NEW ZEALAND · NOVEMBER 2–16, 2027
New Zealand 2027 — The South Island
15 days through the most cinematic South Island on the planet.
Alpine lakes, fjords, glaciers, Milford Sound, Mount Cook and Arthur’s Pass.
New Zealand’s South Island is the closest thing on Earth to a continent compressed into 150,000 km². In 15 days you ride through alpine lakes turquoise enough to look photoshopped (Tekapo, Pukaki, Wanaka), the highest mountains in the southern hemisphere (Aoraki / Mount Cook at 3,724 m), fjords that look like Norway with rainforest (Milford Sound), the iconic vineyards of Central Otago, the wild coast of the Catlins and the Great Coast Road on the Tasman side. And all of it on left-side asphalt that’s as perfect as it is empty.
November is early Southern Hemisphere spring — the best window of the year. Long days (14+ hours of light), wildflowers in the meadows, snow still on the alpine peaks, temperatures between 12°C and 22°C / 54–72°F. Fewer tourists than December-January and the landscape at peak beauty. The riding is intermediate-friendly: excellent asphalt, no off-road, just curves and altitude. The real adjustment is left-hand traffic — which on a motorcycle is easier than in a car, and we kick off with a deliberately gentle Day 1 to get you in the flow.
From Christchurch to Christchurch — full loop of the South Island. UpSerra-prepped BMW or Honda CB500X. Bilingual guide, support vehicle, hand-picked hotels and the rhythm that lets you actually stop, look, and remember.
IN MOTION
UpSerra Mototurismo in motion
THE ROUTE
Full loop of the South Island — Christchurch to Christchurch
DAY-BY-DAY ITINERARY
15 days across the South Island
International flight to CHC. Hotel transfer, motorcycle pickup at the rental shop and full briefing with the UpSerra team. Opening dinner. No riding.
Easy departure through the Banks Peninsula to Akaroa (left-side adjustment). Back to SH1, then inland through the New Zealand Alps to the absurd turquoise of Lake Tekapo. Church of the Good Shepherd at sunset.
Alpine day. SH80 hugs Lake Pukaki (the most unreal blue in NZ) to Mount Cook Village, with direct views of Aoraki (3,724 m). Short hike to Hooker Lake with the glacier in front of you. Overnight in Twizel.
Cromwell via SH8, Central Otago vineyards, and the technical climb up Cardrona Valley Road to Crown Range — the mountain road with the most curves on the South Island. Wanaka and the most beautiful alpine lake in NZ.
Epic descent from Crown Range to Queenstown. Check-in and free afternoon. Optional evening drive to Glenorchy to see the Lord of the Rings valley at sunset.
Free day in Queenstown. Options: Skyline Gondola + luge, Lake Wakatipu cruise, zipline, helicopter over the Remarkables, or simply walk the charming waterfront. Overnight Queenstown.
SH6 through the valley, the plains of Mossburn, sheep everywhere, and a smooth arrival in Te Anau — gateway to the Fiordland fjords. Day briefing for Milford.
Milford Road is one of the most dramatic drives in the world: tunnels carved into rock, waterfalls pouring from the walls, the Homer Tunnel. Fjord cruise with Mitre Peak. Return to Te Anau or Queenstown.
Deep south. Invercargill, the southernmost city on the route, and the turn through Southland to The Catlins — primitive coastal forest with waterfalls, sea lions and yellow-eyed penguins. Overnight Balclutha or Owaka.
Stop at Nugget Point (lighthouse on the rocks), Dunedin with the famous steepest street in the world (Baldwin Street) and Larnach Castle, then Oamaru — a Victorian city with blue penguins on the beach at dusk.
SH1 runs glued to the South Pacific with the Alps on the left and the ocean on the right. Kaikōura is where whales appear within 300 m of the coast. Fresh lobster lunch at the local market. Overnight Kaikōura.
Northern coast to the Marlborough Sounds and arrival in Nelson — the sunniest city in NZ. Afternoon for the Abel Tasman coastline or Marlborough vineyards.
SH6 turns south and meets the Tasman: rough sea, cliffs, fern forests and no traffic lights for 200 km. The Great Coast Road is one of the great drives of Oceania. Greymouth at the mouth of the Grey River.
Fox Glacier and Franz Josef are the only glaciers in the world that reach temperate rainforest at sea level. Walk to the glacier faces, then the dramatic Haast Pass to cross the Alps back inland. Overnight Wanaka or Makarora.
Grand finale: SH73 over Arthur’s Pass — dramatic mountain gorge with the Otira Viaduct — and the descent to Christchurch. Bike return, closing dinner, flight home.
THE PACKAGE
What’s included
✓ INCLUDED
- UpSerra-prepped BMW R1300GS / R1250GS or Honda CB500X rental
- 13 nights in superior-category hotels (3★/4★)
- Breakfast at every hotel
- Specialized UpSerra guiding
- Support vehicle with luggage and mechanical assistance
- Professional photo and video coverage
- Initial briefing in Christchurch
- Complete route, ferry and accommodation planning
✗ NOT INCLUDED
- International flights (home country ↔ New Zealand)
- International travel insurance (mandatory)
- Fuel during the tour
- Meals beyond breakfast
- Cook Strait inter-island ferry (if extending)
- Motorcycle deposit and liability during the trip
- Optional activities (Milford helicopter, Doubtful Sound, bungee)
- Personal expenses
RESERVATION
Reserve your seat — New Zealand 2027 · Nov 2–16, 2027
Leave your details and our team will reach out on WhatsApp to arrange payment and send documentation. Reply within 24 hours.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Common questions
Do I need a visa for New Zealand?
Most international travelers don’t need a traditional visa but do need the NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority). It’s requested online through the official NZ government app, costs about NZD 17 and is approved in minutes. Our team advises on the process after booking.
Can I use my motorcycle license?
Yes. Standard Category A motorcycle licenses are accepted in New Zealand for motorcycles. International Driving Permit recommended for non-NZ residents. We recommend at least 1 year of remaining validity.
And left-hand driving? Is it hard to adapt?
On a motorcycle, the adjustment is easier than in a car — you lean and follow the flow naturally. Day 1 is intentionally light (Christchurch → Akaroa) for adaptation, with quiet traffic. Most riders feel comfortable by the afternoon of the first day.
What motorcycle is used on the tour?
We work with certified local rental shops. Standard models are Honda CB500X or equivalent — a versatile adventure bike, great for the South Island mix of roads (perfect asphalt, no off-road). The rental shop guarantees motorcycles up to 2 years old.
What’s the weather like in November in New Zealand?
November is early spring in the Southern Hemisphere — the best time for the South Island. Long days (14+ hours of light), wildflowers in the meadows, snow still on the Alpine peaks (photogenic), temperatures between 12°C and 22°C / 54–72°F. Fewer tourists than December-January and the landscape at peak beauty. It’s the ideal window.
What level of experience is required?
Standard World Tour — we recommend at least 3 years of Category A license and experience with 300+ km/day rides. New Zealand’s roads are excellent, no off-road. The challenge is left-hand traffic and altitude on some passes (Arthur’s Pass, Crown Range). Intermediate rider, comfortable.
PRICING
Investment
Complete package with motorcycle rental, accommodations and UpSerra logistics — payment in USD
| Modality | Price |
|---|---|
| Rider without passenger — shared room | US$ 8,500 per person |
| Rider without passenger — single room | US$ 10,500 per person |
| Rider with passenger (couple) — double room | US$ 11,500 per couple |
Prices in USD. International wire, credit card or installments — check options with our team on WhatsApp. Limited seats to keep the rhythm and full attention of the UpSerra team.
The South Island awaits.
Reserve your seat on New Zealand 2027. Nov 2–16.
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