Whether you're a seasoned rider seeking the adrenaline rush of riding or just love the history and culture of motorcycles, New Zealand has a wide variety of events that cater to every type of motorcycle enthusiast.
The New Zealand motorcycle scene is thriving thanks to a strong culture of road bikes, motocross, sport bikes, trail riders, and vintage motorcycles. From Invercargill to Auckland, you’ll find events that showcase everything from classic rides to the latest in emerging racing technology.
Whether you're a die-hard enthusiast or just curious about the world of motorcycles, these events will appeal to all types of riders and fans.
The New Zealand motorcycle show is the largest motorcycle show in the country.
The 2023 was the first year the event had run since the covid pandemic. The show is set to return in 2024 bigger and better than ever before.
Tickets are $30. Proceeds go to the Papakura Rotary Club and are shared with other nearby Rotary Clubs. Funds then go back into the Auckland community.
Whether you’re a rider yourself or just enjoy looking at the best bikes in the world, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. The Classic Bike of the Year category brings entries from restored bikes from all around the globe. Previous winners include bikes from as far back as 1905, beautifully restored and ready to ride.
There’s also live music, food trucks and a live bike arena for those that want to see some of the best bikes in action.
NZ Custom Bike of the Year awards the best-customised bike in New Zealand. From choppers to sports bikes, this is one of the most popular categories and a real crowd drawer throughout the day.
Other popular categories include:
Best Veteran & Vintage Bike
Best American Bike
Best British Bike
Best Japanese Bike
Best Pre-War Bike
Best Post-War Bike
Motorcycling New Zealand is a fantastic organisation and resource for riders wanting to get involved in a local club or start competitive racing. Whether you’re looking to get into motorsport or simply meet and ride with other bike enthusiasts, you’ll find everything you need on this site.
Check out the Motorcycling New Zealand calendar. You’ll find events for many different types of motorsport races around the country. Their Find A Club page is also fantastic for anyone looking for a Club in their area. From road racing to enduro, motocross and speedway, a wide range of Clubs and Official Races can be found here.
The TT2000 is an annual 2000km motorcycle challenge ran over a long weekend during the summer months. While this year's rally has been and gone, if you are a fan of long-distance rides, now is a great time to start planning for 2025!
The event considers itself an endurance challenge, rather than a motorcycle race. Every year, the route changes so that riders are covering new ground and experiencing new scenery. Past rides have included a route taking riders over the South Island’s four passes, Lewis, Arthurs, Haast and Lindis.
Riders have to reach a series of 50 checkpoints, in any given order, throughout a 48-hour time period. In order to complete the challenge riders must take a photo of their TT 2000 race t-shirt and their bike at the checkpoint. Checkpoints are located at various landmarks including bridges, churches, pubs, farm gates and railway stations.
You’ll need to have a full motorcycle licence and a bike that’s road-legal. However, these are just the basics. The TT 2000 website states that the best riders for this event are those who know how to pace themselves and make a realistic assessment of their endurance. Lots of riders love this event for the pre-planning element.
As it's up to each rider to decide which order they want to complete checkpoints in how you plan to complete the challenge is a huge part of the appeal. Whether you like to wing it or love to map your route in the months beforehand, this event is sure to be a fun challenge.
The Burt Munroe Challenge is the largest motorcycle rally in New Zealand. The rally honours the legendary achievements of Southland’s Burt Munroe whose 1967 world speed record of 183.58mph at Bonneville Salt Flats, Utah, still stands today.
This event is jam-packed with motorcycle races and events with a track day, hill climb championships, twilight drag racing, beach racing, sprint racing and superbike championships all held over the week.
If you’re a fan of classic motorcycles or classic motorcycle racing, take a look at the NZ Classic Motorcycle Racing Register of Events.
Regular events include four yearly classics as while as the NZCMRR Classic Motorcycle Racing Festival, with members racing classic, vintage, pre-war and post-classic motorcycles throughout the event.
The BMW Motorrad Track Day allows riders of all skill levels to ride on a track in a safe, controlled environment.
Once registered, participants will be graded into groups to ensure they are sharing the track with riders of a similar skill level. It’s not a race or a rally but rather a chance to experience what it’s like to ride on a proper track. Each group also have an ambassador riding with them who will provide tips and advice to riders during their time on the track.
If you’re a fan of superbikes, the Super Bike Championships are held each year from January to March over four rounds of racing. Held at the Mike Pero Motorsport Park in Templeton, Levels International Raceway in Timaru, Hampton Downs Motorsport Park in Waikato and the Burce McLaren Motorsport Park in Taupo, all four venues provide an exciting backdrop for the best superbike riders in the country.
If you are a Triumph owner, you won’t want to miss getting involved in the annual Triumph Owners Motor Cycle Club NZ Rally. Held each year in different locations around the country, it’s a great way to meet other riders who share a love of both modern and old Triumph motorcycles.
If you’re not already a member, consider joining a club chapter in:
Northland
Auckland
Franklin
Waikato/Bay of Plenty
Taranaki
Wanganui
Manawatu-Wellington
Canterbury
Dunedin
Invercargill
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