About Kākāriki Rides
At Kākāriki Rides, we're passionate about sharing our love of Te Waipounamu (the South Island of New Zealand) and motorcycling, to provide exceptional motorcycle passenger tours to all ages and abilities - from short rides to extended adventures, individuals or groups. Our shared experiences ensure that everyone can enjoy the stunning scenic beauty of the South Island on a thrilling, unforgettable journey. When not on a bike, group passengers travel in a luxury car or mini coach.
Meet your hosts
Allan and Colleen founded Kākāriki Rides to share the thrill of riding with the unique splendor of New Zealand and offer an opportunity to be just a bit of a badass “biker” for a little while.
Allan first started riding motorbikes more decades ago than he likes to let on. Nowadays when not sharing the Kākāriki Rides experience, he is a NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) licensed motorcycle instructor – taking riders from their first time on a motorbike, through the NZ graduated licensing system, to coaching them on the racetrack.
He is a 6 x NZ ACC Gold-certified rider, 6 x TT2000 long distance rally “Twisted Throttle” award recipient and former Head Road Captain of the Harley Owners Group (HOG). His long-recognised focus on rider safety and continuous improvement has also seen him feature in NZTA’s “Respect Every Ride” national motorcycle safety campaign.
Now as co-founder and Head Road Captain at Kākāriki Rides, Allan brings his knowledge and experience together to provide outstanding and safe riding adventures.
Colleen more recently joined the fold of passionate motorcycle riders – having started riding just under 10 years ago. Her enlightened enthusiasm has been a driving force behind the many tours of NZ completed by your hosts – from Cape Reinga to Bluff, East Cape to Manapouri (the end of the sealed roads in all directions around NZ).
She quickly graduated from beginner to riding big v-twins and has accumulated a notable array of achievements during her time on a bike. Bronze, Silver & 4 x Gold-certified rider (NZ ACC), 5 x TT2000 long distance rally “Twisted Throttle” award recipient and former Secretary of the Harley Owners Group (HOG).
As co-founder of Kākāriki Rides, Colleen looks after the details that ensure your total experience on and off the bike is not only exhilarating and safe, but smooth and efficient.
