Special Offers

We made a book!

Motorcycle Road Trips Across New Zealand

2023 SPMT celebrates 20 Years in the touring business! So why not share this stunning country and it's riding roads with the world!
We are proud to share with you 'Motorcycle Road Trips Across New Zealand'.
Proudly written by their daughter Kim, the book highlights some of the best motorcycle routes of NZ with maps, destinations and scenic stops along the way.
Carole and Mike Lester have put their heart and soul into creating South Pacific Motorcycle Tours, and Kim wanted to share what they discovered with the rest of the biking fraternity. With a fabulous foreword from John Munro, son of Kiwi motorcycle legend Burt Munro, we are proud to finally share this book with the rest of the world. OUT NOW! in bookstores all over New Zealand, Whitcoulls, Paper Plus, Scorpio Books and including our good friends at E.Hayes in Invercargill! Or order online at Mighty Ape, The Nile, Aotearoa Books etc

ORDER HERE or let us know when you arrive and we'll have a copy waiting for you!

New Zealand is a spectacular country when seen from onboard a motorbike. Author Kim Johnston has profiled twenty incredible routes, showcasing the best rides on offer, covering a mix of one day rides and longer trips. With an intended bias towards the glory of the South Island, each chapter depicts a magnificent motorcycle ride. With maps, a detailed description and scenic highlights as well as interesting detours and stops along the way, this is the ideal research tool for motorcyclists looking to ride that dream route. Fully illustrated in order to show off the both the beauty of the country and the roads travelled, this guidebook is written for both New Zealand motorcyclists and overseas visitors. Get out there and ride!

Contact us for Gift Vouchers!

Special OffersAccommodationFAQs

Frequently Asked Questions - FAQs

Renting a motorcycle or going on a motorcycle tour in New Zealand requires asking a few questions and making sure everything needed is catered for. We love to hear from people and answer enquiries, but here is a list of some questions and answers which may be helpful.

Contact us any time with any questions you may have and we will be more than happy to help.

Am I allowed 'off road'?
Can my partner ride in the support vehicle on a fully guided tour?
Can we contact a previous client for a reference?
Can we leave our luggage at your base?
Do you supply motorcycle gear?
How do we get to you?
How old are your bikes and how many do you have?
Is there accommodation near you?
What are the motorcycle licence requirements in New Zealand?
What is Qualmark?
What method of riding do you use on a Fully Guided Tour?
When are you open?
How many bikes are there on a fully guided tour?

Am I allowed 'off road'?

No, our bikes are available to enjoy as road bikes only and are not permitted 'off road' You are permitted on some public roads which are well-compacted unsealed roads but if it your intention to ride on these roads every day we can refer you to other operators. Please refer to our Terms & Conditions for more details on restricted roads.

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Can my partner ride in the support vehicle on a fully guided tour?

Yes, our support vehicle isn't just a van, we are 'P' Passenger Endorsed drivers and hold government certificates to legally carry passengers. If this service is required just let us know!

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Can we contact a previous client for a reference?

Yes, contact one of our Ambassadors on our contact us page, if your country isn't shown ask us and with our clients' permission we can pass on their contact details to you. Also don't forget to check out TripAdvisor!

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Can we leave our luggage at your base?

Yes, we can securely store any item at our base until you return. We can even courier your luggage to your forward location if hiring one way.

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Do you supply motorcycle gear?

Yes, for just $5 NZD per day we hire a range of quality helmets (full face and open-face), jackets, pants, boots and gloves. For just $10 NZD per day we hire Garmin Zumo GPS, and helmet Comms. We do not charge anything for side luggage, top boxes, inner liners, Ventura packs, roll bags etc. Ask to see our Extra Products List

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How do we get to you?

We provide a complimentary transfer service between Christchurch Airport or your lodgings and our Christchurch base for all hires of three days or more, and we can arrange a taxi or chauffeur service for all other transfers required. Ask for our Extra Products list.

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How old are your bikes and how many do you have?

We have approximately 30 bikes, most of which are either under 3 years old with less than 60,000kms on the clock. Unlike other operators, we're not restricted to make and model. We have a few 'golden oldies' that are still so immaculately maintained by our mechanic Nathan, that they're just too good to move on.

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Is there accommodation near you?

Absolutely - in Christchurch City or near Christchurch Airport. We can provide you with a recommended accommodation list

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What are the motorcycle licence requirements in New Zealand?

To be able to hire a motorcycle in New Zealand, you MUST hold a full and valid motorcycle licence which allows you to ride a motorcycle in your own country and you MUST be over 21 (restrictions apply if you're between 21 and 25). An International Driving Permit will be required if your normal licence is difficult to read, doesn't show the motorcycle endorsement or is in a foreign language.

NOTE: If you are a new rider or only used to a smaller bike, do not hire a larger motorcycle. New Zealand offers an advanced level of riding with challenging conditions, so choose your dream ride with care.

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What is Qualmark?

Qualmark is a New Zealand's official standards agency that works with the NZ government to provide Quality Assurance to all New Zealand visitors. We are an endorsed activity, visitor transport and Enviro GOLD accredited - the best you can get!

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What method of riding do you use on a Fully Guided Tour?

Our guides usually use the 'marker' system, often known as the 'corner-man' system, and a 'tail-end Charlie' or 'sweep' is chosen each day to ensure everyone is accounted for. This system ensures that all riders can enjoy themselves with the freedom to ride at their own pace and without having to ride convoy. The support vehicle remains a short distance behind the group for contingency and in the unlikely event of any incidents.

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When are you open?

We are contactable 24/7, 364 days a year. Bike Pick-up/drop off 9.00am - 4.00pm. No pick-ups or drop-offs on Christmas Day.

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How many bikes are there on a fully guided tour?

There are usually no more than 12 bikes in order to provide a quality, luxury service. In the highly unlikely event of insufficient numbers to deem a tour profitable, SPMT reserves the right to reduce the number of tour guides available on the tour.

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