Touring Destinations
A Guide to Touring New Zealand by Motorcycle: NZeTA, Road Rules, Seasons and the Milford Road
Touring New Zealand by motorcycle from the US: NZeTA and levy costs, riding on a US licence, keep-left road rules, winter and the Milford Road.
To tour New Zealand by motorcycle from the US, start with an NZeTA. It's priced from NZD $17, and a levy of NZD $100 is added when you apply. New Zealand accepts a valid licence written in English, so a US licence works, and any conditions on it still apply. Ride on the left, and plan around the southern seasons: June to August is winter, and snow chains may be needed.
This guide is part of our motorcycle touring destinations series. It covers what a US rider needs to plan a New Zealand motorcycle trip on their own or with a self-guided rental.
Key takeaways- NZeTA: from NZD $17, valid for 2 years, with stays of up to 3 months at a time.- A US licence in English is accepted, and any conditions on it still apply.- Open-road limit: usually 100 km/h (62 mph). If five or more vehicles queue behind you, you must pull over.- The Milford Road closes about 8 days a year on average, mostly in winter.
Is a motorcycle allowed in New Zealand on a US licence?
Yes. DriveSafe, the visitor driving site run by Tourism Industry Aotearoa, says you can drive if you hold a current, valid licence written in English. Any restrictions or conditions on your licence still apply in New Zealand. So you can only ride a motorcycle in New Zealand if your US licence already covers motorcycles.
If your licence isn't in English, you need an international driving permit or an approved translation, and you must carry the original licence too.
We couldn't confirm the maximum time a visitor can ride on an overseas licence because the NZ Transport Agency's pages blocked us. Check it on the NZTA visitors page before you go.
Entry: NZeTA and the visitor levy
The levy figure comes from a travel information site, not from Immigration New Zealand. Check the total price in the NZeTA application on the Immigration New Zealand site.
| Item | Detail (checked October 2026) |
|---|---|
| NZeTA fee | From NZD $17. It's cheaper if you apply in the app |
| International Visitor Levy | NZD $100, collected with the NZeTA application |
| Validity | 2 years, with multiple visits allowed |
| Length of stay | Up to 3 months at a time, and no more than 6 months in any 12 months |
| Passport | Must be valid for at least 3 months after you leave |
| Funds | At least NZD $1,000 a month, or NZD $400 if your accommodation is prepaid |
Road rules that matter on a bike
DriveSafe also suggests riding only 1–2 hours at a time between breaks, and resting for 24–48 hours after a long-haul flight before you set off. Most US riders arrive after a long-haul flight, so build the rest day into the plan.
| Rule | Detail |
|---|---|
| Side of road | Left, at all times |
| Open road | Usually 100 km/h (62 mph). Some expressways allow up to 110 km/h (68 mph) where signed |
| Queues | If five or more vehicles are queued behind you on the open road, you must pull over safely and let them pass |
| One-lane bridges | The big arrow on the sign has right of way. If you're unsure, let the other vehicle go first |
| Alcohol | 0.05% for riders over 20; zero under 20 |
| Phones | Using a handheld phone while riding is illegal |
When to go
New Zealand's winter runs from June to August. If you ride then, expect snow and carry tyre chains you know how to fit. Those months are summer in North America, so a New Zealand trip suits riders who want to ride during the US winter.
Summer brings more traffic, and with it a higher crash risk. Book bikes and rooms early, and allow extra time between stops.
The Milford Road: a route to plan around
People often ask which New Zealand roads are good on a motorcycle. We haven't ridden and ranked them, so we don't give a list. We cover the Milford Road (State Highway 94) here because its conditions shape your plan:
- From Te Anau to Milford Sound is 119 km (74 mi).
- The highest point, 945 m (3,100 ft), is at the eastern portal of the 1,270 m Homer Tunnel.
- At peak times in summer, traffic lights let traffic through the tunnel one direction at a time. Delays can last up to 20 minutes.
- Because of avalanche danger, stopping is prohibited on long stretches.
- The road closes about 8 days a year on average, mostly in winter. Chains are mandatory in snow conditions, and slips or washouts can close it at any time of year.
The highway ends at Milford Sound, so you'll ride back the same way. Check the road status and the weather before you leave Te Anau.
Self-guided rental or a guided tour?
Search results for New Zealand show both self-guided rentals and guided tours. Before you book either, ask:
- Does my US licence class cover the bike you're offering?
- What insurance is included, and what's the excess after a crash?
- Is the route planned for 1–2 hours of riding between breaks?
- What happens if a road like the Milford Road is closed on the day?
Our guide to choosing a motorcycle adventure tour explains how to compare operators.
Gear for four seasons in one trip
On the Milford Road, snow can fall on the higher sections at any time of year, so pack for cold as well as sun. Leather Collection's touring jackets are hand-stitched cowhide for men and women, with vents, reflective piping or zip-off sleeves, in standard or custom sizes. Add a waterproof layer for rain.
For the full kit list, see our motorcycle trip packing list.
FAQ
What are some good motorcycle routes in New Zealand?
We haven't ridden and ranked New Zealand routes, so we don't name a best one. If you include the Milford Road from Te Anau, check for closures and allow for tunnel delays.
Is a motorcycle allowed in New Zealand?
Yes, on a valid licence in English that already covers motorcycles. The conditions on your licence still apply.
What is the best country to ride a motorcycle in?
That depends on the rider and the season. If you're comparing destinations for the northern winter, New Zealand's seasons are reversed. For another keep-left trip, see planning a motorcycle trip in Japan, or compare it with planning a motorcycle trip in Australia.
margumi Editorial Team
margumi articles are researched from published sources, cited in the text, and reviewed before publication.