summer Trophy Tour
9 Days Riding - 10 Nights Quality Accommodation
next tour: 18–26 January 2027
Premium 9-day package that takes you along some of the world’s best riding roads — over mountains, through water crossings, and across picturesque rainforests. You'll enjoy New Zealand’s natural diversity while staying in carefully selected premium accommodation throughout the journey.
meet your guide
Gordon Lidgard has been leading motorcycle tours throughout New Zealand for over 39 years. A fully qualified BMW Motorrad On-Road and Off-Road Instructor, Qualified BMW International Tour Guide, and participant in the BMW GS Trophy 2020, Gordon brings a wealth of local knowledge and riding experience to every journey.
Led by Gordon, this fully supported South Island adventure combines spectacular riding roads, local knowledge, and decades of motorcycle touring expertise. From twisty tarmac to optional backcountry gravel, this ride showcases the very best of Aotearoa's South Island.
Tour Summary
Day 1 - Monday 18 January
Christchurch to Punakaiki – Today's ride traverses the mighty Southern Alps.
Spectacular riding all day!
Day 2 - Tuesday 19 January
Punakaiki – via West Coast, Franz Glacier.
On today's ride you will see some wonders of the world: incredible geological formations and the world’s fastest-moving glacier.
Day 3 - Wednesday 20 January
Franz Glacier – Queenstown – Special side trip from Queenstown for those keen on adventure to the famous Skippers Canyon – this ride you will never forget
(this is an optional unsealed track)
Day 4 - Thursday 21 January
Queenstown - Glenorchy -Te Anau. You can do an extra side trip with your guide to where some of the most dramatic scenes from the movie “Lord of the Rings” was filmed (Lothlorien & Isengard). Could be a long day and one of the best riding days you will ever do!
Day 5 - Friday 22 January
Te Anau– Milford Sound (Take the incredible Milford Sound Nature Cruise) - Te Anau
Day 6 - Saturday 23 January
Te Anau – Bluff – Invercargill – Motorcycle Mecca Museum.
Day 7 - Sunday 24 January
Invercargill to Cromwell
Day 8 - Monday 25 January
Cromwell – Lake Tekapo. If you want some gravel road adventure – you are in luck, mountain trails all day!
(Sealed option also available with second guide)
Day 9 - Tuesday 26 January
Lake Tekapo travel via Mt Somers (Highway 72 Scenic Route) to Christchurch Finish approx. 17:00hrs
Day 10 (Optional Extra Day) Wednesday 27 January
Christchurch to Akaroa, lunch in the French settlement of Akaroa.
THE COUNTRY
New Zealand is one of the world’s top destinations for motorcycle touring. With its dramatic landscapes, world-class riding roads, and diverse terrain, it’s a dream come true for adventure motorcyclists. From twisty sealed highways to optional unsealed backcountry routes, this country offers something for every skill level.
On this South Island motorcycle tour, you’ll ride through volcanic valleys, alpine passes, lush rainforests, and along stunning coastlines — all within a few hours of each other. The scenery changes as often as the roads, making every day of the tour unique and unforgettable. Whether you're looking for a smooth motorbike touring experience or eager to explore some of New Zealand’s legendary gravel tracks, this is the ultimate ride.
THE BIKES
This motorcycle tour is designed primarily for sealed roads, making it ideal for riders who enjoy smooth, twisty asphalt routes with the option to explore gravel backroads on selected days.
A wide range of motorcycles is available for this tour, from premium BMW adventure models through to mid-sized adventure and touring motorcycles. Whether you prefer maximum comfort for long-distance touring or a lighter, more manageable motorcycle, we have options to suit a variety of riding styles, experience levels, and budgets.
For riders looking to explore optional gravel sections, our adventure motorcycles are particularly well suited to New Zealand's diverse terrain. Riders who prefer to stay on sealed roads may also choose from a selection of road-focused touring models that provide excellent comfort and handling throughout the journey.
All motorcycles are maintained to premium standards and equipped for long-distance touring, ensuring a smooth, reliable, and enjoyable riding experience.
Price
Tour pricing varies depending on your motorcycle choice and accommodation preference.
All prices below include the full Summer Trophy Tour package as described above.
BMW R1300GS / BMW R1300GSA
Shared Room: NZ$12,289 per rider
Private Room: NZ$15,067 per rider
BMW R1250GS / BMW R1250GSA
Shared Room: NZ$11,689 per rider
Private Room: NZ$14,467 per rider
BMW R1250R / BMW R1200GS / BMW R1200GSA / BMW F850GS / Triumph Tiger 900 Pro
Shared Room: NZ$11,089 per rider
Private Room: NZ$13,867 per rider
Triumph Tiger 800 XC / BMW F800GS / BMW F750GS
Shared Room: NZ$10,389 per rider
Private Room: NZ$13,167 per rider
Honda NC750X / Honda NX500 / Honda CMX500
Shared Room: NZ$10,289 per rider
Private Room: NZ$13,067 per rider
Pillion Passenger (all motorcycles)
NZ$6,889
Optional Day 10 Extension – Akaroa
Still keen for more riding after completing the Trophy Tour?
Join us for an optional extra day exploring Banks Peninsula and the beautiful French settlement of Akaroa. Enjoy spectacular coastal roads and stunning scenery in one of New Zealand's most unique destinations before returning to Christchurch.
Shared Room: NZ$694 per rider
Private Room: NZ$894 per rider
Pillion Passenger: NZ$350 per rider
details
| Start Dates | 18 January 2027 |
| Finish | 26 January 2027 |
| Nearest Airport | Christchurch int. Airport. |
| Duration | 9 riding days |
| Accommodation | 10 nights carefully selected accommodation |
| Food | Everyday Breakfast included, 4 wonderful dinners included |
| Group size | Maximum 18 Riders per Tour (pillion passengers welcome) Minimum 6 Riders per Tour |
| Tour Schedule | Sealed roads (Optional: plenty of unpaved backcountry road with second guide) |
| Highlights | Some of the best riding roads and scenery in the world |
| Distance | Approximately 3000km / daily distance between 300km – 400km |
| Route | Mostly twisty sealed roads (some days have unsealed options) |
| Optional Gravel Routes | A mix of on- and off-road (unsealed gravel). Good gravel riding skill level necessary. |
| Gear Requirements | Good riding boots and motorcycle protective clothing |
| Skill level | Plenty of twisty roads, reasonable level of riding skill necessary. |
Tours Expression of Interest
If you are interested in future tours in New Zealand, please fill out your contact details here and we will email you once we have tours scheduled.
Dates
18–26 January 2027
Includes
| 9 days riding, 10 nights premium accommodation |
| Adventure Style Motorcycle with Insurance |
| BMW Motorrad Qualified NZ tour-guide and support guide |
| Support Van (logistics and luggage support) |
| Milford Sound Cruise with buffet lunch |
| Food: Breakfast x 10, dinners x 4 |
Tour Price includes:
• Motorcycle hire
• Comprehensive insurance
• Quality accommodation
• Daily breakfasts
• 4 special group dinners
• Milford Sound Cruise
• GPS and route information
• Experienced motorcycle tour guide
• Dedicated support vehicle throughout the tour, carrying luggage, tools, spare equipment and providing rider assistance when required
Tour Price Does Not Include:
Airfares to/from New Zealand, personal expenses, lunches, some dinners, motorcycle petrol, any items not specifically listed as included.
Please note: All prices are inclusive of local tax: GST (Goods and Services Tax)









