Trip planning resources
Ardmore Motorcycle Rentals would like you to enjoy your New Zealand adventure as much as possible therefore we have included some recomendations. These are all experiences that we have had personally or previous customers have highly recommended. We have no financial interest in any of the companies.
Recommended Routes North Island
We alway recommend our customers either start or finish their trip with the Coromandel from our place you head towards the East coast through Clevedon and KawaKawa Bay, this is usually quoted as a highlight. Once you get there the Coromandel loop is quaility riding the whole way, there are also a few gravel road options for those riding suitable bikes.
If heading North it is a much nicer motorcycle route to travel SH16 through Riverhead and Kaukapakapa avoiding the main Highway
Whangarei to Okiato via Russell Via the coast road (East Coast) Russell is a lovely little coastal town with lots of history, a great place to stay. From Okiato you cross the car ferry to Opua
Opua to Ahipara via Kerikeri, Cape Karikari
The road from Ahipara to Cape Reinga is not a specatular ride but the destination is, the last 15 km is gravel road.
Ahipara to Rangiora. At Rangiora you can cross over to Rawene via car ferry.
Rawene to Baylys Beach (don't stay in Dagaville)
Our place to Raglan via Pukehoke
If heading South we recommend you leave SH1 at Rangiriri through to Whatawhata Pirongia Otorohanga
Rotorua via Pyes Pa, the Kaimai Range, Waikato Lakes, Waikite Valley
Opotiki to gisborne (or vice versa) via the Waioeka Gorge is an amazing ride lots of beautiful native bush
Opotiki to Gisborne (or vice versa) via East Cape
Gisborne to Napier via Lake Waikaremoana we don't recommend people go furthur than the Waikaremoana Motor Camp (the road is extremely narrow and very demanding) at this point turn back and go via Wairoa
Napier to Wellington via Castlepoint
Taupo, Turangi, Raetihi & Wanganui via Ohakune's "Mountain Road"
Taumarunui to Stratford via Whangamomona (the forgotten world highway) recomended stay Whangamomona Hotel there is a section of gravel on this road. Don't forget to fuel up before leaving Taumarunui
Upper Hutt to Featherston via "the Rimutakas"
Accomodation Recommendations
If you are planning a budget trip we recommend you join the Top 10 holiday park club they have holiday parks throughout New Zealand with excellent facilities, once you join you receive a discount card which also offers a discount on the interisland ferry.
The Department of Conservation or DOC has many beautiful campsites, lodges, cabins and cottages, the facilities are usually very basic but you will get a true back to nature experience. You will need to be a bit more organised with bedding etc for this option.
There are many Bed and Breakfasts throughout New Zealand and it is a great way to see the country if your budget allows. We have had many customers recommend the New Zealand Bed and Breakfast book all listings are vetting before being listed. They also cover homestay, farmstay, cottage, hotel, or boutique inn.
If you would like to search for a bargin WOTIF is always a good place to start. They list most of the big hotel chains at discount rates.
Click here for local accomadation suggestions
Special care on gravel roads
A fairly high percentage of back country roads in New Zealand are covered in loose gravel instead of tar seal, depending on when the road was last maintained the metal can be very heavy making it very tricky to ride on. Riding on gravel roads takes extra skill and concentration, if you are intending to travel on gravel roads we would recomend either a Suzuki DR650 or BMW F650 Dakar. It’s these rural gravel roads that claim many road accident victims. Appreciate the fact that roads are very treacherous with loose gravel and often oncoming traffic, remember to reduce speed. Hilly, narrow or winding roads mean that your journey may take longer than you expect.
You need to be aware of the New Zealand road rules as they may differ from what you are used to. Always drive on the left hand side of the road.
New Zealand Give Way Rules:
- If you're turning, give way to all vehicles that are not turning
- In all other situations, give way to vehicles crossing or coming from your right.
No Left Turn on Red
In New Zealand you're not allowed to turn left at an intersection when the traffic lights are red.
Click here for more information on Driving in New Zealand
