FAQs
What gear is provided?
Every passenger is provided with an approved motorcycle helmet, stylish leather riding jacket, neck warmer and motorcycle gloves.
To maintain personal hygiene, we provide hair covers and disposable inner gloves for all riders.
What gear do I need to bring?
Generally, we recommend warm layers underneath your jacket – keeping in mind that as the weather warms up you can shed layers as you need to. In really warm weather, you may want very little under your jacket. Sunglasses. Full length pants such as jeans and sturdy footwear – ideally boots. Note – we will not carry passengers in shorts or open footwear.
How safe will I be?
Kākāriki Rides’ tours are classed as adventure tours, so there will always be some element of risk. However, it is very minimal. All passengers are provided with appropriate safety gear. Our routes are carefully chosen and road conditions continuously monitored. All our riders are Gold Standard qualified under the NZ Ride Forever rider safety program. All our riders are specifically licensed to carry passengers.
How do I get on and off the bike?
It’s very easy. We’ll show you and help you as required.
Some people who are supported by a caregiver may need to be helped on and off the bike by their caregiver. If you have any specific questions or concerns, please contact us so we can discuss them with you.
What photos can I take?
You’re welcome to take as many photos as you wish – of yourself, of your bike, your rider, and of course, the spectacular scenery you’ll be part of. Also, your rider will be happy to stop (safely) anywhere you wish along the way – being small and manoeuvrable, a motorbike will give you a lot more options for photo opportunities than you would get travelling on an ordinary tour.
Can I take photos whilst we're travelling?
Yes. Some of our passengers have - even using selfie sticks and SLR cameras. Although you’ll need to be very mindful of the risk of dropping your camera on the road.
What if I’m not comfortable on the motorbike?
Our different bikes provide varying levels of seat comfort and feel of intrinsic safety. Our flagship bike – the Indian Challenger Pursuit, has a heated, high-back passenger seat that really is a luxury ‘armchair ride’. If you have any concern about your comfort, have limited physical capability, or are looking for a ride for a young child – then this is the bike for you. We’ve had a three-year-old fall asleep whilst riding on the back of this bike!
Also, our group shared experiences allow you to decide how much time each person spends on the bike throughout your tour.
What is luxury on a motorbike?
Luxury on a motorbike is pairing your favourite play list to the bike's 200-watt sound system. Sitting back in your pillion 'armchair', setting the seat heating to just how you want it, and telling your rider just how thrilling or peaceful you want your ride.
Then kicking back and enjoying the ride. You'll be astounded at just how great it is to be immersed in the landscape instead of just looking at it through a window. Many of our passengers’ comment about being amazed by how much being able to smell the environment as they ride through it, adds to the richness of the experience.
How much does it cost?
Prices vary according to which bike you choose, how long and how far you want to go and what other activities you’d like to include. Other factors with group experiences include how many people and how many bikes you’d like.
Short rides are a similar cost to a taxi fare for the same trip, so it’s best to contact us and discuss your thoughts.
I love the idea, but I’m nervous because I haven’t been on a motorbike before.
Again, our Indian Challenger Pursuit is the bike for you. You’ll sit behind a highly qualified, professional motorbike rider, on a wide high-backed seat that feels like an armchair. And with the way our Pursuit commands the road and demands respect from the traffic around it, there is no better way to take your first motorcycle ride.
Do I need to bring water?
It’s important to stay hydrated throughout your ride. We provide drinking water for all our passengers, and you’re welcome to also bring your own if you wish.
Can I stop along the way?
Yes. As long as it’s safe, we can stop anywhere you’d like.
Where does my tour or ride start from?
Just about anywhere that you want - from your home, hotel or accommodation, cruise ship, airport, public transport, any arranged location …
We can pick you up directly on the motorbike and we also provide a shuttle service as required.
Do you only tour in the South Island?
No. We’ve toured all over New Zealand and can design a tour to go wherever in New Zealand you want.
