Well this is it – New Zealand – and your passport to open roads, stunning scenery, a language you can almost understand, and the ideal antidote to those winter blues, a chance to enjoy the freedom of riding in the middle of a European winter.

Here in an area approximately the size of Colorado are grouped the snow-mantled peaks of Switzerland, geysers of a Yellowstone, volcanic cones of Java and Japan, and the lakes of Italy; the mineral springs of Czechoslovakia, the fjords of Norway, sea coasts of Maine and California, and waterfalls higher than Yosemite.
Robert Moore, National Geographic Magazine, 1936(!)

New Zealand is recognised as one of the essential motorcycling destinations in the world. No other country offers such a variety of landscape, climate, twisting deserted roads, and reasonably priced food and accommodation. It offers a sparkling clean environment and friendly people who will make you feel welcome. Roughly the size of Great Britain, with a population of 3.5 million people (plus the sheep), it offers more space and attractions per capita than most other holiday destinations in the world. There are majestic fjords, native forests, sandy bays, a land of awesome beauty and contrast. Not only remarkable for its scenic beauty, NZ offers exciting entertainment, historical sights and cultural activities. And it offers what many consider to be the best biking roads on the planet!

Depending on your personal choices you can experience: white-water rafting, fun parks, wildlife colonies, tramping, launch cruises, fishing, gold-panning, city sights and nightlife, casinos, Maori culture, geysers, jet boat rides, bungee jumping, volcanoes, geothermal mud pools and springs, caves full of glow worms, horse treks, whale watching, the list could go on and on. And that’s not forgetting the stunning seafood!

So get ready for the ride of your life, the vacation of a lifetime, exploring New Zealand by motorcycle. It will be an unforgettable combination of well-prepared motorcycles and hundreds of miles of empty roads through virtually untouched scenery. Best of all for the touring enthusiast, traffic is light, with none of the pressure and congestion of European roads, and without the big distances needed to cover the USA. The countryside changes very quickly. An aftemoon's ride can bring you to a totally different environment. As most of the country is hilly or mountainous, the roads are a motorcyclist's delight... scenic, well engineered, well maintained, and best of all, uncrowded.

New Zealand’s climate is mild, with an average temperature of 23° C in January (midsummer) and 13° C in July (winter). Prevailing winds are from the west, which means that the west (and most spectacular) coast of the South Island gets more rain than the drier east. The Southern Alps and Fjordland have a mountain climate, and the local weather can vary in a short space of time, but it will be mostly warm and dry.

Your New Zealand holiday can be just as you want it - you can choose between bike hire, self-guided tours or guided full-service tours, depending on how you decide you want to see this fantastic country. We have a huge range of bikes, itineraries and accommodations to suit all tastes and pockets. This is made possible by working with only the best local rental companies and guides – New Zealand government licensed and tourism award winners.

We recommend you bring your own riding apparel including boots or sturdy footwear, and wet weather clothing for the rain forest. New Zealand is not a formal country, jeans, and shirts are fine for casual wear. However, we do have a wide range of accessories available for sale or hire, such as pack-rack, saddle and tank bags, helmets, waterproof clothing, and gloves. Surplus luggage can be stored at the depots while you are on tour.

Why tour New Zealand?

• It has the deserved reputation of some of the best biking roads on the planet
• More stunning scenery per square mile than any country
• Great food and wine

Why tour New Zealand with H-C Travel?

• Unrivalled experience, some of our tour guides have been doing this for over 20 years.
• Unrivalled local knowledge because our New Zealand staff not only live in New Zealand, but tour regularly.
• Unrivalled local contacts – our guides and rental staff just seem to know almost everyone!
• Unrivalled choice of motorcycles - over 25 different models and 150 motorcycles available.
• Unbeatable prices.
• All tours and rentals licensed in New Zealand.
• Our unique planning and booking service that includes not just your motorcycle holiday but also flights, stopovers, travel insurance, car hire, etc etc.- we take care of as much or as little as you want.
• H-C Travel is the UK’s only licensed motorcycle tour and rental operator to New Zealand.

The extras

Flexibility is the key to our New Zealand motorcycle tours and rentals. As a licensed UK motorcycle tour operator, as well as our fly-ride tours and rentals in New Zealand, we can customise itineraries, arrange your flights, stopovers, extended stays and the all-important travel insurance, but also you get the benefits of our unrivalled financial protection and standards. So, once you have decided on your holiday, please contact us to check flight prices, travel insurance and any additional travel / accommodation requirements you may have – it’s all part of our unique service!

Articles

The long White Cloud Please click here (coming soon)

A real adventure tour Please click here (coming soon)

Possibly the World’s first ever New Zealand touring article. Please click here (coming soon)

Photo and video album (coming soon)

Websites

New Zealand Tourist Board - www.purenz.com

Maps – www.wises.co.nz

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