Aotearoa Odyssey

28 days

The Aotearoa Odyssey

Every Corner, Every Moment

Twenty-eight unforgettable days riding the length of Aotearoa New Zealand, from Cape Reinga to Milford Sound and everywhere in between. Pristine beaches, soaring mountains, ancient forests, wild rivers, vibrant cities, glacial valleys, dramatic fiords, and hidden gems that many travellers miss — this is the journey for those who don't want to miss a single thing.

Ride a fully equipped, late-model BMW adventure bike delivered to your hotel. With rugged aluminium panniers, waterproof liners, seamless CarPlay and Android Auto integration, and your exclusive Wandrith Journey app, you’ll have effortless navigation, local highlights, and plenty of optional detours at your fingertips.

Stay in premium accommodation — 4 and 5 star hotels, luxury apartments, boutique retreats, and handpicked special stays. Breakfast is included wherever available. Plus, enjoy scheduled res days throughout the journey, perfect for local activities, sightseeing, or simply recharging.

Every Aotearoa Odyssey tour includes roadside support, a Garmin emergency beacon, GoPro and phone mounts, low-seat options (on request), ferry crossings with tie-down kits, and more — everything you need for a relaxed, self-guided adventure across an entire nation.

This is our flagship journey and spaces are very limited. Secure your Aotearoa Odyssey today with just a 20% deposit — hit the button below and prepare for the adventure of a lifetime.

Start / Finish Auckland / Christchurch
Length 28 days / 27 nights
Rest Days 7 (and 2 low-km days)
Distance ~5,370 km (~3,337 mi)
Average Daily Distance ~256 km (~159 mi)
Longest Leg 380 km (236 mi)
Ferry Crossings 2
Surface 99% Sealed / 1% Gravel
Options Yes – Optional Side Quests (Including Gravel Options)

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Overview

Aotearoa Odyssey is the pinnacle of motorcycling experiences — a 28-day journey through the very heart and soul of New Zealand. From the subtropical coves of Northland to the wild fjords of Fiordland, and from ancient volcanoes to majestic glaciers, this epic ride captures every facet of Aotearoa’s landscapes and legends. Designed for riders who desire everything — and more, it weaves together coastlines, mountains, rainforests, and vibrant cities into a truly once-in-a-lifetime adventure.

Northland Adventures and Cape Reinga

Your journey begins heading north from Auckland to the stunning Bay of Islands, with its crystal-clear waters and historic towns. Continue up to Cape Reinga, the northernmost tip of New Zealand on the second day, where the Tasman Sea and Pacific Ocean collide — a sacred place of Māori legend and natural drama. This is a long ride along wild forests and stunning bays, with stops at the famous Mangonui Fish Shop and ending the day gazing over the giant sand dunes of Opononi.

West Coast Beaches and Ancient Forests

Turn south down the rugged west coast for Day 3, riding through ancient kauri forests of Tāne Mahuta and windswept beach towns. Explore the wild black sands of Muriwai and Piha, where the raw, untamed spirit of Aotearoa greets the sea.

Coastlines and Coromandel Curves

Cross to the eastern harbours of Auckland and onto the rolling farmland of the Coromandel Loop. Twist along spectacular roads and beaches fringed with pohutukawa trees, visit the famous Hot Water Beach, and relax in Whitianga — a beachside village with laid-back charm and endless coastal vistas at the end of Day 4.

Geothermal Heartland

Ride south to Rotorua, New Zealand’s geothermal heartland on Day 5. Soak in natural hot springs, explore bubbling mud pools, and immerse yourself in vibrant Māori culture and history, all set against steaming landscapes and crystalline lakes. A well-earned rest on Day 6 lets you recharge and explore deeper.

Underground Mysteries and Coastal Roads

Leaving Rotorua on Day 7, head through Te Awamutu, visit our very own Space Centre, and continue into the underground magic of Waitomo — home to world-famous glowworm caves. Then carve across the King Country to New Plymouth, with Mount Taranaki’s perfect volcanic cone guiding your way.

Forgotten World Highway and Volcano Country

Take on the legendary Forgotten World Highway on Day 8, with its misty ridges and rebel spirit. Stop at Whangamōmona’s "independent republic" before crossing into the dramatic volcanic plateau of Tongariro National Park. Descend into Taupō beside the shimmering shores of New Zealand’s largest lake.

Lakeside Calm to Capital Rest

Spend Day 9 exploring Taupō’s lakefront trails, roaring Huka Falls, and nearby geothermal marvels before riding south on Day 10 across the stark beauty of the Desert Road. Arrive in Wellington, New Zealand’s compact and creative capital city. Day 11 is spent here taking advantage of the myriad of sights and attractions, such as Te Papa Museum.

Ferry Crossings and Marlborough Sounds

Day 12 launches you into the South Island. Sail across the Cook Strait by ferry into the lush folds of the Marlborough Sounds. Ride Queen Charlotte Drive’s twisting coastal ribbon, cruise past Nelson to the Riwaka Resurgence, and ascend into the alpine retreat of St Arnaud for the evening where forested peaks cradle pristine lakes.

Passes, Peaks, and Hot Pools

Climb over Lewis Pass on Day 13 into the historic town of Reefton, known for its gold-mining past. Continue to Mt Lyford and on to Hanmer Springs, where thermal pools offer the perfect end to a day spent carving through alpine valleys. Your rest day 14 allows you opportunities to take part in whale-watching at Kaikōura or a leisurely soak in the hot pools of Hanmer Springs.

High Country and Glacial Lakes

Ride across the wide-open spaces of the Canterbury Plains before an overnight at Mt Hutt on Day 15. Optional visit into Christchurch. Day 16 sees the road ascend to the lupin-fringed fields of the high country toward the turquoise brilliance of Lake Tekapo. Time for a brief soak in the pools or an excursion up the switchbacks to the Mt John Observatory to breathe in the quiet before heading higher still to Aoraki / Mount Cook — the roof of New Zealand.

The Roof of Aotearoa

Day 17 allows you time to ride the dreamlike shores of Lake Pukaki, with Aoraki / Mount Cook’s icy summit in the background. Explore short alpine hikes, marvel at glacier viewpoints, or take to the skies on a scenic flight before another night under the starlit skies in the heart of New Zealand’s great mountain wilderness.

Glenorchy Dreams and Lakeside Loops

Descend from the mountains on Day 18 through Lindis Pass and the golden hills of Otago. Stop to explore the towering Clay Cliffs near Omarama before reaching Queenstown — New Zealand’s adventure capital set between lake and peaks. Ride along Lake Wakatipu to Glenorchy and beyond into Paradise, a realm of beech forests, rivers, and cinematic landscapes straight from The Lord of the Rings. Optional side quests on Day 19 include the thrilling Skippers Canyon Road or the Remarkables Access Road’s soaring switchbacks.

Fjords and Alpine Wonders

From Queenstown, head south along the shores of Lake Wakatipu to Te Anau, gateway to Fiordland on Day 20. Ride the legendary road to Milford Sound on Day 21, passing the Mirror Lakes and soaring cliffs, before returning to Te Anau for a second night surrounded by wilderness.

Rainforests and Glacial Peaks

Cross back toward Queenstown, then up through Cromwell and Lake Dunstan, on to Wanaka for nights 22 and 23. After a relaxed day lakeside, ride through Mount Aspiring National Park, cross Haast Pass, and descend into the rainforest realms of Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers.

West Coast Magic and Final Ascent

The final stretch of your odyssey hugs the wild West Coast through Hokitika to Greymouth on Day 26. Visit Punakaiki’s famous Pancake Rocks or Shantytown on your last rest day before the grand finale — climbing over Arthur’s Pass and descending into Christchurch on Day 28. Celebrate an epic month of extraordinary motorcycling adventure across Aotearoa New Zealand.

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