Fourteen epic days riding through Aotearoa New Zealand’s most spectacular landscapes. Cruise across dramatic alpine passes, alongside shimmering turquoise rivers, around pristine glacier-fed lakes, and through soaring mountain ranges. Experience windswept coastlines, rugged high-country stations, ancient forests, and the wild beauty of the South Island’s legendary open roads — all from the saddle of a premium adventure motorcycle on a self-guided journey you’ll never forget.
Ride one of our fully equipped, late-model BMW adventure bikes, delivered straight to your hotel. Each bike comes with rugged aluminium panniers, waterproof liners, and seamless CarPlay and Android Auto integration, paired with your exclusive Wandrith Journey app for effortless navigation and local discoveries.
Stay in premium accommodation — including 4 and 5 star hotels, luxury apartments, and handpicked rustic retreats. Breakfast is included wherever available, and there’s no extra charge for pillion passengers.
Every South Island motorcycle journey includes roadside support, a Garmin emergency beacon, GoPro and phone mounts, low-seat options (on request), and more — everything you need for a safe, self-guided journey through some of the world’s most breathtaking scenery.
Spaces are limited and the best stays book fast. Lock in your South Island adventure today with just a 20% deposit — hit the button below and get ready to ride.
| Start / Finish | Christchurch / Christchurch |
| Length | 14 days / 13 nights |
| Rest Days | 2 (and 3 low-km days) |
| Distance | ~2,486 km (~1,545 mi) |
| Average Daily Distance | ~207 km (~129 mi) |
| Longest Leg | 363 km (226 mi) |
| Ferry Crossings | 0 |
| Surface | 99% Sealed / 1% Gravel |
| Options | Yes – Optional Side Quests (Including Gravel Options) |
Unlock your adventure!
Discover the wild soul of New Zealand’s South Island on this 14-day motorcycle expedition through towering alpine passes, pristine lakes, and untamed coastlines. Starting and ending in Christchurch, you’ll ride iconic roads like Arthur’s, Lewis, and Haast Pass, tracing a route through Kaikōura’s whale-rich shores, the rainforests of the West Coast, and into the heart of the Southern Alps. From the majestic peaks of Aoraki / Mount Cook to the shimmering turquoise waters of Tekapo, and the cinematic beauty of Queenstown, Glenorchy, and Paradise, this journey is the perfect fusion of thrilling riding, raw natural splendour, and once-in-a-lifetime experiences.
Your journey begins in Christchurch on Day 1, where a warm-up ride takes you along the rugged headlands of Lyttelton Harbour and Godley Head. From here, follow the spectacular Pacific Coastline north, where rolling farmland meets dramatic seaside cliffs. Arrive in Kaikōura, famed for its whale watching, with snow-capped mountains rising from the sea. Enjoy freshly caught crayfish as you relax by the waterfront, with the ocean breeze and alpine views setting the tone for your adventure.
Day 2 leads you north into the Marlborough Sounds, riding the breathtaking Queen Charlotte Drive — a motorcyclist’s dream of technical curves and sparkling coastal vistas. This is road-bound freedom at its finest. Arrive in Nelson, New Zealand’s sunniest city, where you can unwind with craft beers, local galleries, or simply soak in the laid-back coastal atmosphere.
Leaving the coast behind on Day 3, ride into the mountainous heart of the South Island. Pass through the alpine village of St Arnaud, stopping for lunch in quirky Reefton, and cross the dramatic Lewis Pass. With every turn revealing forested ridgelines and towering peaks, this is pure motorcycling bliss. The day ends with a soak under the stars in Hanmer Springs’ famous thermal pools.
Take Day 4 to relax and recharge in Hanmer Springs. Wander forest trails, indulge in spa treatments, or explore scenic backroads through the Amuri Basin. Whether it's adventure or relaxation, this alpine retreat has it all. You might even be lucky enough to catch the Aurora Australis.
Refreshed and ready, Day 5 takes you south across the vast Canterbury Plains, where the landscape stretches wide beneath the foothills of the Southern Alps. Ascend toward Mount Hutt, renowned for its alpine panoramas and year-round snow-capped peaks, offering a taste of high-country freedom and fresh mountain air.
On Day 6, follow the braided Rakaia River inland, with a possible detour to the hidden beauty of Lake Coleridge. As you ride deeper into the high country, you’ll discover the surreal aquamarine waters of Lake Tekapo. Spend the evening soaking in Tekapo’s hot pools, or stargazing at the renowned Mount John Observatory.
A short but dramatic journey on Day 7. Cruise along Lake Pukaki, its turquoise mirror-like waters reflecting the snow-draped majesty of Aoraki / Mount Cook. You'll want to stop at each bend. Here, you can hike alpine trails, soar above glaciers on a scenic flight, or visit the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre. This is New Zealand’s natural drama at its most intense.
Descend through the golden hills of the Mackenzie Basin on Day 8, stopping at the Clay Cliffs near Omarama, where towering spires pierce the sky. Omarama itself is a charming lunch stop. Ride through the legendary Cardrona Valley, with the option to climb the Cardrona Access Road for more panoramic views. Finish the day sweeping along the Crown Range Road into Queenstown via historic Arrowtown, rich with gold rush tales and historic buildings.
Day 9 takes you to Paradise! Saunter along the shores of Lake Wakatipu to Glenorchy and beyond into Paradise — a mystical world of ancient forests and shimmering rivers. Optional adventures include Queenstown Hill, the rugged thrill of Skippers Canyon, a ride over the Shotover River, bungy jumping, or the epic views from The Remarkables Access Road. This is your chance to embrace the wild side of the South Island.
Bid farewell to Queenstown on Day 10 and cruise east through Cromwell’s orchards and along Lake Dunstan to Wanaka, a relaxed lakeside haven — full of restaurants, boutique shops, and that famous Wanaka Tree. Unwind beneath the willows, visit the National Toy & Transport Museum, or take a swim in crystal-clear waters. Easy riding, spectacular scenery, and time to breathe.
Ride into the untouched wilderness of Mount Aspiring National Park on Day 11, across the Haast Pass, and into the untamed beauty of the West Coast. Expect roaring waterfalls, moss-draped forests, and rugged river valleys. End your day near the awe-inspiring Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers, where ancient ice meets rainforest.
Day 12 sees you continue north along the wild coastline, visiting the vibrant artisan hub of Hokitika — known for its greenstone carving, local crafts, and food festival. Roll into Greymouth, the West Coast’s largest town, where riverside walks and historic pubs offer a glimpse into frontier life.
From Greymouth, take Day 13 for a leisurely ride to Punakaiki and witness the world-famous Pancake Rocks and blowholes. Along the way, visit Shantytown Heritage Park, a fascinating glimpse into New Zealand’s gold mining past, with vintage steam trains and immersive historical displays. After exploring, return to the coast to relax with the Tasman Sea’s untamed energy as your backdrop, or delve into nearby sea caves and hidden coves.
Your final ride on Day 14 is nothing short of legendary. Climb over Arthur’s Pass, through the heart of the Southern Alps, past cascading waterfalls and soaring cliffs. Ride the twisting roads of Otira Gorge before descending into the Canterbury Plains. Roll triumphantly into Christchurch, with your heart full and spirit soaring after two weeks of unforgettable motorcycling adventure through Te Waipounamu.
