A West Coast Motorcycle Adventure: Christchurch to Punakaiki and Back

Start your adventure from Christchurch, collecting your bike from one of many rental options, like Tiki Tour Motorcycle Rentals, taking State Highway 73 towards the towering peaks of Arthur’s Pass. This scenic ride quickly immerses you in the beauty of the Southern Alps, with winding roads, breathtaking views, and the odd inquisitive kea waiting to greet you at the summit. This stretch of road features on many motorcyclists' bucket lists with a rapidly evolving landscape and plenty of twists to keep you smiling.

Once you’ve cleared the mountains, detour to Moana, a small town on the shores of Lake Brunner. Nestled among the lush greenery, this peaceful spot is perfect for a pit stop to stretch your legs and soak in the view.

Continue your journey towards Punakaiki, home to the famous Pancake Rocks and Blowholes. Marvel at the unusual rock formations that rise up from the sea, as they’ve done for millennia. If the tide is in, you’re in for a treat with water spouting through the blowholes in dramatic fashion. Spend the night here, perhaps at one of the local accommodations that offer stunning coastal views.

Leaving the rugged coastline behind, and head north along State Highway 6 through some of the majestic Buller Gorge. This stretch of road is a motorcyclist’s dream—lush native bush, and a road that follows the contours of the river. Memories of this untamed beauty are guaranteed to last a lifetime.

You’ll weave through the Lower Buller Gorge (on a short detour, you can continue through to the Upper Buller Gorge Viewpoint – this maximises the windy roads) before turning at Inangahua down to Reefton.

Stay a night in Reefton and take some time to explore the town, one of our Tohu Whenua sites. With a rich gold mining history, Reefton was the first town in the Southern Hemisphere to have electric streetlights! The area is also fantastic for fishing and mountain biking, with a river right next to the town and trails nearby.

Gin lovers won’t want to miss the Reefton Distilling Co. This local gin distillery has a tasting room conveniently located right in town. And for a small town, Reefton offers plenty of cozy eateries. If you're craving pizza, be sure to stop by Bassano Pizza Parlour.