumping, the Skyline gondola, a lakeside walk, or shopping. Settle in and enjoy Queenstown’s vibrant nightlife or fine dining scene.
Day 11: Queenstown to Te Anau
Route: Queenstown – Glenorchy – Queenstown – Te Anau
Distance: 263 km (163 mi)
Highlights: Start with an early morning ride along Lake Wakatipu to Glenorchy, a world-famous road for its movie-like scenery and winding curves hugging the lake’s edge. This out-and-back detour is well worth it, you’ll be rewarded with mirror-like reflections and towering mountains. Head back through Queenstown, then ride the southern shore of Lake Wakatipu toward Kingston, where the road opens up into faster sweepers through rolling farmland. Continue through Mossburn into Fiordland, finishing in the tranquil lakeside town of Te Anau, basecamp for your Milford Sound adventure tomorrow.
Day 12: Te Anau to Milford Sound (return)
Route: Te Anau – Milford Sound – Te Anau
Distance: 234 km (145 mi)
Highlights: Today is a true highlight of the trip, and one of the best motorcycle rides in the world. Leave your luggage in Te Anau and ride the Milford Road out-and-back. This 234 km return journey weaves through lush temperate rainforest, across glacier valleys, past mirror lakes, and through the dramatic Homer Tunnel into Milford Sound, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Board a cruise through the fiord itself, gliding beneath vertical cliffs and cascading waterfalls. After soaking in the majesty of the sound, return to Te Anau with full hearts and tired camera batteries.
Day 13: Te Anau to Dunedin
Route: Te Anau – Invercargill – Catlins – Balclutha – Dunedin
Distance: 400 km (249 mi)
Highlights: Head deep into the southern reaches of the country, starting with a run to Invercargill, home to Burt Munro and the Mega Motorcycle Museum and a strong motorcycling legacy. Continue east into the wild and windswept Catlins, a coastal paradise full of waterfalls, sea caves, and seal colonies. This stretch is remote, beautiful, and full of surprises. Finish the day in Dunedin, where Scottish roots meet university-town energy, and the beer and architecture are equally solid.
Day 14: Dunedin to Tekapo
Route: Dunedin – Moeraki – Oamaru – Omarama – Tekapo
Distance: 312 km (194 mi)
Highlights: Trace the east coast north from Dunedin, stopping to marvel at the perfectly round Moeraki Boulders on Koekohe Beach. Then ride into Oamaru, home of Victorian streetscapes, steampunk art, and little blue penguins. Continue inland past Duntroon and following the Waitaki River, climbing steadily through golden high-country terrain to Omarama. From here, the road ascends the dramatic Mackenzie Country before arriving at Lake Tekapo, where turquoise glacier-fed waters meet the Southern Alps. Don't miss a visit to the Church of the Good Shepherd or some late-night stargazing, Tekapo is part of an International Dark Sky Reserve.
Day 15: Tekapo to Christchurch
Route: Tekapo – Burkes Pass – Geraldine – Inland Scenic Route – Oxford – Ashley Gorge – Rangiora – Christchurch
Distance: 306 km (190 mi)
Highlights: Your final day starts with an easy cruise through Burkes Pass and into the rich farmland of the Mackenzie Basin. Ride through Fairlie and Geraldine, then follow the quieter Inland Scenic Route toward Mount Hutt and Oxford. As the foothills rise again, take the loop through Ashley Gorge, a final twisty, forested ride before descending into the Canterbury Plains. Finishing in Christchurch, after an unforgettable journey through some of the most beautiful motorcycling terrain on the planet.
