Description

10-Day Off-Road Motorcycle Adventure – New Zealand South Island

Discover the Untamed Beauty of New Zealand

This is not just a motorcycle tour – it’s a full-scale adventure across the heart of New Zealand’s South Island. Over ten unforgettable days, you’ll ride more than 3,000 kilometres through some of the most diverse and remote terrain the country has to offer, combining iconic routes, hidden backcountry tracks, and constantly changing landscapes.

Starting and finishing in Queenstown, this guided off-road motorcycle journey takes you from alpine passes and river valleys to the wild West Coast, Marlborough’s wine region, and deep into conservation areas few riders ever experience. Each day delivers a new rhythm, a new landscape, and a deeper connection to the land.

Designed to balance adventure, comfort, and flow, this tour is supported, professionally guided, and carefully curated to showcase the very best of New Zealand on two wheels.

WHERE WE RIDE

This ten-day journey explores the full diversity of the South Island, blending remote off-road riding with scenic sealed roads and iconic regions.

You can expect:

• Over 3,000 km of riding across the South Island
• Approximately 50% off-road terrain
• Gravel roads, river crossings, mountain passes, and coastal routes
• Legendary locations such as Nevis Valley and Oteake Conservation Area
• The rugged West Coast, Marlborough wine country, and the Southern Alps
• Vast open landscapes, alpine lakes, and hidden valleys

Routes are adapted daily to weather conditions, rider ability, and access permissions to deliver the best possible riding experience each day. Optional breakout routes are available for more experienced riders seeking extra challenge.

WHO IS THIS TOUR FOR

This tour is designed to suit a wide range of adventure riders while still delivering a serious riding experience.

• Confident beginner to intermediate adventure riders
• Riders looking for a long, immersive New Zealand motorcycle journey
• Small groups seeking a fully supported, premium experience
• More experienced riders who enjoy optional technical sections

No extreme off-road skills are required, but riders should be comfortable handling an adventure motorcycle on gravel and variable terrain.

AVAILABILITY & UPCOMING DATES

• 1-10 March 2026 – 3 spots remaining
• 26 November – 6 December 2026 – 6 spots remaining

📅 Please select your preferred start date in the booking calendar.

WHAT’S INCLUDED

• Adventure motorcycle (Yamaha Ténéré 700, GasGas 700ES, Suzuki DR650)
• Professional local guide
• Fuel for the entire tour
• Support vehicle for luggage and emergencies
• Daily mechanical support and basic maintenance
• Pre-ridden GPX tracks and daily rider briefings
• Accommodation (9 nights, twin-share – private room upgrade available)
• Daily breakfast
• Welcome pack
• Professional photo and video content
• Insurance

GOOD TO KNOW

• Start & finish: Queenstown, New Zealand
• Duration: 10 days / 9 nights
• Terrain: Gravel, dirt, river crossings, mountain passes, scenic sealed roads
• Group size: Small groups only
• Support vehicle: Yes – luggage and backup support provided
• Season: October – April

RIDER REQUIREMENTS

• Valid motorcycle licence (English or officially translated)
• Confident riding ability on gravel roads
• NZD $1,500 credit card bond for the motorcycle
• Everything else is taken care of – just arrive ready to ride.

ITINERARY OVERVIEW

This tour follows a carefully designed ten-day route across the South Island, combining iconic destinations with lesser-known backcountry regions. Highlights include the West Coast glaciers, Marlborough wine region, alpine lakes, conservation areas, historic towns, and legendary adventure routes such as Nevis Valley.

Each day is balanced to deliver rewarding riding, memorable scenery, and comfortable evenings in handpicked accommodation.

1. Your adventure kicks off with a ride from Queenstown to Franz Josef – expect glaciers, waterfalls, and winding roads.
2. Next, head up the coast from Franz Josef to Westport, taking in the wild Tasman Sea and Paparoa National Park.
3. On day three, travel inland from Westport to Hanmer Springs for river crossings and a soak in natural hot pools.
4. Then it’s over mountain passes to reach Blenheim in the heart of Marlborough’s wine country.
5. Ride through one of NZ’s largest private farms as you make your way from Blenheim to Christchurch.
6. Take a break or explore Banks Peninsula – Akaroa’s twisty roads are an optional highlight.
7. Continue the journey toward Fairlie, with scenic lakes and gravel routes past Mount Hutt.
8. Follow the shoreline of Lake Tekapo and Pukaki en route to Omarama – pure alpine beauty.
9. Ride through the rugged Oteake Conservation Area to the historic town of Alexandra.
10. Finally, finish strong with a legendary ride through Nevis Valley and back to Queenstown

WHY RIDE WITH ADVENTURE BIKES COMPANY

We are a Queenstown-based motorcycle company specializing in premium adventure tours across New Zealand. Our long-distance tours are built on local knowledge, strong support systems, and years of refining routes that truly showcase the South Island.

This is not a rushed itinerary or a mass-market tour – it’s a purpose-built adventure designed to deliver depth, variety, and unforgettable riding experiences.

If you’re ready for a true ride of a lifetime, this ten-day adventure is your opportunity to experience New Zealand beyond the beaten path. From gravel and mountains to rivers and coastlines, this journey delivers the ultimate South Island motorcycle experience.

👉 Book Your Queenstown Adventure Tour

Looking for more?
→ 3-Day Off-Road Motorcycle Adventure Tour
→ 5-Day New Zealand Motorcycle Adventure Tour

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