Fly in, gear up, and hit the road — Wandrith makes it effortless to experience the very best of Aotearoa New Zealand by motorcycle. From the sweeping alpine passes of the South Island to the golden coastlines and native forests of the North, our self-guided tours are designed for riders who crave freedom, adventure, and world-class riding. You’ll be astride the latest, fully equipped BMW adventure bikes, with every route pre-loaded into our exclusive Wandrith Journey app — a smart, intuitive companion that connects seamlessly with your motorcycle. Every detail is taken care of — no tour groups, no compromises. Just you, the open road, and one of the most breathtaking motorcycling destinations on Earth.
Most motorcycle tour companies focus on offering guided group rides — and they do a fine job. But if riding in a pack isn’t your style, we get it.
Wandrith is different. We focus exclusively on one thing — and we do it exceptionally well: Self-Guided Motorcycle Journeys across Aotearoa New Zealand.
All you need is your riding gear and your spirit of adventure. We’ll take care of the rest.
Introducing the Wandrith Journey App – Launching Summer 2025/2026 and built exclusively for Wandrith riders, our revolutionary new app transforms your self-guided motorcycle journey into a fully connected, seamless experience.
Wandrith | Others | |
---|---|---|
Our Fleet |
Premium BMW adventure motorcycles, fully outfitted for long-distance touring. Late-model, fully spec'd and road-ready. |
Fleet quality varies – may include older or less-equipped bikes alongside premium options. |
Model Commitment |
You get the exact model you booked – no surprises. |
Most providers use a "class-based" system. Final bike model often not confirmed until pickup. |
Top-Grade Panniers |
Lockable aluminium panniers with lift-out waterproof liners — built for true adventure, not just city hops. |
Often plastic cases. Functional, but less durable. Liners typically not included. |
Pillion |
Bring a passenger at no extra cost. Every bike is pillion-ready. |
Additional charges often apply for pillions or passenger gear. |
First Aid Kit |
A basic first aid kit included with every bike — because real adventure means being prepared. |
Usually not included. Riders are expected to bring their own. |
Tyre Plug Kit |
Flat tyre? Fix it fast and keep riding. Every bike includes a repair kit. |
Flat? Assistance may be delayed or unavailable. |
Ferry Tie-Down Kit |
Supplied with secure ferry tie-down straps — no scrambling for gear at the dock. |
Riders often rely on generic ropes provided on the ferry, if available. |
Roadside Assistance |
Nationwide 24/7 roadside support — always included, no hidden fees. |
Assistance may be limited, with extra charges depending on location. |
Emergency Beacon |
Garmin InReach satellite beacon included on all routes — real safety, off the grid. |
Emergency contact depends on mobile coverage. |
Navigation |
Our custom mobile app provides turn-by-turn navigation, scenic detours, and curated stops. Compatible with CarPlay and Android Auto — fully bike-integrated. |
Typically basic GPS or factory navigation. Minimal extras or local insights. |
Phone Mount |
Professionally installed, vibration-isolated Quad Lock mount matched to your phone model. |
Often not included. Riders may have to store phones in a pocket or bag. |
Camera Mounts |
Multiple GoPro-style mounts included — fixed and articulated. Need something custom? Just ask. |
Generally not supplied. Many providers prohibit attaching your own mounts. |
Goodie Bag |
Start your journey with a curated goodie bag — because there should always be a few surprises. |
Not usually provided. |
Wandrith exclusively operates a premium fleet of BMW Adventure Touring motorcycles, such as the R1250 GSA, R1250 GS, and F900 GS. Each bike is full-spec and fully optioned, meticulously maintained by authorised BMW agents to ensure peak performance and reliability.
You’ll be riding a late-model machine built for long-distance touring, delivering exceptional comfort, power, and control across New Zealand’s highways, backroads, and scenic gravel routes.
Absolutely — a Wandrith journey is even better when shared!
There is no extra charge to bring a pillion passenger on any of our journeys.
Expect a mix of luxury hotels and serviced apartments, with occasional specialty accommodation like log cabins (depending on the tour).
We aim for high-end comfort in scenic and central locations.
The earlier you book, the better your accommodation options. In most cases we confirm your lodging within one week of booking, and if major changes are needed, you’ll be consulted or offered a full deposit refund.
If you're from one of the Visa Waiver countries, you do not need a visa to enter New Zealand.
However, you must obtain a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) before your trip. This can be purchased for NZ$17 via the official New Zealand Immigration website.
Important: Do not buy your NZeTA from third-party agents. They often charge significantly more — and in some cases, may not deliver the service at all.
We require that you have at least two years of riding experience on a motorcycle similar to the one you’re booking.
This ensures you’ll be comfortable, confident, and able to enjoy your journey to the fullest.
You’ll need:
New Zealand offers a fantastic mix of sealed and unsealed roads, making it a dream destination for adventure riders. The main highway system is built around State Highway 1 (SH1) — which runs the full length of the country — along with nearly 100 other State Highways, all marked with red shields and white numbers.
Most roads are single lane each way, and rural routes can be narrower and unmarked. Travel times are often longer than they appear, thanks to winding roads, occasional construction, and slower vehicles like campervans.
You can expect mostly smooth sealed surfaces, the odd gravel section, and some of the world’s most scenic routes — like the legendary Forgotten World Highway. Often, the very best riding is found off the main roads, where lupins bloom against snowy peaks and every bend hides a new postcard view.
Tipping is not expected in New Zealand, and many locals may even feel uncomfortable if offered one. While some payment terminals in restaurants and cafés might prompt for a tip, it’s completely optional — most staff simply skip past it.
Minimum wage laws ensure fair pay, and hospitality workers do not rely on tips for their income. Good service is considered part of the job, not something that requires additional payment.
Yes — all prices you see in New Zealand already include tax.
All shelf prices, advertised rates, and your Wandrith Journey cost include 15% Goods and Services Tax (GST). There’s no hidden extra and no additional tax added at checkout — the price you see is the price you pay.
New Zealand is a mostly cashless society, with credit and debit cards accepted almost everywhere — from hotels and restaurants to supermarkets and petrol stations.
If you’re using an overseas card, make sure it’s enabled for international use and that you know your PIN. We recommend speaking with your bank before travelling to confirm there are no unexpected blocks or restrictions.
It’s still a good idea to carry a small amount of cash, around NZ$250, just in case. Some small market stalls, remote cafes, or boutique shops may prefer cash — though many now accept cards, and a few are even card-only.
Having a little backup cash gives you peace of mind, but your card will be your main payment method throughout your journey.
New Zealand is widely regarded as one of the safest countries in the world, consistently ranking in the top five of the Global Peace Index. While it’s still smart to be mindful of your valuables, most locals feel perfectly comfortable leaving a phone on a café table without worry. Lost items are often returned — you’ll likely find your belongings waiting for you at the café or shop where you left them.
Relax, explore, and enjoy — Aotearoa New Zealand is as welcoming as it is beautiful.
Most modern smartphones will work in New Zealand, especially if your provider offers international roaming. However, we generally recommend picking up a local SIM card or using an eSIM service like Saily for easy and affordable data access throughout your tour.
Mobile coverage in New Zealand is excellent, with high-speed 5G and LTE available in most towns, cities, and populated areas. However, parts of our Wandrith routes — particularly in remote areas of the South Island — may have limited or no mobile signal. It’s all part of the adventure, and we’ll make sure you’re well-prepared for the quieter stretches of road.
New Zealand has a public healthcare system that covers accident-related medical treatment under the ACC (Accident Compensation Corporation) scheme — even for visitors.
However, non-accident-related medical issues are not covered for international travellers, and you will be required to pay for any care received.
Travel insurance is strongly recommended, as it can cover not only routine treatment but also emergency care, hospitalisation, and medical repatriation if needed.
That said, healthcare in New Zealand is generally more affordable than in many countries. A standard visit to a GP (general practitioner / primary care doctor) typically costs between NZ$100 and NZ$150 for non-residents.