SOUTHERN EXPLORER
11 DAYS/ 11 NIGHTS
The SOUTHERN EXPLORER ride is the ultimate South Island adventure experience consisting of 40% dirt. This ride consists of 11 days of amazing riding, starting and finishing in Wellington taking you all the way to the southern part of the South Island.
Eleven nights accommodation is included in the ride with overnights in Hanmer Springs, Mount Somers, Kurow, Alexandra, Te Anau, Haast, Greymouth and Roxburgh, providing opportunity to look around some amazing New Zealand towns and enjoy the local hospitality.
Experience a large range of riding conditions riding through areas such as Nevis Valley, Piano Flats and Danseys Pass. Included is a trip down to Invercargill where we will be able to see "The Worlds Fastest Indian" that belonged to Burt Munro, who is legendary in the motorcycle world.
There will be a resting day in Te Anau where riders can choose to go on a tour to see the Milford Sounds or just stay at the accommodation and relax.
Riders will be picked-up, before midday, the morning before the ride starts from Wellington airport/hotel and dropped-off the day we arrive back in Wellington.
Ability: Intermediate to Advanced
Levels: 1-4
Total Distance: 3000+ km
Spaces Available: 6 participants max per ride
Minimum Riders per ride: 3
The Ride
Night 1 - We will pick you up from your hotel or the Wellington Airport and take you to our accommodation for the night where you will meet your ride and the rest of the riding group for your trip.
Day 1 - Wellington to Hanmer Springs. Leaving Wellington we cross the Cook Strait on the ferry to Picton where we start our South Island travels down to Molesworth Station and into Hanmer Springs via Jollies Pass. This is a good introduction to South Island adventure riding. 236 KM- 70% Dirt
Day 2 - Hanmer Springs to Mount Somers. We head south to join Lees Valley from the north and work our way down to Mount Somers while we explore some dirt roads. 330KM - 40% Dirt
Day 3 - Mount Somers to Kurow. Tracking via Elephant Hill and Hakataramea Valley. 279KM - 60% Dirt
Day 4 - Kurow to Roxburgh. We head south via Dansey's Pass, Old Dunstan Road and Lake Onslow with a few extra dirt options for those willing participants. 319KM - 70% Dirt
Day 5 - Roxburgh to Te Anau. This is a long day in the saddle starting with us riding up to the Obelisk, down along the Nevis, down to see "The world's fastest Indian" and ending at Lake Te Anau. We will require a rest after this day. 425KM - 30% Dirt
Day 6 - Te Anau to Milford Sound to Te Anau. This is a rest day, but those riders that don't want to sit still can jump on the bikes and head for Milford Sounds for a tour on a boat through the sounds. 0 - 232KM - 0% Dirt
Day 7 - Te Anau to Alexandra. We head east to join the Piano Flats track to Alexandra.244KM - 40% Dirt
Day 8 - Alexandra to Hast. We start heading west via the Omarama Saddle and end up in Hast for the night. The scenery starts changing as we travel west. 360KM - 20% Dirt
Day 9 - Hast to Greymouth. Cruising north along the West Coast you will be in awe with the scenery. 357KM - 10% Dirt
Day 10 - Greymouth to Hanmer Springs. Traveling through Reefton and Lewis Pass to get to Hanmer Springs, there is an optional extra dirt track that requires a bit of skill and adds about 20KM onto your trip. 211KM - 15% Dirt
Day 11 - Hanmer Springs to Wellington.Our last day is through Rainbow Station, one of our favourite tracks, to get to Picton where we will enjoy lunch before boarding the ferry to Wellington. 225KM - 50% Dirt
INCLUSIONS
-
Pick-up the day before the ride starts from Wellington airport/hotel and dropped-off the day after it finishes.
-
Motorcycle - Your choice from available models fitted out for your ride (Not included in BYOB price)
-
Fuel - All motorcycle fuel (Not included in BYOB price)
-
Return Ferry Cost- Wellington to Picton ferry
-
Full Comprehensive motorcycle Insurance (Not included in BYOB price)
-
Guide(s) – With Emergency Locator Beacon
-
Planned Routes - 11 Days worth of routes, with optional extra sections
-
GPS Device -With GPS Routes for your ride loaded (Not included in BYOB price)
-
11 Nights Accommodation - Twin share accommodation is provided
-
Support 4x4 - Luggage, breakdowns and emergencies
-
First Aid Assistance
-
Mechanical Assistance
-
T-Shirt
EXCLUSIONS
-
Motorcycle riding gear - The individual rider is responsible for having the appropriate rider safety gear including a appropriate helmet with visor or goggles, gloves, boots and clothing.
-
Meals - No meals are included in this ride. Each stop offers a variety of dining options. All meals are at individuals cost.
-
The accommodation after you have been dropped off.
-
Flights to and from Wellington.
-
Personal Items
DATES:
4 March 2024 - 15 March 2024
WHAT YOU NEED TO BRING
Motorcycle Riding Gear
Essentials
-
Helmet
-
Gloves (winter & summer gloves)
-
Boots (Adventure or MX Boots)
-
Jacket
-
Pants
-
Body Armour (Can be in Jacket and Pants)
-
Thermal pants and shirt
-
Waterproof outer shell
-
Removable mid layers
Optional
-
Helmet Comms
-
Goggles
-
Hydration Backpack
-
Balaclava / Buff
Personal Items, Toiletries, Required Medications and Personal Clothing.