So you’ve conquered the winding roads of Thailand, battled the traffic in Vietnam, and gotten lost more times than you can count in Laos. Where to next, mate? If you’re looking to expand your big bike touring horizons beyond Southeast Asia, let me tell you about a rider’s paradise that’ll blow your mind – New Zealand.
Yeah, I know what you’re thinking. It’s far as hell from your usual Southeast Asian routes. But trust me on this one – the Land of the Long White Cloud offers some of the most epic motorcycle roads you’ll ever experience. As someone who’s spent years guiding riders through both Southeast Asia and New Zealand, I can tell you this place is the real deal for serious big bike touring enthusiasts.
Why New Zealand Should Be Your Next Big Bike Touring Destination
Look, Southeast Asia will always hold a special place in our hearts. The chaos, the street food, those hidden mountain passes in northern Thailand that make you feel like you’re the first foreigner to discover them. But New Zealand? It’s like riding through a damn movie set every single day.
Picture this: You’re leaning into a perfect curve on a pristine road with not another vehicle in sight. On one side, snow-capped mountains pierce the sky; on the other, the Pacific Ocean crashes against dramatic cliffs. The asphalt beneath your tires is smooth as silk, and the air is so clean it almost hurts to breathe it.
That’s just a regular Tuesday when you’re big bike touring in New Zealand.
What sets New Zealand apart is the sheer variety packed into a relatively compact country. You can ride from alpine passes to coastal highways to volcanic landscapes in a single day. The infrastructure is top-notch, with well-maintained roads even in remote areas. And unlike parts of Southeast Asia where you might be restricted to certain displacement sizes, here you can bring whatever monster machine gets your heart racing.
When to Plan Your Big Bike Touring Adventure in New Zealand
Let’s talk timing. New Zealand sits in the southern hemisphere, so the seasons are flipped if you’re coming from Southeast Asia. The prime time for big bike touring here is during the Kiwi summer (December to February) when days are long and warm.
That said, the shoulder seasons (October-November and March-April) can be even better for motorcycle enthusiasts. You’ll find fewer tourists clogging up those perfect twisties, accommodation is easier to score, and the temperatures are still comfortable for riding most days.
Avoid June through August unless you’re specifically after a winter riding experience. Some mountain passes close due to snow, and the South Island in particular can get properly cold. Plus, riding in the rain isn’t exactly a barrel of laughs, and winter brings plenty of that.
North Island vs. South Island: The Great Debate for Big Bike Touring
Every rider who’s done New Zealand has an opinion on this one, so let me break it down for you.
North Island: Volcanic Playgrounds and Coastal Curves
The North Island is more populated but offers incredible diversity. The Coromandel Peninsula will remind you of those coastal rides in Thailand, with pristine beaches and twisting roads hugging the coastline. Then you’ve got the Volcanic Plateau in the center – a landscape so alien it’ll make you question what planet you’re on.
Don’t miss the Forgotten World Highway – a 150km stretch that packs in tunnels, ghost towns, and some of the most technical riding you’ll encounter. It’s the kind of road you tell other bikers about over beers for years to come.
For urban breaks, Auckland and Wellington offer all the creature comforts you might miss after weeks on Southeast Asian backroads – proper coffee, craft beer, and mechanics who won’t look puzzled when you roll up on your Triumph or Ducati.
South Island: Where Big Bike Touring Dreams Come True
Now, the South Island. Man, where do I even start? This is where New Zealand’s reputation as a rider’s paradise was built.
The South Island is less populated, with vast stretches of road where you won’t see another soul for hours. The Southern Alps create a spine down the island, giving you high mountain passes that’ll make you feel like you’re riding through the clouds.
The star of the show is undoubtedly the South Island loop. Starting from Christchurch, you can ride a circuit that takes in Arthur’s Pass, the West Coast Glacier region, Queenstown, and the stunning Lindis Pass. Each day brings landscapes that make you want to stop every five minutes for another photo.
If I had to pick just one road to ride before I die, it would be the Crown Range Road between Queenstown and Wanaka. The hairpins are legendary, the views are ridiculous, and the feeling of cresting that final switchback is pure motorcycle nirvana.
Renting vs. Bringing Your Own Bike for New Zealand Touring
Let’s get practical for a minute. If you’re a Southeast Asia-based rider planning a New Zealand adventure, you’ve got options.
Renting is the straightforward choice. New Zealand has excellent motorcycle rental outfits in all major cities, offering everything from practical BMW GS models to full-dress Harleys for those who prioritize comfort on the long hauls. Expect to pay anywhere from NZ$150-350 per day depending on the bike and season.
The advantage of renting is obvious – no shipping hassles, no paperwork nightmares, and you get a bike that’s prepped for local conditions with the right insurance coverage.
But I know some of you are deeply attached to your own machines. The good news is that New Zealand has relatively straightforward procedures for temporarily importing motorcycles. You’ll need a Carnet de Passage (like a passport for your vehicle), valid registration from your home country, and proof of ownership.
Shipping a bike from Southeast Asia to New Zealand will set you back around US$1,500-2,500 each way, plus you’ll need to deal with biosecurity inspections on arrival. Your bike needs to be spotlessly clean – I mean absolutely pristine – or you’ll face delays and cleaning fees at customs.
My advice? Unless you’re planning an extended stay of three months or more, renting makes more sense financially and logistically.
Must-Ride Routes for the Ultimate New Zealand Big Bike Touring Experience
Alright, let’s get to the meat of it – where exactly should you point that front wheel? Here are the routes that deserve a spot on any serious big bike touring itinerary in New Zealand:
The Thermal Explorer Highway (North Island)
This route takes you through the geothermal wonderland of the North Island. Starting from Auckland, head south through Hamilton and on to Rotorua, where you’ll ride past steaming lakes and volcanic craters. Continue to Taupo, circling New Zealand’s largest lake before tackling the Desert Road with views of three active volcanoes.
The volcanic scenery here will remind you of parts of Indonesia, but with empty, sweeping roads that let you really open up that throttle. Plan for 3-4 days to do it justice.
The Pacific Coast Highway (North Island)
Not to be confused with its California namesake, this 1,000km route hugs the eastern coast of the North Island. From Auckland, head to the Coromandel Peninsula before continuing south through the Bay of Plenty, Gisborne, and Hawke’s Bay.
The road offers a perfect mix of tight coastal twisties and fast, flowing sections through wine country. The climate here is milder than the western coast, making it perfect for riders looking to escape the unpredictable weather that can sometimes plague New Zealand touring.
The Southern Alps Circuit (South Island)
This is the crown jewel of New Zealand big bike touring. Starting from Christchurch, head west over Arthur’s Pass, then south along the wild West Coast. The road between Greymouth and Haast passes through rainforest so dense it creates a natural tunnel over the road in sections.
From Haast, cut inland over the Haast Pass to Wanaka, then take the Crown Range Road to Queenstown. After a couple of days recovering in the adventure capital, continue south to Te Anau (the gateway to Milford Sound), before looping back up through Central Otago.
This route has everything – coastal stretches, mountain passes, rainforests, and wide-open plains. Allow at least 10 days, though two weeks would be better to really soak it all in.
The Forgotten World Highway (North Island)
Despite the name, this is a road no biker should forget. Officially designated as State Highway 43, this 155km route runs from Taumarunui to Stratford, passing through some of the most remote parts of the North Island.
What makes it special is the variety packed into a relatively short distance. You’ll ride through New Zealand’s only road tunnel that’s still unsealed (gravel), pass ghost towns from the early settler days, and tackle a series of saddles (what Kiwis call mountain passes) that provide incredible views over untouched wilderness.
Parts of the road are unsealed, but they’re well-maintained and perfectly manageable on any touring bike if you take it easy. The isolation is part of the appeal – there are sections where you won’t see another vehicle for hours.
Road Conditions and Riding Tips for New Zealand Big Bike Touring
Let’s talk about what to expect when you’re actually in the saddle.
Coming from Southeast Asia, you’ll find New Zealand’s roads to be in excellent condition overall. Major highways are well-maintained, and even secondary routes generally have good surfaces. That said, there are a few things to watch for:
Gravel and Unsealed Roads
New Zealand still has about 30% of its road network unsealed. These gravel roads often lead to the most spectacular locations, so don’t automatically avoid them. If you’re on a big touring bike, just reduce your speed, avoid hard braking, and remember that the front brake is not your friend on loose surfaces.
Some tourist maps mark gravel sections, but not all do. As a rule of thumb, if a road isn’t assigned a state highway number, there’s a chance it could include unsealed portions.
Weather Challenges
This is probably the biggest adjustment if you’re used to riding in Southeast Asia. New Zealand’s weather can change dramatically in a matter of hours – even in summer. That perfect blue sky can transform into horizontal rain faster than you can say “where’s my rain gear?”
The solution is simple: layer up and always carry waterproofs, even on days when the forecast looks clear. The mountain passes in particular are notorious for creating their own weather systems.
Wildlife Hazards
Instead of the stray dogs and water buffalo that might wander onto roads in Southeast Asia, in New Zealand, it’s sheep you need to watch for. Millions of them. On open country roads, you’ll often encounter sheep being moved between paddocks, which can lead to unexpected road blockages.
Less common but more dangerous are the wild deer that can leap onto roads in forested areas, particularly around dawn and dusk. Unlike Thailand’s soi dogs, these guys don’t give you any warning before they jump out.
Fuel Planning
In Southeast Asia, you’re rarely more than a few kilometers from someone selling fuel in old whiskey bottles by the roadside. Not so in New Zealand. In remote areas, particularly on the South Island, fuel stops can be 100-150km apart. Most big touring bikes have the range to handle this easily, but it pays to adopt the “top up when you can, not when you need to” approach.
Accommodation Options for Big Bike Touring in New Zealand
Another big difference from Southeast Asia is the cost and style of accommodation. Those $10-a-night guesthouses that are the staple of Southeast Asian motorcycle trips don’t exist here. But you’ve still got options for every budget:
Motels and Motor Lodges
These are the backbone of New Zealand road trip accommodation. Typically costing NZ$100-180 per night, they offer clean, comfortable rooms usually with kitchen facilities and – most importantly for bikers – parking right outside your door where you can keep an eye on your pride and joy.
Holiday Parks and Campgrounds
For the budget-conscious, holiday parks offer cabins (NZ$60-100) or powered sites where you can pitch a tent (NZ$20-40). They typically have communal kitchens and lounge areas where you can swap road stories with other travelers.
If you’re packing camping gear on your bike, New Zealand also has an excellent network of Department of Conservation (DOC) campgrounds in scenic locations. These are basic but incredibly affordable at NZ$8-15 per person.
Unique Stays
For something different, look out for station stays (working farms that offer accommodation) or wilderness lodges. These give you a taste of rural Kiwi life and often include home-cooked meals – perfect after a long day in the saddle.
Booking Ahead or Winging It?
In peak season (December-February), booking a few days ahead is wise, especially in tourist hotspots like Queenstown or popular motorcycle destinations like Hanmer Springs. Outside these times, you can generally rock up and find somewhere to stay, giving you the freedom to extend your stay if you discover a particularly epic riding area.
Essential Gear for Your New Zealand Big Bike Touring Adventure
If you’re used to riding in Southeast Asia’s heat, your gear setup will need some adjustment for New Zealand conditions:
Layering System
Even in summer, temperatures can drop rapidly, especially at altitude. A good layering system is essential:
- Base layer: Merino wool is perfect (and a New Zealand specialty)
- Mid layer: Fleece or down for insulation
- Outer layer: A good quality waterproof and windproof jacket and pants
Forget those mesh jackets that are perfect for Bangkok traffic – here you need proper protection from the elements.
Heated Grips
If your bike doesn’t have them, consider portable heated grips or glove liners. Cold hands make for dangerous riding, and mountain passes can get properly chilly even in the warmer months.
Camping Equipment
If you’re planning to camp, invest in gear rated for lower temperatures than you might expect. A sleeping bag rated to 0°C (32°F) is a minimum, even for summer camping.
Navigation
Cell coverage in remote areas can be patchy, so don’t rely solely on phone-based navigation. A dedicated GPS unit or offline maps are worth the investment. Old-school paper maps are also still widely used and sold in New Zealand.
Comparing Costs: Southeast Asia vs. New Zealand Big Bike Touring
Let’s address the elephant in the room – New Zealand is significantly more expensive than Southeast Asia for motorcycle touring. Here’s a rough breakdown of daily costs:
- Accommodation: NZ$100-200 (US$60-120) compared to US$10-30 in Southeast Asia
- Meals: NZ$40-80 (US$25-50) per day compared to US$5-15 in Southeast Asia
- Fuel: Similar or slightly higher than premium fuel in Thailand or Malaysia
- Bike rental: NZ$150-350 (US$90-210) per day compared to US$30-80 in Southeast Asia
All in, expect to budget around US$200-300 per day for a comfortable trip, roughly three times what you might spend in countries like Thailand or Vietnam.
Is it worth it? Absolutely. The quality of the roads, the breathtaking scenery, and the pure riding pleasure make it a worthwhile investment for any serious big bike touring enthusiast.
Integrating New Zealand into Your Southeast Asia Big Bike Touring Plans
So how do you fit a New Zealand adventure into your regular Southeast Asian riding schedule? Here are some practical approaches:
The Winter Escape
If you’re based in Southeast Asia, consider New Zealand for a December-February trip when many Asian mountain roads are cold and potentially foggy or icy. You’ll swap the high-season tourist crowds of Thailand for the sunny roads of New Zealand’s summer.
The Extended Asia-Pacific Circuit
For the ultimate big bike touring adventure, consider a multi-country circuit. Many riders start in Australia, ship or fly to New Zealand, then continue to Southeast Asia. If you’ve got 3-6 months to play with, this creates an epic journey across dramatically different landscapes and riding conditions.
The Skills Builder
The technical riding skills you’ll develop on New Zealand’s winding mountain roads will serve you well when tackling the hairpins of Mae Hong Son or the mountain passes of northern Vietnam. Think of it as advanced training for your Southeast Asian adventures.
Ready to Take Your Big Bike Touring to New Zealand?
There’s something special about expanding your riding horizons, about testing your skills on new roads and adapting to different conditions. For riders who’ve cut their teeth on Southeast Asia’s chaotic beauty, New Zealand offers the perfect next step – challenging enough to keep you engaged, developed enough to keep you comfortable.
The Land of the Long White Cloud has a magic that gets under your skin. The sense of freedom you’ll feel cresting a mountain pass with nothing but open road ahead and the throb of your engine beneath you – that’s the essence of what big bike touring is all about.
Whether you’re planning a dedicated New Zealand trip or looking to expand your Asia-Pacific riding circuit, those Kiwi roads are calling. And trust me, once you’ve experienced them, you’ll be plotting your return before your plane even takes off for home.
So what do you say? Ready to take your big bike touring adventures to the next level? New Zealand is waiting, and those empty roads won’t ride themselves.
Practical Planning: Getting You and Your Bike to New Zealand
Let’s wrap this up with some nuts-and-bolts information to help you plan your New Zealand big bike touring adventure:
Flying In
Most riders from Southeast Asia will enter through Auckland on the North Island or Christchurch on the South Island. Direct flights connect Bangkok, Singapore, and Kuala Lumpur to these cities, with flying times of 10-12 hours.
Visa Requirements
Most Southeast Asian passport holders will need a visitor visa for New Zealand, though requirements vary by country. Thai passport holders, for instance, need to apply in advance, while Malaysians can get a visa waiver for stays up to three months.
Shipping Your Bike
If you decide to bring your own machine, companies like Jet Freight and Bikes Abroad specialize in motorcycle shipping to New Zealand. Plan for your bike to be in transit for 3-4 weeks from most Southeast Asian ports.
Remember that New Zealand has strict biosecurity laws – your bike needs to be thoroughly cleaned of all dirt, plant matter, and insect remains before shipment, or you’ll face delays and additional cleaning costs on arrival.
Insurance Considerations
Travel insurance that covers motorcycle riding is essential and, surprisingly, often easier to find for New Zealand than for Southeast Asian countries. Look for policies that specifically cover motorcycles over 250cc, as standard travel insurance often excludes “big bikes.”
Local Rider Communities
New Zealand bikers are a friendly bunch and always happy to share local knowledge. Forums like Kiwi Biker (kiwibiker.co.nz) are great places to connect with local riders who can offer advice on current road conditions and hidden gems to visit.
The Big Bike Touring community extends worldwide, and New Zealand is no exception. Reach out before your trip, and you might find yourself with local guides showing you their favorite roads – the kind that don’t make it into any guidebook.
Here’s to new horizons and the endless adventure that is big bike touring. From the steamy jungles of Southeast Asia to the alpine passes of New Zealand, it’s all part of the same beautiful journey.
Ride safe, ride far, and keep those big bikes rolling!
This article was written by a passionate motorcyclist who has logged thousands of kilometers across both Southeast Asia and New Zealand. For more information on organizing your New Zealand motorcycle adventure or to connect with riders who’ve made the journey, contact us through Big Bike Touring.