New Zealand – Top Down Adventure
Next Adventure begins in Auckland on November 16....
At Mount Cook
Banks Peninsula - Near Christchurch
New Zealand Bike Beach Scene
Cardrona Hotel
Riding The South Island's West Coast
New Zealand Country Road
The Geysers at Rotorua
Landing on Fox Glacier
Preparing for the Dart River Safari
Kilkenny on New Zealand's South Island
New Zealand Lake Ride
After Dinner Entertainment in Rotorua
Scene along Marlboro Sound
Leaving Mt. Cook
New Zealand Tees
Tour Schedule 2013
| Dates | 2013 Adventures | Days | Price (USD) | Co-rider | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 25 - Feb 6 | Top Down Adventure | 13 | $7,250 | $5,850 | |
| Nov 16 - 28 | Top Down Adventure | 13 | $7,250 | $5,850 |
Tour Schedule 2014
| Date | 2014 Adventures | Days | Price (USD) | Co-rider | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 24 - Feb 5 | Top Down Adventure | 13 | $7,250 | $5,850 | |
| Nov 15 - 27 | Top Down Adventure | 13 | $7,250 | $5,850 |
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At a Glance
Your Top Down Adventure
| Day | Route/Location | Km |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arrival in Auckland | 0 |
| 2 | Auckland to Coromandel | 245 |
| 3 | Coromandel to Rotorua | 255 |
| 4 | Rotorua to Greytown | 445 |
| 5 | Greytown to Nelson | 200 |
| 6 | Free Day in Nelson | |
| 7 | Nelson to Punakaiki | 335 |
| 8 | Punakaiki to Fox Glacier | 300 |
| 9 | Fox Glacier to Queenstown | 400 |
| 10 | Free Day in Queenstown | |
| 11 | Queenstown to Mount Cook | 260 |
| 12 | Mount Cook to Christchurch | 350 |
| 13 | Depart Christchurch | |
| Total | 2790 |
View New Zealand Top Down in a larger map
Our 13-day Top Down Tour offers the opportunity to experience some of the most popular New Zealand attractions available on both islands. The Adventure begins on the North Island in Auckland and ends in Christchurch on the South Island, with a wealth of unforgettable experiences in between. You’ll ride the stunning roads of the Coromandel Peninsula, visit the North Island’s wine country, cross the Cook Strait to the South Island and visit the Fox and Franz Joseph Glaciers, and stop for a night at Mt. Cook before heading for Christchurch.
In addition to great riding and stunning landscapes, the quality of the meals and lodging are in keeping with the high standards that have become an integral part of all Ayres Adventures. Accommodations range from comfortable, middle class hotels to luxury accommodations and “boutique” establishments that are off the usual tourist path.
The Route
The route is entirely paved, with a variety of road features.
100% Pavement
 |  |  |
Additional Information
Includes BMW G650GS (single cylinder), Honda VT750, Honda Shadow VLX600, Kawasaki GPZ500, Suzuki VSTROM DL650, Suzuki SV650, Honda VT1100 or Yamaha FZ6S
Additional $185 for Suzuki VSTROM DL1000 or Suzuki Bandit GSF 1250
Additional $400 for two cylinder BMW F650GS
Additional $500 for BMW R1200R
Additional $550 for BMW F800GS or Honda VFR 800
Additional $650 for Triumph Tiger 800
Additional $660 for Honda ST1300 or Triumph Tiger 1050
Additional $1,100 for Ducati ST3, Ducati Multistrada 1000S. or Triumph Explorer 1200
Additional $1,175 for BMW R1200GS or BMW R1200RT
Single room supplement - $1,150
Meals: All breakfasts and 10 dinners
Attractions included in Tour Price: Maori Cultural Experiencee in Rotorua
Airport transfer, motorcycle handover, kickoff meeting and our first dinner together! Riders arriving early can visit SKYCITY - home to the iconic 328 metre Sky Tower (the tallest building in the Southern Hemisphere), perhaps coupled with a SkyWalk - a walk around the outside ring of the SkyTower. Auckland also has a fantastic selection of bars, restaurants and cafes, and the world-class SKYCITY Casino.
From Auckland we’ll ride south to the beautiful Coromandel Peninsula and stay in the quaint seaside town of Coromandel. It’s only an hour and a half out of the hustle and bustle of Auckland but you’re sure to be entranced by the tranquility. You’ll be introduced to New Zealand’s twisty roads – one of the many reasons New Zealand is considered a motorcycling paradise.
We stay at lovely lodgings close to native bush and only a stone’s throw from the water.
You’ll continue riding twisty roads until you leave the Coromandel Peninsula. After leaving the peninsula, the roads will include stunning sweepers, but you’re done with the tight switchbacks for a day or two.
In Waihi you may enjoy stopping at the Waihi Gold Mine Lookout. It’s clearly marked from the highway and is only a short distance off the main road.
Rotorua is built on a geothermal area and is New Zealand’s cultural home. When you arrive in Rotorua you should take the opportunity to visit the famous geysers and bubbling mud pools. This evening you’ll attend a Maori cultural evening including a meal cooked in a ‘HANGI’ which is a traditional earth pit oven.
We’ll pass through the Tongariro National Park – New Zealand’s oldest National Park and also a dual World Heritage Area. Tongariro is home to New Zealand’s most active volcano, Ngauruhohe and also Mount Tongariro herself. Tongariro was used to portray Mordor in the Lord of the Rings Trilogy.
Today's ride will also include the opportunity to visit a large windmill farm.
Greytown is located in one of New Zealand’s exceptional wine producing areas. There are over 30 wineries in the region and the town itself is a fabulous combination of quaint charm and fabulous shopping and cafes.
If you think the riding has been good so far, it gets even better today. We ride over the twisty Rimutaka Hill to meet our inter-island ferry at Wellington before taking the three-hour ferry ride to Picton - ‘Gateway to the South Island’. You’ll experience some lovely twisties as you negotiate Rimutaka Hill after leaving Featherston.
On the ferry, you’ll be able to stay inside or you can stand outside on the deck and enjoy the weather. You’ll enjoy views of the famous Marlborough Sounds from the deck.
Leaving Picton, you'll experience the Queen Charlotte Drive to Havelock, an incredibly stunning ride. There are many opportunities to stop and take photos on the way.
You may wish to take a vineyard tour or perhaps visit the region’s famous arts and crafts designers, including world famous Hoglund Glass. Or, just relax at one of the many delightful cafes, restaurants or bars along the waterfront.
You might even ride to Takaka over the famous Takaka Hill with its fabulous twists and turns and breathtaking views! Along the way, consider passing through the famed Able Tasman National Park. If you’re interested in trying some sea kayaking you can rent a kayak on the beach.
Perhaps you'll want to ride the famous Takaka Hill. There are some interesting photo opportunities as you cross the hill, and you might like to visit the Ngarua Caves beautiful limestone caves located on the summit of the hill.
Be prepared for more awesome scenery and roads as we cross the Southern Alps, and enter the hallowed ‘West Coast’. It’s some of the best (some locals may say the best) motorcycling to be had in the world, with light traffic, stunning scenery and superb roads.
On the way we will stop off at the world famous pancake rocks at Punakaiki, where the Tasman Sea has carved massive caves and blowholes in the sedimentary limestone rock, which was once the sea bed. The beauty of the West Coast landscape is only matched by the quality of the ride…… enjoy!!!!
You’ll ride through lush semi-tropical rainforests and through dairy farming areas as we ride south to Franz Josef Glacier. The ride will be very pretty, with many opportunities to stop and enjoy the surroundings.
At Ross (25 kilometers south of Hokitika) you’ll have another opportunity to visit a restored gold town and museum commemorating the areas’ gold rush days.
Today’s destination, either Fox Glacier or nearby Franz Josef Glacier, is the location of two of New Zealand’s famous glaciers. Once you arrive in Franz Josef you might like to take a scenic helicopter flight up to view the Glacier – flights even land on the Glacier for a close up view. Numerous flight options include both Franz Josef and nearby Fox Glacier.
Today’s ride will take you through Mt. Aspiring National Park – an area designated by UNESCO to stand alongside other places of natural significance such as The Grand Canyon, Mt. Everest and the Great Barrier Reef.
When you leave Haast Village you’ll ride through the incredible Haast Pass. Be sure to stop and take photos at Devils Gate where the road crosses the raging Haast River.
If you’re interested in adventure activities, you’ll probably find a wider selection of them in Queenstown than in any other place in the world. Activities range from bungee jumping to para-sailing to thrilling jet boat rides.
There are also some beautiful rides available from Queenstown, from the all-day ride to Milford Sound to the ride to nearby Arrowtown, which is less than a half an hour from Queenstown and which offers a nice selection of restaurants, cafes and small shops.
Leaving Queenstown you’ll enjoy the golden Lindis Pass before arriving in Omarama and continuing on to the beautiful glacial blue waters of Lake Tekapo. From Lake Tekapo the ride offers stunning landscapes and innumerable photo opportunities.
As you arrive at the village of Mount Cook, you’ll be mesmerized by the alpine surroundings of this truly unique region. Have your photo taken with a life-sized statue of Sir Edmund Hillary or on your motorcycle with magnificent Mount Cook in the background.
We’ll stay at the Motel units of the Hermitage. There are some great photo opportunities in the area and the opportunity to get up close to New Zealand’s highest mountain Aoraki/Mount Cook.
Our final destination is Christchurch, the ‘Garden City’, also known as New Zealand’s most ‘English’ city. To get there we travel through the open spaces of the McKenzie Country and across the alluvial Canterbury Plains.
In Christchurch, you’ll be within easy walking distance of great shopping and cafes plus the fabulous new Christchurch Art Gallery and the famous Arts Centre – originally home to the University of Canterbury. Christchurch’s Hagley Park – all 161 hectares of it – is less than 10 minutes walk so you can go for a stroll before our farewell dinner.
So sad that it's over 
We'll take you to the airport for your flight home.
We'll take you to the airport for your flight home.Model | Specifications |
|---|---|
 BMW G650GS | Seat Height: 780 mm / 30.7 inches Dry Weight: 176 kg / 388 lb Fuel Capacity: 17.3 Liters / 4.6 Gallons Displacement:652 cc Damage Deposit: Africa (except South Africa and Swaziland): $3,000 South Africa and Swaziland: $1,500 Alaska/Canada: $2,500 Argentina: $3,000 Chile: $2,500 Europe (except Spain and Portugal): $1,500 New Zealand: $1,500 Spain and Portugal: $3,000 |
Model | Specifications |
|---|---|
 Honda Shadow Spirit VT750DC | Seat Height: 676 mm Seat Height: 26.6 inches Dry Weight: 225 kg / 496 lb Fuel Capacity: 13.6 Liters / 3.6 Gallons Displacement: 745 cc Damage Deposit: New Zealand: $1,500 |
Model | Specifications |
|---|---|
 Honda Shadow VLX600 | Seat Height: 650 mm Seat Height: 25.6 inches Dry Weight: 196 kg / 432 lb Fuel Capacity: 11 Liters / 2.9 Gallons Displacement: 583 cc Damage Deposit: New Zealand: $1,500 |
Model | Specifications |
|---|---|
 Kawasaki GPZ500 | Seat Height: 775 mm Seat Height: 30.5 inches Dry Weight: 176 kg / 388 lb Fuel Capacity: 18 Liters / 4.8Gallons Displacement: 498 cc Damage Deposit: New Zealand: $1,500 |
Model | Specifications |
|---|---|
 Suzuki VSTROM 650 | Seat Height: 835 mm Seat Height: 32.9 inches Dry Weight: 214 kg / 472 lb Fuel Capacity: 20 Liters / 5.3 Gallons Displacement: 645 cc Damage Deposit: New Zealand: $1,500 |
Model | Specifications |
|---|---|
 Suzuki SV650 | Seat Height: 805 mm Seat Height: 31.7 inches Dry Weight: 165 kg / 364 lb Fuel Capacity: 16 Liters / 4.2 Gallons Displacement: 645 cc Damage Deposit: New Zealand: $1,500 |
Model | Specifications |
|---|---|
 Honda VT1100 | Seat Height: 729 mm Seat Height: 28.7 inches Dry Weight: 252 kg / 556 lb Fuel Capacity: 17.8 Liters / 4.2 Gallons Displacement: 1099 cc Damage Deposit: New Zealand: $2,500 |
Model | Specifications |
|---|---|
 Yamaha FZ6S | Seat Height: 795 mm Seat Height: 31.3 inches Dry Weight: 208 kg / 459 lb Fuel Capacity: 19.3 Liters / 5.1 Gallons Displacement: 600 cc Damage Deposit: New Zealand: $2,500 |
Model | Specifications |
|---|---|
 Suzuki VSTROM DL1000 | Seat Height: 840 mm Seat Height: 33.1 inches Dry Weight: 238 kg / 525 lb Fuel Capacity: 22 Liters / 5.8 Gallons Displacement: 996 cc Damage Deposit: New Zealand: $1,500 |
Model | Specifications |
|---|---|
 Suzuki Bandit 1250S | Seat Height: 785mm/30.9 Dry Weight: 225kg / 496lb Fuel Capacity: 19 liters/5.0 gallons Displacement: 1255cc Damage Deposit: New Zealand: $2,500 |
Model | Specifications |
|---|---|
 BMW F650GS | Seat Height: 820 mm / 790 mm Seat Height: 32.3 inches / 31.1 inches Dry Weight: 171 kg / 377 lb Fuel Capacity: 16 Liters / 4.2 Gallons Displacement: 798 cc Damage Deposit: Africa (except South Africa and Swaziland): $3,000 South Africa and Swaziland: $1,500 Alaska/Canada: $2,500 Argentina: $3,500 Chile: $2,500 Europe (except Spain and Portugal): $2,500 New Zealand: $1,500 Spain and Portugal: $3,000 |
Model | Specifications |
|---|---|
 BMW R1200R | Seat Height: 800 mm / 770 mm Seat Height: 31.5 inches / 30.3 inches Dry Weight: 198 kg / 437 lb Fuel Capacity: 20.5 Liters / 5.4 Gallons Displacement: 1170 cc Damage Deposit: Africa (except South Africa and Swaziland): $3,500 South Africa and Swaziland: $1,750 New Zealand: $3,000 |
Model | Specifications |
|---|---|
| Seat Height: 880 mm / 850 mm Seat Height: 34.65 inches / 33.46 inches Dry Weight: 178 kg / 392 lb Fuel Capacity: 16 Liters / 4.3 Gallons Displacement: 798 cc Damage Deposit: Africa (except South Africa and Swaziland): $3,500 South Africa and Swaziland: $1,750 Alaska/Canada: $2,500 Argentina: $4,000 Chile: $2,500 Europe (except Spain and Portugal): $2,500 New Zealand: $1,500 Spain and Portugal: $3,000 |
Model | Specifications |
|---|---|
 Honda VFR800 | Seat Height: 805 mm Seat Height: 31.7 inches Dry Weight: 218 kg / 480.6 lb Fuel Capacity: 22 Liters / 5.81 Gallons Displacement: 782 cc Damage Deposit: New Zealand: $2,500 |
Model | Specifications |
|---|---|
 Triumph Tiger 800 | Seat Height: 810 mm Seat Height: 31.9 inches Dry Weight: 209.6 kg / 462 lb Fuel Capacity: 18.9 Liters / 5 Gallons Displacement: 799 cc Damage Deposit: New Zealand: $3,500 |
Model | Specifications |
|---|---|
 Honda ST1300 | Seat Height: 790 mm Seat Height: 31.1 inches Dry Weight: 295 kg / 650 lb Fuel Capacity: 29 Liters / 3.7 Gallons Displacement: 1300 cc Damage Deposit: New Zealand: $3,500 |
Model | Specifications |
|---|---|
Triumph Tiger 1050 | Seat Height: 835 mm Seat Height: 32.9 inches Dry Weight: 198 kg / 436 lb Fuel Capacity: 20 Liters / 5.3 Gallons Displacement: 1050 cc Damage Deposit: New Zealand: $3,500 |
Model | Specifications |
|---|---|
 Ducati ST3 | Seat Height: 820 mm / 790 mm Seat Height: 32.3 inches / 31.1 inches Dry Weight: 171 kg / 377 lb Fuel Capacity: 16 Liters / 4.2 Gallons Displacement: 798 cc Damage Deposit, New Zealand: $3,250 |
Model | Specifications |
|---|---|
 Ducati Multistrata 1000S | Seat Height: 850 mm Seat Height: 33.5 inches Dry Weight: 217 kg / 478 lb Fuel Capacity: 20 Liters / 5.3 Gallons Displacement: 1198 cc Damage Deposit: New Zealand: $3,250 |
Model | Specifications |
|---|---|
 Triumph Explorer 1200 | Seat Height: 840 - 860 mm Seat Height: 33 - 33.9 inches Wet Weight: 259 kg / 571 lb Fuel Capacity: 20 Liters / 5.3 Gallons Displacement: 1215cc Damage Deposit: New Zealand: $3,500 |
Model | Specifications |
|---|---|
 BMW R1200GS | Seat Height: 870 mm / 850 mm Seat Height: 34.25 inches / 33.46 inches Dry Weight: 199 kg / 439 lb Fuel Capacity: 20 Liters / 5.3 Gallons Displacement: 1170 cc Damage Deposit: Africa (except South Africa and Swaziland): $3,500 South Africa and Swaziland: $1,750 Alaska/Canada: $2,500 Argentina: $4,500 Chile: $2,500 Europe (except Spain and Portugal): $2,500 New Zealand: $3,500 Spain and Portugal: $3,000 |
Model | Specifications |
|---|---|
 BMW R1200RT | Seat Height: 840 mm / 820 mm Seat Height: 33.07 inches / 32.28 inches Dry Weight: 229 kg / 505 lb Fuel Capacity:33 Liters / 7.1 Gallons Displacement: 1170 cc Damage Deposit: Africa (except South Africa and Swaziland): $3,500 South Africa and Swaziland: $1,750 Europe (except Spain and Portugal): $2,500 New Zealand: $3,500 Spain and Portugal: $3,000 |
The single supplement applies for riders who request single occupancy. It also applies for cases in which a rider wishes to share a room with another rider, but there are no riders available or willing to share a room.