THE ISLAND TWINS SELF GUIDED MOTORCYCLE TOUR

This is it, motorcycling nirvana – sheer, unadulterated, two-wheeled bliss. This tour combines the best of our south island tours with four days spent on the north island, to bring you the finest New Zealand has to offer.

Blend together the spectacular alpine heights and intricate fjordland scenery of the south island, with a taster of the north island’s endless sandy beaches, verdant green pastureland, eponymous flocks of sheep, lush fruit plantations and famous volcanic, snow covered peaks of Lord of the Rings fame.

CHRISTCHURCH

Christchurch is the largest city on the south island and the third largest in the whole of New Zealand. Situated just north of the Banks Peninsula on the southern edge of Pegasus Bay, Christchurch has been nicknamed the ‘Garden City’ because of the large number of public parks. As most of the city is only a few metres above sea level at best, spectacular views can be had from any tall building or slight rise in the city.

MOUNT COOK (AORAKI)

The first day’s ride gets you in the mood for the brilliant roads to follow. It twists and turns over the mountain passes of the scenic Four Peaks Range and along turquoise lakes with snow-capped mountains in the background, offering countless photo opportunities. The mighty Mt Cook is the highest peak in Australasia and a must-see.

A ski plane flight over the Tasman Glacier would be a good opportunity to get a birds eye view of the sort of terrain you’ll be riding over as you explore what New Zealand has to offer.

FIORDLAND

More superb roads and a day of great riding brings you to Fjordland National Park. This indescribably beautiful area is on every tourist’s agenda and you’ll quickly discover why. You’ll have an extra day here to visit Milford Sound for a spectacular cruise and do some riding in the area. There is only one road in and out but you won’t mind riding it twice, it’s as scenic as they come. No matter how you say “steep ravines, deep fjords, blue shimmering crevasses, snow-covered Alps, blue seas and thundering waterfalls” the words just cannot do this area justice. Take a look at the pictures and you’ll see what we mean!

QUEENSTOWN

The ‘adrenaline capital of the world’ has plenty to keep you busy. Choose from bungy jumping, jet-boating, white-water rafting, river surfing, white-water sledging, paragliding, parachuting, canyoning, mountain biking and aerial sightseeing! I’m out of breath just saying all of that. Still not enough? Add fishing, water-skiing, windsurfing, yachting, horseback riding and rock climbing. You have an extra day here to make the most of the activities on offer. For the not-so-active it has some of the best restaurants on the South Island in one of the most scenic spots in the world on the shores of Lake Wakatipu. Or you could simply collapse onto a sofa….

WESTLAND NATIONAL PARK

If Queenstown didn’t provide enough adrenaline, the shortcut via Cardrona to Wanaka will! From there you’ll ride over the Alps via the beautiful Haast Pass. The road winds along steep slopes with huge views over the glacier lakes Hawea and Wanaka and down to the same named town. After a great ride you’ll arrive at two of the most prolific glaciers in the world – Fox Glacier and Franz Josef Glacier are tumbling rivers of ice streaking down the valleys towards the sea. There are plenty of great walks in the area but the best way to see the glaciers is via helicopter.

THE WEST COAST

Incredibly rugged with wild rocky beaches and a backdrop of high mountain peaks, this area experienced its own gold rush in the late 19th century. Largely untamed, wildlife and birds are plentiful. You’ll be amazed at how thousands of years of rain, wind and saltwater have formed the Pancake Rocks and the gigantic Blowholes at Punakaiki.

ABEL TASMAN NATIONAL PARK

A once little known region of New Zealand the Abel Tasman National Park is a place that well deserves its new found reputation. A perfect blend of physical exertion and beach life make Abel Tasman a highlight of the South Island. Golden beaches washed clear by crystal blue waters, fringe an area liberally sprinkled with caves, potholes and rolling limestone hills.

Sunbathing, swimming and snorkelling can be a welcome break from the saddle, or if you’re hankering after something a little more challenging, there are plenty of walking trails close at hand.

WELLINGTON

New Zealand’s capital has a magnificent harbour, fine museums, beautifully preserved 19th-century buildings and so many restaurants, cafes and activities that you won’t know where to start. A ‘must-do’ is to take the cable car from Lambton Quay to Kelburn for a great view over the city.

LAKE TAUPO

The largest lake in New Zealand was created around 25,000 years ago by one of the biggest volcanic eruptions in history. Now the self-proclaimed trout fishing capital of the world, you can also enjoy more adventurous activities such as white water rafting, jet boating, bungy jumping or skydiving if luring trout with imitation flies are not your thing. Or simply enjoy the scenery and magnificent Huka Falls.

COROMANDEL PENINSULA

You’ll quickly see why New Zealanders flock here on holiday. The serenity attracts ‘alternative lifestylers’ away from Auckland but the rest come for the North Island’s best beaches and coastal scenery. With a backdrop of rugged, green-forested mountains the views over the offshore islands are incredible. What better way to end the day than swim in crystal clear blue water, then dig a hole in the sand at Hot Water Beach and relax in your own sandy hot water spa!You’ll quickly see why New Zealanders flock here on holiday.

ROTORUA

One of New Zealand’s best known tourist spots, the steaming crevices, mud pools and hot springs lead to healing thermal baths. It’s an important cultural centre for the Maori and one of the most accessible to outsiders. The culture is alive in their arts and crafts, architecture and in traditional songs and dance.

AUCKLAND

End your trip in New Zealand’s most cosmopolitan city. Stroll through Queen Street, enjoy some of the best dining in New Zealand and cruise magnificent Waitemata Harbour, the ‘heart’ of the city. You don’t have to be a yachtsman to appreciate the City of Sails – but it helps!

Stroll through Queen Street, enjoy some of the best dining in New Zealand and cruise magnificent Waitemata Harbour, the ‘heart’ of the city. Wherever you are in Auckland, you’re never very far from the water, hemmed in on either side by the Tasman Sea and Pacific Ocean. A day spent in Auckland is a day well spent, and one that you’ll remember for a long time to come.

There is no more spectacular self-guided tour of New Zealand than this and no better way of seeing it than on a motorbike. 14 days of motorcycling heaven!

This tour is completely customisable. Longer, further, curvier, anything you need (within reason). Just ask!

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