Attention to detail, high quality bikes, instantaneous and more than satisfactory responses to issues that might come up (invariably but very few) were the hallmark of my experience with GoTourNZ’s operation.

I have been to NZ touring on a motorcycle twice. The first time was with the GoTourNZ competitors (there are really only two large firms offering high quality guided and self-guided tours dependably in NZ), the second time with the Fitzwaters. As a result, I think I’m in a pretty good position to assess the two firms; I can tell you that the Fitzwaters’ operation is far (and I mean, FAR) superior. Attention to detail, high quality bikes, instantaneous and more than satisfactory responses to issues that might come up (invariably but very few) were the hallmark of my experience with GoTourNZ’s operation.

In terms of the self-guided tour, I can tell you that I came close to making a huge mistake in this area. I was going to set up my own itinerary and accomodations (like I do when touring here in the U.S.), but (fortunately) Ian talked me out of that plan. I can tell you that I would have missed a number of fabulous sights, locales, and opportunities had I proceeded on my own – although I’m still glad I did the self-guided tour (just my preference).

The materials that John and Ian prepare for the self-guided tour is superlative, including giving you two or sometimes three routes you can take from point to point, depending on how long you want to ride that day, and the weather (by the way, when they indicate things like : ‘can be windy at times’, and ‘road is somewhat narrow’, consider them significant understatements!).
The locales they had me stay in were almost universally memorable, with a couple of locations that I think of to this day with great fondness (try to get them to put you in the Tokarahi Homestead, Ian’s place in Nelson, the corner room w/balcony overlooking Mt. Cook, and the Cedar House in Gisborne).

In summary, this is a high quality operation with a couple of gentlemen who will make certain that you have a trip of a lifetime – I know I did.