New Zealand’s South Island is about as good as it gets for motorcycle fans. It’s got epic roads, stunning scenery and a world-class annual racing event. Photos: Janette Wilson & KB
Remote, rugged and breathtakingly beautiful, New Zealand’s South Island is motorcycling nirvana. As well as its wild landscapes, thrilling roads and breathtaking scenery, it’s home to one of the most unique bike racing events on the planet – the Burt Munro Challenge.
Even on good days, you are reminded of how fierce New Zealand winds can be.
I’ve ridden in some wild winds before, but nothing like this. I’d just swung around the bottom western edge of New Zealand’s South Island and was met with a savage squall thrown at me by a ferocious Southern Ocean. It was wind so fierce that slow and steady wasn’t even an option.
Against my instincts, I eventually worked out that a smidgen over 100km/h and tucked as low as I could get behind the screen was the best way to remain upright and with the most control amid such strong and gusty winds. I was grateful for the Southland region’s remoteness as the strong gusts regularly forced me on the wrong side of the road.
Respect and preparedness for whatever Mother Nature has in store is a must on the South Island.
Respect and preparedness for whatever Mother Nature has in store is a must on the South Island. New Zealand’s South Island is a bucket-list destination for motorcyclists worldwide, offering a mix of breathtaking landscapes, world-class riding and a deep sense of adventure. From alpine passes to remote coastal back roads, the South Island is a rider’s playground, where every twist and turn delivers postcard-perfect views.
For those yet to experience it, touring here is an eye-opener. Weather patterns are unpredictable, distances can be deceptive and the remoteness in some areas demands your utmost respect. But for those who come prepared, it’s as close to motorcycling nirvana as you can get.
Milford Sound is a breathtaking and must-do detour that rewards every kilometre of the ride.
Queenstown to the West Coast
With snow-dusted peaks above dazzling blue lakes, NZ delivers stunning alpine drama at every turn. Most visitors start their journey in Queenstown. Known as the adventure capital of the world, the town itself is swamped with tourists, but it’s not hard to escape them. Within minutes of leaving, the road south-east along Lake Wakatipu is a taste of what’s to come. The lake’s blue waters mirror the sky, while jagged peaks rise from the shoreline. Tourist campervans can slow things down occasionally, but there’s really no need to rush, this really is scenery to savour.
You can fly to NZ in just over three hours, but its spectacular scenery makes it feel a world away.
A must-ride from here is the route over Haast Pass. The journey west snakes through valleys and climbs into thick rainforest before spilling out onto the West Coast, where the Tasman Sea crashes against the land. This road can be challenging, especially in the wet, but it’s a gripping ride. Just be prepared for sudden changes in weather, and don’t push your luck, it’s too early to make any errors.
“Snakes through valleys and climbs into thick rainforest before spilling out onto the West Coast, where the Tasman Sea crashes against the land”…
The Southern Scenic Route
Further south, the Southern Scenic Route offers one of the most satisfying stretches of riding in the country. Running between Queenstown and Dunedin via Invercargill, this 610km route is a feast for the senses of any rider.
The roads are quiet and well maintained, and the Southern Scenic Route is a real treat for riders.
Te Anau, the gateway to Fiordland, is a worthy overnight stop. It’s the jumping-off point for Milford Sound, but the ride there is as breathtaking as the destination itself. Towering cliffs, glacial rivers and tight turns make it a highlight. From here, the route heads south through Manapouri and Riverton, where the full force of the wild Southern Ocean makes itself known. Strong crosswinds can be brutal, and there’s often no shelter. Lean into it – literally – keep your speed high-ish and steady, and be ready for sudden gusts.
Reaching Invercargill, New Zealand’s southernmost city, brings a welcome respite. If you’re lucky enough to be here in February, the Burt Munro Challenge – a week-long celebration of speed and Kiwi ingenuity – is such a fantastic event. But even outside of race week, there’s plenty to see, including E Hayes hardware store, which houses Burt Munro’s actual land-speed-record-setting bike.
Home to Motorcycle Mecca, Invercargill is New Zealand’s southernmost and westernmost city.
The Burt Munro Challenge
For any motorcycle racing nut, timing a trip to New Zealand’s South Island around the Burt Munro Challenge is an experience like no other. This annual event, held every February in Invercargill, is a tribute to the legendary Burt Munro, whose quest for speed on his modified Indian Scout became the stuff of legend.
Originally held in the CBD, the street racing moved to the industrial area before being scratched from the program.
The event runs for several days and includes a range of competitive races – beach sprints at Oreti Beach, hillclimbs, track racing and even a speedway event. The atmosphere is electric, drawing riders and spectators from around the world. But what truly sets the Burt Munro Challenge apart is its unique blend of grassroots racing and international prestige. Unlike other motorsport events, this festival retains a strong community feel, where amateurs rub shoulders with seasoned competitors.
The camaraderie among riders is palpable, and the excitement of seeing bikes tearing down Oreti Beach – a stretch of sand where Munro himself tested his machines – only adds to the true magic of the event. You can seriously feel the spirit of Burt Munro whistling through you as you stand in the wind on what’s one of the southernmost coastlines on the planet.
The spirit of Burt Munro is on show throughout the whole event, but can be especially felt on Oreti Beach.
Beyond the racing, ‘the Burt’, as it’s referred to, is also a celebration of innovation and mechanical ingenuity. The paddocks are full of home-built machines, carefully restored vintage bikes and experimental engineering feats that push the boundaries of speed and design. This is a place where passion for motorcycles runs deep, and where the spirit of adventure is alive and well.
The drag racing unearths some seriously impressive garage builds like this Shovelhead in a custom frame.
But it’s more than that. Because Invercargill is so remote, the ingenuity and resourcefulness is something to admire, as one of the competitors explained to me when speaking about his homemade toolbox. “Because we’re so remote down here, there’s still this mentality that we have to make everything ourselves,” he said. “For a long time we couldn’t just buy things online like we can now, and it’s still in us.”
Attending the Burt Munro Challenge is about more than just spectating – it’s about immersing yourself in the spirit of adventure that defines motorcycling in New Zealand. Whether you’re watching a race, chatting with fellow riders or simply soaking in the atmosphere of Invercargill’s bustling streets, the event leaves a lasting impression. The streets come alive with the sounds of bikes and every corner of the city plays host to an impromptu show ’n’ shine as riders gather to swap stories and admire each other’s machines.
Winding above the sea with nothing but coastline and sky, the Bluff Hill Climb is a popular among spectators.
The city of Invercargill embraces the event wholeheartedly, offering a warm welcome to riders from across the globe. The local pubs, restaurants and hotels fill with motorcyclists keen to relive the day’s racing highlights over a pint, while museums and exhibits dedicated to the country’s rich motorcycle heritage provide the perfect setting to delve deeper into New Zealand’s love affair with two wheels.
You’d be hard pressed to find a city more suited to motorcycle fans than Invercargill in February.
The Catlins
Leaving Invercargill, the road carves its way through the Catlins, one of the most underrated sections of the South Island. Coastal cliffs, waterfalls and forests make it feel like the world’s best-kept motorcycling secret. The ride here is fast, flowing and quiet, on a clear day the grip is excellent from the well-maintained surface and the long, sweeping bends beg for just a little more throttle.
If you’re taking it slow, side trips to Nugget Point Lighthouse or Curio Bay – home to a Jurassic-era petrified forest – are well worth the stop. The road eventually leads to Dunedin, a university town with a vibrant arts and music scene, before looping back inland towards the Southern Alps.
“The ride here is fast, flowing and quiet, on a clear day the grip is excellent from the well-maintained surface”
The ride to Mount Cook
No South Island tour is complete without a ride to Aoraki/Mount Cook, the highest peak in New Zealand. The road from Twizel to Mount Cook Village runs alongside the stunning Lake Pukaki, where the water is an impossible shade of turquoise. The road itself is near perfect – smooth, well-maintained and lined with some of the most incredible mountain views in the world.
The road to Aoraki/Mount Cook that winds past Lake Pukaki and framed by snow-covered peaks is truly something else.
The ride ends at the base of Mount Cook, where the only thing left to do is park, take a deep breath and soak it all in. A cliche maybe, but it really is the kind of place that stays with you long after you’ve left. New Zealand’s South Island is a land of contrasts. Its towering peaks, lush rainforests, rolling farmland and windswept coastlines, all connected by some of the best motorcycling roads anywhere in the world. With careful planning, a keen sense of adventure and a respect for the unpredictable nature of the land, it’s a ride that you’ll be hard pressed forgetting – and it’s just over the ditch!
Southland’s quiet backroads offer a peaceful contrast to the region’s high-octane race week energy.
By incorporating events like the Burt Munro Challenge into your itinerary, you not only get to experience the best roads but also immerse yourself in NZ’s proud motorcycling heritage. Whether you come for the scenery, the roads or the camaraderie, I assure you that you’ll leave wanting more.
Motorcycle Mecca
A Britten V1000, Ivan Mauger’s title-winning speedway bike, a Brough Superior SS100 and hundreds more…
Invercargill’s Motorcycle Mecca remains the southern hemisphere’s most comprehensive motorcycle museum, housing over 300 meticulously curated machines spanning more than a century of motorcycling history. Located in a beautifully restored two-story Art Deco building in the heart of the city, Motorcycle Mecca is a must-visit.
Originally founded in 2016 when a vast private collection of historic motorcycles was acquired, the museum has since expanded, now featuring an extensive collection that includes vintage, classic and racing bikes, along with an ever-growing array of motorcycle-related art and memorabilia. The John Britten tribute remains a centrepiece, celebrating the Kiwi engineering genius and his revolutionary machines, while the Burt Munro exhibit continues to captivate visitors with its insight into the man behind the legend.
The attention to detail in the museum’s presentation is extraordinary, from camshaft handrails to cleverly repurposed motorcycle components incorporated into the décor. A highlight is Meccaspresso, the on-site cafe, as is Handle Bar, quite possibly the bar with the best name in the world.
With the addition of new interactive displays, Motorcycle Mecca continues to evolve, ensuring that each visit offers fresh discoveries and an even deeper appreciation for New Zealand’s rich and diverse motorcycling heritage.
There are various tributes to John Britten at Invercargill’s Motorcycle Mecca, where innovation meets legend.
When to go
Believe it or not, New Zealand’s South Island is a year-round destination. But the best time for motorcyclists depends on what kind of riding experience you’re after.
Summer (December–February)
Warm temperatures, long daylight hours and generally dry conditions make this the most popular time for riding. However, it is also peak tourist season, meaning busier roads and higher accommodation prices. But ‘the Burt’ is worth it all.
Autumn (March–May)
Often considered the best time for motorcycle touring, autumn offers cooler temperatures, stunning golden foliage and fewer crowds. The crisp air and quiet roads make for an ideal riding experience.
Winter (June–August)
Given how far south it is, riding during winter presents challenges, with a high possibility of snow and ice on alpine passes. However, if you’re well-prepared and stick to lower altitudes, the South Island’s winter landscapes can be spectacular and rewarding.
Spring (September–November)
A transitional period where weather can be unpredictable. However, the countryside is lush and green, waterfalls are at their most powerful and tourist numbers are still relatively low. It’s a great time to explore if you’re flexible with conditions and well prepared.
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