Motorcycles New Zealand offer motorcycle rentals and also provides hire and rental motorcycles for escorted tours of the South Island and also motorcycles to tour the North Island of NZ.
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About New Zealand >
Riding in New Zealand
Riding in New Zealand
The road you travel is more than asphalt, it's a winding path of memories and experiences.
For your safety and comfort we have put together some riding tips which we hope you will find useful. The most important thing to remember when motorcycling in New Zealand is that we drive on the LEFT HAND SIDE of the road. This is the same as in the United Kingdom and Japan. Helmets Whilst motorcycling in New Zealand it is compulsory that the rider and pillion passenger wear a safety helmet at all times. This is an important safety requirement. It is also important that you wear appropriate riding gear. This will not only protect you against the elements (wind etc) but also provide you with some added protection in the event of an accident. Travelling Times The maximum speed limit for the open road in New Zealand is 100 kilometres/hour (62 miles/hour). Drivers generally travel slightly under the speed limit. Please note that average speeds are lower and it takes longer to travel distances in New Zealand than might be expected. This is due to the hilly and mountainous nature of our countryside. Country Roads and Highways The main highways are normally undivided single lane with traffic in both directions. The roads are undulating and follow the contours of the countryside. This is what makes motorcycling in New Zealand so enjoyable - no dull and boring straight roads here. But a word of warning - be on the lookout for oncoming traffic! Whilst the main highways are fully sealed and well maintained, many roads have gravel verges. Be mindful to keep clear of the verge, especially on corners, as this could cause a riding hazard. Some secondary isolated roads are unsealed and use gravel as the surface. In these cases, ride slowly. Note that there are some roads, which are not suitable for motorcycling. We will advise you of these at the time of pick up. During the New Zealand winter and early spring, some roads in the South Island and central North Island may be closed because of snow and ice. There will usually be an alternative route for you to take. There are also many tracks where you can experience the thrill of 'off-road' motorcycling. One Lane Bridges This seems to be unique to New Zealand, particularly the South Island and is something that our overseas visitors are quite unfamiliar with. On many highways, especially those in the more mountainous regions, you will find one-lane bridges where traffic in both directions must share the same lane. You will need to approach these bridges with care and be prepared to give way (yield) to oncoming traffic already on the bridge. Intersections At an intersection, when turning to the left you must give way to all traffic, including any oncoming traffic that is turning right. For more information, please refer to the Land Transport Safety Authority Web site. Note that for US and Canadian riders, you are not allowed to turn left on a red light. As an added thrill, you may find a couple of road/rail bridges on the West Coast of the South Island, where the train actually uses the same bridge. Trains using such bridges are infrequent. More Information For more detailed information, you can visit the New Zealand Government Land Transport Safety Authority Web site. Here you will find information specifically for visitors who intend to drive/ride in New Zealand. Visit our home page and learn more about motorcycling in New Zealand with Motorcycles New Zealand.
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