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Ayres Adventures has put together the ultimate Oceania tour for Triple S Harley-Davidson. This 21-day tour will take riders on some of the best motorcycling roads in Australia, Tasmania and the South Island of New Zealand.
This Adventure launches from the iconic and beautiful city of Sydney. From there we will ride along the cliffs of the Blue Mountains before boarding our overnight ferry to Tasmania. During our six days on this unique and beautiful island, we will travel through seasonal rainforest wilderness on lovely rural backroads, as well as ride along a spectacular 138-mile strip on Tasmania’s sunny east coast. Once we return to the Australian mainland, we will travel along The Great Ocean Road which includes highlights such as The Twelve Apostles and Shipwreck Bay. The riding in New Zealand, with its breathtaking scenery and superb roads, is equally as stunning. New Zealand’s hallowed “West Coast” highway easily rivals the attractions of the Great Ocean Road. Which is better? We’ll let you decide since you will experience both.
It would be a shame to come “down under” and not be able to experience both of these fantastic destinations, but if you’re schedule won’t permit it, we have made it easy to do either Australia/Tasmania or New Zealand.
At a Glance Your Triple S H-D Oceania Tour
Our free day in Hobart offers a number of great choices. Among the possibilities: take a ferry to the eclectic MONA museum, climb Mt. Wellington, enjoy the shops and cafes of Salamanca Place, take a kayak trip along the waterfront to sample some fish and chips or visit convict sites reflective of Hobart’s past as a penal colony.
For those desiring more time on the bike, there is a choice between two alternative rides to Port Arthur which the tour leaders will outline for those interested.
Our route today starts pleasantly along a country road past farms and rivers before we start gaining altitude as we climb through dense forest. We will pass both historic and present-day mining areas as we go up to the Tarraleah Powerstation Lookout. While not far in distance, today will be a full day of riding on absolutely spectacular and very twisty roads.
At over 4000 feet above sea level, Mt. Roland will provide a dramatic backdrop for our ride today. We will enjoy some great scenery before arriving at Devonport to board the ferry for our return trip to the Australian continent. We will stop in the town of Sheffield for lunch and to enjoy the many murals found throughout this small, charming town. Late afternoon we will board the Spirit of Tasmania ferry for our overnight cruise back to Melbourne.
A light breakfast on the ferry and an early disembarkation means that we will have an early coffee and breakfast stop just outside of Melbourne. We will head southeast to one of the most beautiful coastal roads in the world, the Great Ocean Road. The scenery today will be breathtaking as we hug the ocean highway past the famous surf towns of Torquay, Lorne and Apollo Bay. Port Campbell scenic attractions include the natural limestone and sandstone rock formations of Loch Ard Gorge, The Grotto, London Arch and The Twelve Apostles.
Today we will make our way back to Melbourne on our last riding day in Australia. A second ride on the Great Ocean Road is an option for those interested. Alternatively, we can ride up into the hinterland and enjoy spectacular views on really twisty roads as we travel between Lavers Hill and Colac. Back in Melbourne we will surrender our bikes and enjoy our last dinner together in Australia as we anticipate our next Adventure in New Zealand.
Today the tour leaders will arrange airport transfers for the 4-hour flight to the beautiful city of Christchurch, where the second leg of the Oceania Adventure begins.
The tour leaders will meet you at the airport and arrange your transfer to the hotel. Depending on your flight schedule, you may have time to explore Christchurch, the largest city on the South Island, rich in beauty and culture. Later in the afternoon, we will meet for the motorcycle handover and a short tour briefing followed by our first great dinner in New Zealand.
The first day on the bike will showcase the layered beauty of the east coast. Prepare for many breathtaking views as you travel along coastal highways and past green fields crowned with mountain peaks. The charming coastal town of Kaikoura is known for its fur seal, dusky dolphin, orca and sperm whale populations.
Our ride will continue along the scenic and coastal Highway 1 to Blenheim where we will join twisty Highway 6 that will take us to Nelson. This is a place well known for its arts and crafts, wine culture and natural beauty. You will feel the buzz that this dynamic and fun city has to offer.
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.
For those interested in more riding, a trip to Takaka over the famous Takaka Hill with its fabulous twists and turns and breathtaking views, is a great option. There are some interesting photo opportunities as you cross over the hill. At the summit, you can visit the beautiful limestone Ngarua Caves. Along the way, you also have the option of passing through the famed Abel Tasman National Park.
Today we will ride through lush semi-tropical rainforests and dairy farming areas as we head south to Franz Josef Glacier. The ride will be very pretty, with many opportunities to stop and enjoy the view. At Ross (15 miles south of Hokitika), we’ll have an opportunity to visit a restored gold town and museum commemorating the area’s gold rush days.
Fox Glacier and nearby Franz Josef Glacier, are two of New Zealand’s famous glaciers. Scenic helicopter flights are available to view both glaciers including the opportunity to land on the glacier itself for a close-up view.
Leaving Queenstown, we will backtrack a few miles to the town of Cromwell. From there we will 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 we arrive at the village of Mount Cook, it is easy to be mesmerized by the alpine surroundings of this truly unique region. Take a photo with a life-sized statue of Sir Edmund Hillary or on your motorcycle with magnificent Mount Cook in the background. This area is our 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 landscape of McKenzie County 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. Tonight we will enjoy a wonderful final dinner together to celebrate our Oceania Adventure!
The route is entirely paved, with a variety of road features. 100% pavement.
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Australia
- Includes Honda CB500 F
- Includes Suzuki DR650
- Includes Yamaha V-Star 650
- Includes BMW F700GS
- Additional charge of $250 for a BMW F800GS
- Additional charge of $950 for a BMW R1200GS LC
- Additional charge of $950 for a BMW R1200RT LC
- Additional charge of $1,050 for a Harley Road King
- Additional charge of $1,050 for a Harley Street Glide
- Additional charge of $1,050 for a Harley Ultra Classic
- Additional charge of $1,050 for a Harley Heritage Softail
- Personal motorcycle: deduct $1,000 from the rider price.
New Zealand
- Includes BMW F700GS
- Includes Honda Shadow VLX600
- Includes Honda VT750
- Includes Honda VTX1300
- Includes Suzuki DR650
- Includes Suzuki SVF650 Gladuis
- Includes Suzuki DL650 Vstrom
- Includes Suzuki VSTROM DL1000
- Includes Suzuki 1250 Bandit
- Includes Suzuki SV650
- Includes Harley Sportster 883 Low
- Includes Harley Buell XB12XT Ulysses
- Additional charge of $150 for a Triumph Tiger 800
- Additional charge of $250 for a BMW F800GS
- Additional charge of $400 for a Triumph Tiger 1050
- Additional charge of $950 for a BMW R1200GS LC
- Additional charge of $950 for a BMW R1200RT LC
- Additional charge of $1,050 for a Harley Road King
- Additional charge of $1,050 for a Harley Street Glide
- Additional charge of $1,050 for a Harley Ultra Classic
- Additional charge of $1,050 for a Harley Heritage Softail
- Personal motorcycle: deduct $1,000 from the rider price.
Standard Inclusions
- Late model, low mileage motorcycle
- Upscale accommodations
- A’ la carte dining
- Two Ayres Adventures professional tour leaders
- Airport arrival/departure transfers
- Luggage handling
- Comfortable support vehicle for non-riding companions
- Comprehensive pre-trip planning and assistance
- Customized trip booklet with day-by-day itinerary and attractions
- Two commemorative shirts
- Adventurer Club travel award credit
Meals
- All breakfasts
- 17 dinners
Special Inclusions
- Overnight ferry to/from Tasmania
- Pre-dinner show in Strahan
Deposit per person:
- Full Oceania Tour: $3,200
- New Zealand: $1,600
- Australia: $1,600
- Full Oceania Tour: $1,600
- New Zealand: $900
- Australia: $900
2019 Schedule
| Date | 2019 Adventures | Days | Price (USD) | Co-rider | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Feb 16 - Mar 8 | Full Oceania Tour | 21 | $13,900 | $9,900 | |
| Feb 16 - Feb 26 | Australia and Tasmania | 11 | $7,500 | $5,700 | |
| Feb 26 - Mar 8 | New Zealand | 11 | $6,900 | $4,950 |
They always go above and beyond to take care of the client
I have participated in numerous tours with Ayres Adventures as well as other tour companies and can comfortably report that Ayres is the Premier touring company. They always go above and beyond to take care of the client.
Rob and Christine's Adventures include:
New Zealand Top Down Adventure
Australia and Tasmania – Adventure Down Under
Dutch Treat Adventure
Spain and Morocco
Viking Run
Escape to Machu Picchu
Southern Cross
Best of Alaska/Canada
Jacksonville, FL
This is the way I want to experience this type of trips going forward!
Now that I am finally back home I wanted to send some words with my impressions after this adventure in your wonderful country.
This was my ninth motorcycle tour of this type and I can say without hesitation that what I have experienced this time has nothing to do with my previous tours. I had very high expectations of the tour based on the multiple things I read and videos I watched in preparation of this adventure. All of them have been highly exceeded.
Of course the many wonders of New Zealand, as well as the quality of the accommodations and restaurants chosen, had a lot to do with that, but what really made the difference was the level of enthusiasm and professionalism that you and Jason showed every single day of the tour, taking care of every detail, anticipating any potential issue, ensuring that everyone was safely enjoying those superb riding opportunities that this country offers, and making sure that each of the participants was getting the most out of each day.
If this is the way in which Ayres delivers the adventures offered in its catalogue then I am afraid that you will be hearing a lot more about me, because this is the way I want to experience this type of trips going forward.
All my gratitude for this unforgettable adventure and all the strength for the times to come.
Fuerte abrazo (Big Hug)
Raul
Raul's Adventures include:
New Zealand Top Down Adventure
Madrid, Spain
Thank you for a trip of a lifetime that exceeded my highest expectations!
The tour leaders were way more than I ever anticipated. They are thorough, knowledgeable about motorcycling and the area and they both have really good people skills. I saw them accommodate every person on the tour in a unique way for each person and they made it look easy ...which I know is not the case.
Bravo to these two guys and to you for hiring and training them. They are what made this tour so exceptional.
The ride scenery in New Zealand was unbelievable and fantastic and the dinners were first class.
Thank you, thank you for a trip of a lifetime that exceeded my highest expectations.
Mark's Adventures include:
New Zealand Top Down Adventure
Vista, CA
Can't wait to return!
Just returned from New Zealand and the Top Down Tour and can't wait to return. Chris and Janis could not have made a better set of guides.
David's Adventures include:
New Zealand Top Down Adventure
Los Angeles, CA
We cannot think of a better way to see the world!
Travelling with Ayres Adventures was stellar. It was a great opportunity to tour another country with absolutely no worries. Each day we were briefed as to what the day ahead would look like and off we went. The guides, Chris and Axel, were knowledgeable, organized and a pleasure to be with. We made many stops to look at beautiful sites or to take a break. It gave us an opportunity to meet new friends and share the love of motorcycle touring. We cannot think of a better way to see the world and would definitely travel with Ayres again.
Wendel and Janet's Adventures include:
New Zealand Top Down Adventure
Brooks, Canada
After this fantastic tour, I am afraid I can never do a "normal" vacation again!
Even though I had high expectations, I was not prepared for how heart achingly beautiful New Zealand is. Every day on the tour another stunning ride unfolded, each completely unique and full of surprises. The accommodations were equally unique and in prime spots, with nice meals in a variety of restaurants. Both tour leaders had a deep knowledge about the places we visited and taught us a lot. After this fantastic tour, I am afraid I can never do a "normal" vacation again!
Cordelia's Adventures include:
New Zealand Top Down Adventure
Mongolia and Eastern Siberian Adventure
Albuquerque, New Mexico
Once you travel with Ayres Adventures there is no going back!
First class all the way! Awesome roads and amazing lodging. Staff brings the group together and makes everyone feel welcome and at ease. Gives us plenty of time on the bikes and off the bikes to enjoy our new friends. Does a great job dealing with the unexpected and last minute changes which are bound to happen with any event. Why go with any other group - once you travel with Ayres Adventures there is no going back - they are top notch. This is my 4th trip and saving my money for the next one.
John and Heidi's Adventures include:
New Zealand Top Down Adventure
Ushuaia and Antarctica
Africa Call of the Wild
Iron Butt Viking Run
More awesome than we could ever have imagined!
Hi Ron,
I just wanted to touch base with you about our recent trip to New Zealand with Ayres Adventures. It was a trip of a lifetime that was more awesome than we could ever have imagined.
Chris and Bryn did an outstanding job in leading us and showing us their country the New Zealand way. The bikes ran great, the weather was excellent, the scenery outstanding, the roads were awesome with lots of curves, the food was amazing and our tour group of people all got along as good friends.
I could go on and on, but words cannot express the fun we had on this tour. Everything was top notch! A truly amazing journey!
Bob and Robin's Adventures include:
New Zealand Top Down Adventure
(Auckland to Christchurch)
Plymouth, Minnesota
The most wonderful vacation we've ever had!
Before we left for New Zealand, we told ourselves it would be the trip of a lifetime...it was all that and ten times more. Every aspect of the entire experience far exceeded our wildest expectations.
The accommodations and the meals were fabulous, the rides amazing, and the people were the absolute best. It was without a doubt the most wonderful vacation we've ever had.
We will return to New Zealand some day, and we will ride with Ayres again--somewhere in the world.
John and Jane's Adventures include:
New Zealand Top Down Adventure
Oberlin, Ohio
You won't be disappointed!
"I've taken two Ayres Adventures motorcycle tours, two years apart, on two continents - they were both topnotch! I don't normally treat myself to the finest things, but Ayres Adventures did treat us to the finest things, and they did it humbly, with knowing smiles on their faces. They knew the next site, the next route, or the next hotel, was going to knock our socks off. And, sure enough, it did!
I encourage anyone considering an overseas motorcycle trip to choose Ayres Adventures as your host. You won't be disappointed"
Steve's Adventures include:
Rendezvous in Rio
New Zealand Grand Tour
Chicago, Illinois
My husband loves motorcycle touring and now I must admit I have grown to love it too!
The camaraderie of our tour group, good natured people, well cared for roads, twistie turns and gorgeous scenery enhanced by beautiful silver ferns, crystal blue lakes, and of course lots of sheep!
These all describe the memories I will cherish when I think about New Zealand. My husband loves motorcycle touring and now I must admit I have grown to love it too! ...Susan"
Bob and Sue's Adventures include:
New Zealand Top Down Adventure
Call of the Wild
Escape to Antarctica (and Ushuaia)
Machu Picchu Excursion
Norwegian Midnight Sun
Lake Villa, Illinois
We’re already signed up for the Alps and Morocco
I’ve ridden eight Ayres Adventures tours, three of them IBA (Iron Butt Association) specific rides and haven’t been disappointed. All have been first class, unique, and full of very pleasant surprises. Ron and his staff have always been courteous, helpful, and patient. In fact, he has found some special tour leaders and guides. By the end of the tour, they become friends that we look forward to seeing again.
Each tour had it’s own highlights. The IBA tours fit our style of riding since we are interested in seeing as much as we can and not spending a lot of time at the destination hotels. If you ride one, be prepared to cover some distance in all kinds of road and weather conditions.
Ushuaia had been one of those must see places for us and the South America IBA ride was the perfect way to do it, we ended up with more than we expected. The scenery was spectacular, the food was excellent, and this group of riders made it a ride to remember.
We enjoyed this one so much, we’re already signed up for the Alps IBA ride this September and the Portugal, Spain, and Morocco tour next year.
Tom and Mona's Adventures include:
IBA Ushuaia Tour
IBA Africa Tour
IBA Extreme Alps Tour
Machu Picchu Excursion (Empire of the Incas)
Spain and Morocco
New Zealand Top Down Adventure
Namibian Splendors (Africa)
Russia - Beyond the Golden Ring
Munich to Istanbul
Japan Cherry Blossoms and Mt. Fuji
The Epic Journey - Moscow to Hong Kong
Vista, California
You win the oscar!
You win the Oscar for the category of "The Company that Works the Hardest to Please a Client!"
George and Sherri's Adventures include:
Southern Cross
New Zealand Top Down Adventure
Tulsa, Oklahoma
Once again, we came away thrilled...
"The Antarctica trip was our fifth tour (or 6th if you count Hyder) with Ayres Adventures and once again we came away thrilled with the experience.
The Antarctica portion was a life changing event, much the same as our three trips in Africa with Ayres forever changed our view of the world. Having now toured on all 7 continents, we can say that while the trip to Antarctica is costly and can be difficult at times, it is worth every cent if you enjoy adventure travel to new places. It will change your perspective of our planet and all it entails in a way that is impossible to explain unless you have made the voyage!
Mike and Cara's Adventures include:
Escape to Antarctica (and Ushuaia)
Call of the Wild (Africa)
Southern Cross (Africa)
Namibian Splendors (Africa)
Into Africa
New Zealand Top Down Tour
Greece and Italy - Golden Odyssey
Machu Picchu Excursion
Portugal and Spain Adventure
Portugal, Spain and Morocco Adventure
Southern Pines, North Carolina
Consider your company whole-heartedly endorsed!
"When the memories of a trip stay with me every night while trying to sleep, I know that I have experienced something very memorable. I had such a good time that I signed up for your next 'Rendezvous in Rio' Adventure".
Consider your company whole-heartedly endorsed!
John's Adventures include:
Taste of Chile (and Dash of Argentina)
South American Splendors
Rendezvous in Rio
New Zealand Grand Tour
Escape to Antarctica (and Ushuaia)
Africa Off-Road
Southern Cross (Africa)
Portugal, Spain and Morocco
Lebanon, Oregon
Bikers Delight
Biker's delight. These are the words that come to my mind when I think of my Ayres Adventures tours. Great rides, sensational places, good food and great fun. A big "Thank you!" to the whole Ayres team for creating such an experience, you're doing an awesome job. I am looking forward to riding with you again.
Michael's Adventures include:
Machu Picchu Excursion
Southern Cross
Namibian Splendors
Spain and Morocco
Norwegian Midnight Sun
New Zealand Top Down Adventure
Cologne, Germany