Here are a few frequently asked questions - if your question isn't on the list, make sure you get in touch.
Why should I book a tour with Real Aotearoa?
At Real Aotearoa, our tours are limited to 12 people, meaning you get the ultimate experience with no queues, no feelings of being rushed or talked over. While the days are awesome and full to the brim with fun and excitement, your evening’s accommodation provides an oasis of comfort and luxury second to none. Many of the places we’ll visit and roads we’ll travel are special, “secrets” held close by the locals, and are not on your average A to B tours. Our goal is to provide the ultimate holiday for our guests, and create fond memories that are so good they will last a lifetime.
At Real Aotearoa, our tours are limited to 12 people, meaning you get the ultimate experience with no queues, no feelings of being rushed or talked over. While the days are awesome and full to the brim with fun and excitement, your evening’s accommodation provides an oasis of comfort and luxury second to none. Many of the places we’ll visit and roads we’ll travel are special, “secrets” held close by the locals, and are not on your average A to B tours. Our goal is to provide the ultimate holiday for our guests, and create fond memories that are so good they will last a lifetime.
Who takes the tours?
Your guide on this tour will be Neil, the founder of Real Aotearoa with Terry in the support vehicle. Both really experienced and fun people to be around.
Your guide on this tour will be Neil, the founder of Real Aotearoa with Terry in the support vehicle. Both really experienced and fun people to be around.
How old are your motorcycles?
We’re proud to have the newest motorcycle fleet in the country. All of our bikes are 2015/16 models in new condition with very low Km’s.
We’re proud to have the newest motorcycle fleet in the country. All of our bikes are 2015/16 models in new condition with very low Km’s.
What motorcycles are available for the tour?
Our Indian Motorcycle Fleet includes the Scout, Chieftain, Chief Vintage and Roadmaster - the bike you choose is up to you, but this is on a first in, first served basis.
Our Indian Motorcycle Fleet includes the Scout, Chieftain, Chief Vintage and Roadmaster - the bike you choose is up to you, but this is on a first in, first served basis.
My partner doesn’t ride – can they come along?
Hell yes, if your partner doesn’t want to be on the back of your bike, our support vehicle is a near new luxury 9 seater – and Terry will enjoy the company!
Hell yes, if your partner doesn’t want to be on the back of your bike, our support vehicle is a near new luxury 9 seater – and Terry will enjoy the company!
Do you cancel tours if they are not full?
We will always try our hardest not to, but there is a cost point where we would be losing money. Should this happen we would contact you and look at options (i.e. do we need the support vehicle which has a high value in fares and added labour). Bottom line though - this hasn't happened yet.
We will always try our hardest not to, but there is a cost point where we would be losing money. Should this happen we would contact you and look at options (i.e. do we need the support vehicle which has a high value in fares and added labour). Bottom line though - this hasn't happened yet.
Are there rest days on the tours?
Yes! We all love riding, but it’s equally important to remember this is your holiday and you’ve worked damn hard to be here. So there are a couple of ride-free days where you can just sit back, relax and take in the local atmosphere.
Yes! We all love riding, but it’s equally important to remember this is your holiday and you’ve worked damn hard to be here. So there are a couple of ride-free days where you can just sit back, relax and take in the local atmosphere.
How much stuff can I bring with me on a guided tour?
Heaps! All the bikes are fitted with saddle bags for the things you need easy access to (cameras, sun hats, etc.) and then the support vehicle is there for your suitcase. We ask guests to limit this to 1 suitcase per person. Plus we also have a safe holding service for any excess luggage or items you don’t want to take with you free of charge.
Heaps! All the bikes are fitted with saddle bags for the things you need easy access to (cameras, sun hats, etc.) and then the support vehicle is there for your suitcase. We ask guests to limit this to 1 suitcase per person. Plus we also have a safe holding service for any excess luggage or items you don’t want to take with you free of charge.
What experience do I need?
While the Indian is no toy, it’s also one of the best handling bikes we’ve ever ridden. The weight is all down low and the frame design offers real ‘turn your head and that’s where you go’ handling. We would suggest 1 or more year’s experience on road bikes, and riders must be confident.
While the Indian is no toy, it’s also one of the best handling bikes we’ve ever ridden. The weight is all down low and the frame design offers real ‘turn your head and that’s where you go’ handling. We would suggest 1 or more year’s experience on road bikes, and riders must be confident.
How challenging are New Zealand roads?
For our overseas friends who are used to multi-lane freeways and Highways - our roads are beautiful and quiet with the only challenge being the odd bump or pothole. Our roads are a lot of fun, full of twists and turns – but this can be tiring, which is why we limit our ride time each day, to ensure when you get on your beast you’re excited and alert ready for the day’s adventure. Simply put, our roads are beautiful and you’ll love them!
For our overseas friends who are used to multi-lane freeways and Highways - our roads are beautiful and quiet with the only challenge being the odd bump or pothole. Our roads are a lot of fun, full of twists and turns – but this can be tiring, which is why we limit our ride time each day, to ensure when you get on your beast you’re excited and alert ready for the day’s adventure. Simply put, our roads are beautiful and you’ll love them!
Do I need travel/trip insurance?
In New Zealand you are covered by ACC should an accident occur, but this doesn’t cover you for an actual illness, so we strongly recommend you get travel insurance. If you hire a motorcycle, it will be fully insured while on tour with an excess of $3000.
In New Zealand you are covered by ACC should an accident occur, but this doesn’t cover you for an actual illness, so we strongly recommend you get travel insurance. If you hire a motorcycle, it will be fully insured while on tour with an excess of $3000.
Do you provide motorcycle gear?
Yes, your tour package includes a Shoei helmet, Rev it! jacket, gloves and cover trousers for both rider and pillion. You will need your own trousers and footwear.
Yes, your tour package includes a Shoei helmet, Rev it! jacket, gloves and cover trousers for both rider and pillion. You will need your own trousers and footwear.
What’s the weather like?
October – December is spring here in NZ, where temperatures can range from 18°C - 26°C. You’ll also get to see all the roadside waterfalls and wild flowers in their prime – making it a truly stunning time of year for riding.
October – December is spring here in NZ, where temperatures can range from 18°C - 26°C. You’ll also get to see all the roadside waterfalls and wild flowers in their prime – making it a truly stunning time of year for riding.
Are there any dangerous animals or poisonous insects?
Yeah nah. We’re truly blessed to have nothing that tries to eat or bite us other than the odd mozzie when in the forest areas.
Yeah nah. We’re truly blessed to have nothing that tries to eat or bite us other than the odd mozzie when in the forest areas.
What happens if I break down?
You keep having a good time. If we can’t fix the bike roadside, you’ll be offered the guide’s bike for the remainder of the day. Your steed will be hitched to the back of the support vehicle and taken to be sorted through our support network ready for you the next morning.
You keep having a good time. If we can’t fix the bike roadside, you’ll be offered the guide’s bike for the remainder of the day. Your steed will be hitched to the back of the support vehicle and taken to be sorted through our support network ready for you the next morning.
What happens if I damage the motorcycle?
It can happen, that's why your liability is limited to an excess of $3000 NZDs.Unless it is found you are under the influence of drugs or alcohol in which case the insurer will not be happy as in your own country.
It can happen, that's why your liability is limited to an excess of $3000 NZDs.Unless it is found you are under the influence of drugs or alcohol in which case the insurer will not be happy as in your own country.
How do I pay for the tour?
When you book we ask for a 10% deposit to secure your place, a further 40% is then payable 90 days prior to the date of departure. The balance must then be paid no later than 7 days prior to the date of tour departure. Payments are made either directly into our account or via PayPal (whichever you prefer).
When you book we ask for a 10% deposit to secure your place, a further 40% is then payable 90 days prior to the date of departure. The balance must then be paid no later than 7 days prior to the date of tour departure. Payments are made either directly into our account or via PayPal (whichever you prefer).
Can I ship my own bike for the tour?
Yes, in fact we’ll make it super easy for you. We can help you get the information and documents you'll need to export and import your bike. We can also collect and store your bike here in NZ, so it’s all ready to go on your arrival.
Yes, in fact we’ll make it super easy for you. We can help you get the information and documents you'll need to export and import your bike. We can also collect and store your bike here in NZ, so it’s all ready to go on your arrival.
What if I need to cancel?
Not that you’ll want too! However you can cancel your reservation at any time up to 30 days prior to departure with no fees other than the booking deposit (which is paid to our suppliers when securing your reservation). Between 30 and 8 days out a small percentage may be payable dependent on the tour and optional activities you have booked. If cancelled within 7 days of departure the full tour cost is required - so you have a great opportunity to score some big Karma points with a friend by passing it on! If this happens however, check your travel insurance as it may cover it if the cancellation is due to ill health or a family bereavement.
Not that you’ll want too! However you can cancel your reservation at any time up to 30 days prior to departure with no fees other than the booking deposit (which is paid to our suppliers when securing your reservation). Between 30 and 8 days out a small percentage may be payable dependent on the tour and optional activities you have booked. If cancelled within 7 days of departure the full tour cost is required - so you have a great opportunity to score some big Karma points with a friend by passing it on! If this happens however, check your travel insurance as it may cover it if the cancellation is due to ill health or a family bereavement.
There's no such thing as a 'dumb' question - so ask away!