In early 2014, Mr. and Mrs. Knobby set off on an epic motorcycle tour across New Zealand, with Mr. Knobby alternating between his BMW F 800 GS and Triumph Explorer 1200. The journey began with a multi-leg flight from Boise (BOI) via Portland, LA, and Nadi to Christchurch (CHC), where we settled into the Milano Motor Lodge. After a day exploring Christchurch at the Heartland Hotel Cotswold, we kicked off the ride, heading south to Twizel (Mac Kenzie Country Inn) and then Te Anau (Village Inn Hotel), marveling at the rugged beauty of the South Island.

From Te Anau, we rolled into Queenstown, staying two nights at Scenic Suites Queenstown—one day to ride, one to soak in the adventure capital’s vibe. The route continued up the wild West Coast to Fox Glacier (Distinction Te Weheka Inn) and Punakaiki (Punakaiki Rocks Hotel), before crossing to Nelson/Motueka for a cozy Rural Holidays Farmstay. Next, we rode to Wellington, spending two nights at the Quality Hotel Wellington to enjoy the capital’s charm.

The North Island leg took us to Napier (Beachfront Motel), Rotorua (Distinction Hotel Rotorua), and Auckland (Heritage Auckland Hotel). From Auckland, we ventured north to Omapere, then rode via Cape Reinga to Cable Bay, before looping through Doubtless Bay and Paihia in the Bay of Islands. The trip wrapped up with a ride back to Auckland and a flight home (AKL-SFO-BOI). Three weeks of stunning landscapes, winding roads, and two-wheeled freedom—New Zealand was a rider’s paradise.