Known as the “City of Sails,” Auckland, Zealand is one of the best cities in the country to have an urban experience before making your way out to one of New Zealand’s incredible natural areas. The city sits right on the Hauraki Gulf and has a marina where over 500,000 yachts and sailboats are anchored at any given time, hence the nickname. Almost anywhere in the city, you can find stunning views of the water as well as the forests and mountains that lay further inland. And, while Auckland is the most populous city in New Zealand, it’s located only a short drive away from some of the most outstanding hikes and wilderness areas in the country.
The area around Auckland was settled by the Maori people sometime around the year 1350. Then, during the 18th century, Europeans arrived and upset the balance of power on the island. Today, Auckland’s population is primarily of European descent; however, there’s also a very significant population of Asian people. There are endless attractions to see in and around the city of Auckland from giant towers with unbelievable vistas to caves filled with glowworms that create wondrous light spectacles. And with so many of the best sites situated just outside the city of Auckland, the best way to get to all of these great places is to hire a motorcycle and cruise to the outskirts.
Here is everything you need to know about motorbike hire in Auckland. Most things here can also be applied if you are renting a motor scooter as well. This guide includes:
- Whether you need an international driving permit to hire a motorcycle in New Zealand
- Whether it’s safe to drive a motorcycle in New Zealand
- The normal price of motorbike hire in Auckland
- The best places to find motorcycle rentals in Auckland
- The best things to do around Auckland by motorcycle
Is Driving a Motorcycle in New Zealand Dangerous?
In order to drive safely in New Zealand, it’s important to understand the rules of the road and the things to look out for in the country before getting on a rental motorcycle. First of all, they drive on the left-hand side of the road in New Zealand, which may be a strange adjustment for drivers from the United States. Many of the roads around rural New Zealand are very windy and have loose gravel, so you should always be very careful when turning around corners. Also, it’s not uncommon to see sheep or cattle crossing the road when you’re in the rural parts of the country.
Due to the fact that many roads in New Zealand are very curvy, you should only try to pass someone on the right when there’s a clear, straight stretch of road ahead of you. You should also never drive above 100 kilometers per hour anywhere in the country as that’s the national speed limit. If you’re in New Zealand during the winter, you might want to rent or buy some snow chains because it can get very slippery on the roads. And, of course, you should never drink and drive at any point in New Zealand.
What’s the Average Cost of Motorbike Rental in Auckland?
Most things in New Zealand are far from cheap and motorcycle rental is no exception. According to GQ, New Zealand is the 18th most expensive country in the world to live in, so don’t expect to get anything at a low price. If you want to hire a proper motorcycle, such as a BMW F850GS, it’s going to cost you somewhere around €180 per day. However, if you’re willing to compromise with something a little less fast, you can rent a scooter, such as a NIU M Sport, for as little as €40 per day.
No matter what kind of scooter, motorbike, or car you choose to rent, you should make sure that insurance is included in the stated rental price. Any reputable rental company will automatically include insurance in their package, but it never hurts to double-check. If you don’t have insurance and you get in an accident or your rental vehicle gets stolen, you might end up having to pay a whole lot of money.
Do You Need an International Driving Permit to Hire a Motorbike in New Zealand?
New Zealand has signed the United Nations Convention of Road Traffic, meaning that they require all foreign drivers to carry an international driving permit while operating a motor vehicle within the country. This form proves that you have a valid driver’s license in your home country. You should also carry a copy of your national driver’s license and your passport with you so that you can prove to law enforcement that you’ve entered New Zealand legally and that you’re eligible to drive in your home country.
If you want to apply for your IDP, you can do so online here. The application fee is $20 and you should make sure to send in your application at least two weeks before departing for your trip to New Zealand because that’s how long it usually takes to arrive in the mail. Once you have your international driving permit, it will be valid anywhere in the world for one full year.
Where Are the Best Places in Auckland to Find Motorcycle Rental?
If you plan on flying into Auckland Airport, the international airport serving Auckland and the surrounding areas and also the largest and busiest airport in New Zealand, you can find motorcycle rentals right outside the airport terminals. That way, you can drive your rental motorbike right from Auckland Airport to your accommodation inside the city. However, if you’d prefer to find motorcycle hire within the city itself, there are several areas where you should be able to easily find a rental company.
If you’re staying south of Auckland Harbour Bridge, there are plenty of rental companies located in the neighborhood of Grey Lynn. However, if you’re on the north side of the Auckland Harbour Bridge, there are also rental services widely available in the Takapuna and Glenfield areas of the city. The neighborhoods of New Lynn and Rosedale also have some offerings in terms of motorcycle hire.
What Are the Best Things to Do in Auckland by Motorbike?
Now that you’re an expert on hiring a motorbike in Auckland, here are some of the best things to do in the city to get you started on your journey:
Rangitoto Island
If you’re looking for an excursion into nature to do over the course of a day, there’s no better place around Auckland than Rangitoto Island. Located just off the coast across from Devonport, the boat trip to this volcanic island is short and easy. Once you’re there, you’ll enjoy some stunning views and some of the most interesting hiking trails in all of New Zealand. The Summit Track trail leads you through cooled lava fields and the world’s largest pohutukawa forest all the way to the summit of the largest mountain on the island.
If you still want to experience Rangitoto Island for yourself but aren’t much of a hiker, you can look into doing the Fullers Volcanic Explorer Tour. They provide you with a round-trip ferry transfer as well as a tour bus that takes you all around the island. The whole experience is stress-free and offers the opportunity to see some amazing vistas.
Mount Eden
One of the most prized natural features around the city of Auckland is, without a doubt, the dormant volcano known as Mount Eden. Located within the city limits, this summit is the highest point in Auckland. The whole volcano is now covered with grass, so it’s the perfect place to go with a picnic basket and enjoy unparalleled views of the downtown area of the city. The best time to go up to the top is definitely sunrise or sunset when the lighting is most dramatic.
If you’re in the area of Mount Eden anyway, you should stop by Eden Park and see if there are any athletic events going on. This is the largest stadium in New Zealand and a great place to catch a local rugby or cricket match.
Waitomo Glowworm Caves
The Waitomo Glowworm Caves are located a fairly lengthy drive away from the city of Auckland; however, it’s a site that you should absolutely visit if you’re in the area. Located about 120 miles south of the city, you can hop off your motorcycle at the entrance to the caves and take a boat ride through Glowworm Grotto. While you float along, you’ll see that the walls of the caves are illuminated by thousands of glowworms, an animal that can online be found in New Zealand.
If you’re not very keen on riding in a boat, you can also walk through the caves and see just as many glowworms. However, visitors to the Waitomo Glowworm Caves are asked to remain quiet and not to take pictures so as not to disturb the animals.
Adventure Around Auckland on a Rental Motorbike
Aside from the aforementioned natural sites, there are so many other things around Auckland to see while you’re there. So, the best way to explore all that this area of the world has to offer is to hire a motorcycle and start exploring the backroads around Auckland.
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