Riding in New Zealand: Important Safety and Touring Tips

New Zealand's weather can be unpredictable, so its important to be ready for all conditions. Here are some things to keep in mind:

• Unpredictable Weather: Even in summer, rain showers and temperature drops can surprise you, especially in higher altitudes. Mountain passes are often colder than the surrounding lowlands.
• Sun Protection: The sun here can be intense, even on cloudy days. Protect your skin from sunburn while riding.
• Wind: High winds can occur, particularly in spring and autumn. These may affect your ride, especially in coastal areas and higher altitudes.

Tips:
Check the weather: Always check the weather forecast before heading out. You can view webcams of alpine passes to get a live view of conditions.
Weather Alerts: If there's a severe weather warning on the Metservice website during the first or last day of your rental, we may be able to extend or adjust your rental at no extra charge (subject to availability).

Weather Warnings - Metservice

Journey Conditions - NZTA

Road Conditions: Stay Alert

New Zealand’s roads vary widely in condition, from smooth highways to bumpy, rural paths. Here’s what to watch for:

• Uneven Surfaces: Many roads, especially rural ones, may have gravel, bumps, or potholes. Always stay focused.
• Gravel and Mud: Look out for gravel patches on corners, near driveways, and farm entrances, as well as mud left by stock or farm vehicles.
• Wildlife: Animals, both wild and domestic, may wander onto the roads. Always remain vigilant.

Additional Tips:

• Ice & Grit: Ice is rare in the summer but may appear on alpine roads in the early mornings or late at night during the off-season. Grit is common on rural roads, particularly near mountain passes and roadworks.
• Stay Safe: If you encounter loose animals or debris, report it to NZTA at 0800 44 44 49.

Road Conditions - Ride Forever

Other Drivers: Ride Defensively

New Zealand roads can be busy, and it’s important to stay alert for other drivers:

• Distracted Drivers: Be cautious of drivers admiring the scenery or those who might be driving aggressively. Always maintain a safe distance and ride defensively.
• Visibility: Make yourself as visible as possible, especially in poor weather or low-light conditions. We provide free high-visibility vests in various sizes for your safety.

Scenic Routes: Stop and Enjoy, But Stay Safe

New Zealand’s landscapes are breathtaking, but remember, the scenery can sometimes be distracting:

• Pull Over: If a view catches your eye, pull over to safely admire it and take photos. Never stop in the road!
• Hotspots for Accidents: Some scenic routes are also accident hotspots. Be extra cautious and follow road signs—they are there for a reason.

Driver Distraction Safety Tips - NZTA

Speed Limits: Know the Limits

New Zealand's speed limits vary depending on location:

• Open Roads: The standard speed limit is 100 km/h on most open roads, though some motorways in the North Island have a limit of 110 km/h.
• Urban Areas: Speed limits in towns and cities are usually 50 km/h.
• School Zones: When passing a school bus with children getting on or off, the speed limit is 20 km/h. School zones usually have limits of 30 km/h or 40 km/h.
• Roadworks Zones: Speed limits in roadworks areas are often reduced to 30 km/h.

Theft: Security Tips

While theft is relatively rare in New Zealand, it’s always good to be cautious:

• Overnight Parking: Park your motorcycle out of sight from busy roads when leaving it overnight.
• Secure Belongings: Lock your belongings in the bike’s panniers, especially when in public areas, large towns, or cities.

Fuel: Plan Your Stops

Here’s what you need to know about fueling up in New Zealand:

• Fuel Type: Our bikes typically use 95 octane (premium) petrol.
• Fueling Process: Most stations require you to dismount the bike to fill up. If the station has a shop, you can fill up and pay afterward; for self-service stations, you may need to pay first.
• Long Distances: In areas like the South Island and West Coast, fuel stations can be far apart, so plan your refueling stops in advance.

We recommend using the GASPY app to find the best fuel prices nearby.

Biker Etiquette: The Friendly Wave

In New Zealand, motorcyclists often greet each other with a simple head nod or wave. It’s a small but friendly gesture that’s part of our biking culture!

Navigation: Know Your Route

• Main Highways: Major highways are well-marked, and towns are signposted with distances in kilometers.
• Rural Roads: Smaller, rural roads may have fewer signs, so it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with your route.
• Phone Signal: While phone coverage is generally good in the South Island, there are still some areas with no signal. Always have a plan and let someone know your route and expected arrival time if you're riding solo.

Roadside Assistance

If you experience a breakdown, you can use AA Roadside Assistance for recovery. Keep in mind that phone coverage may not be available in all areas, and callouts for rider error may incur a fee.

Distances: Plan Your Ride

New Zealand doesn’t have extensive motorways, so roads can be more technical and slower to navigate. We recommend planning rides of 200 to 350 km per day to stay fresh and enjoy the journey. Remember to take breaks to explore and rest.

Parking: Where to Park Your Bike

• General Parking: Motorcycle parking is generally available in most places, and major cities like Auckland and Christchurch offer free motorcycle parking in multistory car parks.
• If Unsure: If you're not sure, park as you would a car to avoid any inconvenience.