The best motorcycle roads in Australia and New Zealand
The short answer
In Australia, ride the Great Ocean Road (243 km from Torquay to Allansford), the Oxley Highway from Walcha to Wauchope, Putty Road north of Sydney, and the Black Spur east of Melbourne. In New Zealand, ride the Crown Range Road (1,076 m, the highest main road in NZ), Haast Pass, Arthur's Pass and the Coromandel loop. October to April is the best season.
Southern summer is the northern winter, which makes Australia and New Zealand perfect when the Alps are under snow.
Australia at a glance
| Road | State | Highlight |
|---|---|---|
| Great Ocean Road | Victoria | 243 km of coast, the Twelve Apostles |
| Oxley Highway (Walcha to Wauchope) | New South Wales | Endless corners down the escarpment |
| Putty Road | New South Wales | Sydney riders' classic Sunday run |
| Waterfall Way | New South Wales | Armidale to the coast, rainforest |
| Black Spur | Victoria | Tall mountain ash forest near Healesville |
The Great Ocean Road
From Torquay to Allansford, 243 km along the Victorian coast, past surf beaches, rainforest and the Twelve Apostles. It's busy with tourists, so ride it early and stop often.
The Oxley Highway
The section from Walcha down to Wauchope drops off the New England tableland in a long run of corners, known as "the Oxley" to riders. Combine it with Thunderbolts Way and Waterfall Way for a weekend loop.
Putty Road
Running north from Windsor near Sydney to the Hunter Valley, Putty Road is the classic Sunday ride for Sydney riders. Watch for wildlife, especially at dawn and dusk.
New Zealand at a glance
| Road | Island | Highlight |
|---|---|---|
| Crown Range Road | South | Highest main road in NZ, Queenstown to Wanaka |
| Haast Pass | South | Wanaka to the West Coast, rainforest and rivers |
| Arthur's Pass | South | Canterbury to the West Coast over the Alps |
| Coromandel Peninsula (SH25) | North | Coastal bends and beaches |
Crown Range Road
From Arrowtown near Queenstown to Wanaka through Cardrona, climbing to 1,076 m. The switchbacks above Arrowtown have views over the Wakatipu basin.
Haast Pass and the West Coast
From Wanaka past Lake Hāwea and over the Haast Pass to the West Coast, then north along the coast. Combine it with Arthur's Pass back to Christchurch for a loop over the Southern Alps.
Good to know
- Wildlife is a real risk in Australia: kangaroos and wallabies at dawn and dusk.
- New Zealand roads are narrow with one-lane bridges. Check the signs for who gives way.
- Both countries drive on the left.
Season
October to April is best. Alpine roads in both countries can get snow and ice in winter.
Ride them with others
MotoBFF has group rides and city chats in Australia and New Zealand. Look at the map around Sydney, Melbourne, Auckland or Queenstown.
Questions riders ask
How long is the Great Ocean Road?
243 km, from Torquay to Allansford in Victoria.
What is the highest road in New Zealand?
The Crown Range Road between Queenstown and Wanaka is the highest main road, at 1,076 m.
When is the best time to ride in New Zealand?
October to April, with the most stable weather from December to March.