Motorcycle rental

Travelling by motorbike in New Zealand is an excellent choice for visitors seeking an adventurous experience. It offers the freedom to explore at your own pace, discover hidden gems while immersing yourself in the country's diverse landscapes. New Zealand roads are well-maintained and winding, making the riding experience fun and exciting. 

Hiring a motorcycle 

New Zealand's motorcycle rental providers offer a great range of fleet from adventure and touring styles to enduro and dual sport models.

Rental fleet are usually the latest models between two and four years old, regularly serviced and well maintained. Side cases (panniers) and top boxes are usually included, but it is always a good idea to check with the service provider what's included and what's not, prior to signing rental contract.

Tips on motorcycle rental

Bike rental terms could be quite different from a car rental. You might be required to be 25 years old or over, to be able to rent a motorbike over 700cc. Make sure to discuss terms and conditions and insurance options with your service provider.  

Many rental services also provide self-guided itinerary. If you don't want to travel alone on two wheels, some rental companies also organise guided group tours or multi-day privately guided tours. 

You can legally ride in New Zealand for up to 12 months if you have either a current motorcycle licence from your home country or an International Driving Permit (IDP). 

Plan a motorcycle trip to New Zealand

• Choose the right motorcycle for your needs. There are many different types of motorbikes available to rent, so it is important to choose one that is appropriate for your riding experience and the type of riding you will be doing.
• Book your rental in advance. Motorcycle rentals can be popular, especially during peak season.
• Arrange insurance. It is very important to get insurance when you rent a motorcycle. 
• Be aware of the road rules. New Zealand has different road rules to other countries. Be sure to familiarise yourself with the rules before you start riding.
• Ride safely. New Zealand is a safe country to ride a motorcycle in, but it is still important to ride safely. Obey the speed limit, wear a helmet, and be aware of your surroundings.

The best time to travel by motorcycle

The best time to travel by motorcycle in New Zealand is during the summer months (December to February). During this time, the weather is warm and sunny, and the roads are clear. The temperatures are also mild, making it comfortable to ride for long periods of time.

However, if you are looking for a more affordable option, you can also travel during the shoulder seasons (March to May and September to November). The weather is still pleasant during these times, but there may be more rain. It is important to note that the weather in New Zealand can be unpredictable, so it is always a good idea to pack for all types of conditions.

Where to park

Motorbike parking rules vary across New Zealand. Some authorities, such as Auckland Transport(opens in new window), offer free motorbike parking in all of their parking buildings. Wellington City Council(opens in new window) provides a map of its motorbike and scooter parking areas. However, some councils do not permit motorbikes to park in pay-and-display ticketing areas. In these areas, you may be able to park in a designated motorbike parking space, but you will need to pay for a ticket. In some areas, such as Nelson, motorbikes require a parking permit. It is important to check the rules in the area where you are parking to avoid being fined.

Here are some additional tips for parking your motorbike in New Zealand:

• Park in a designated motorbike parking space if possible.
• Pay for a ticket if required.
• Keep your ticket in case you are issued an infringement notice.
• Park your motorbike in a safe and secure location.