Wellington, the heart of New Zealand's motorcycle culture, offers some of the most exhilarating rides in the country. Whether you're a seasoned rider or just starting out, the capital region has something for everyone.
Here at MR MOTO, we’re not just passionate about bringing you the widest selection of accessories, clothing, safety gear and more. Our goal is to help to foster a thriving motorcycle community throughout the country and help to spread the word about MR MOTO and our huge range of products that are available online with free delivery over $149 anywhere in the country.
We know that the motorcycling community in Wellington is huge and we hope to reach out to all riders in the area with some top recommendations for rides in the area. Of course, we’d love to hear from you if we have missed any off the list or you have something to add to the ones below. This is part of a series of recommended routes around the country so even if you’re not from Wellington, you might find our other guides useful too. You can check out the Auckland recommended routes guide here.
Let's explore some of the best routes that will get your engine revving and your adrenaline pumping.
1. WARS Ride
Makori Beach Wellington by Pablo - https://www.flickr.com/photos/gomesp/7356606050
This 103km route is a favourite among local riders. With an elevation gain of 449m, it offers a perfect blend of challenging terrain and breathtaking scenery. This route offers some of the best views of the surrounding area and also includes some pretty awesome stop off points along the way. It is a popular Sunday riding route for a lot of bikers in the Wellington area and is also popular with visitors to the capital who want to explore the area.
Key Features
- Distance: 103 km
- Elevation Gain: 449 m
- Terrain: A mix of winding roads and scenic landscapes
- Scenery: Stunning views of the Wellington region and surrounding hills
Stop Off Points
- Makara Beach: A perfect spot to take a break and enjoy the coastal views.
- Karori Wildlife Sanctuary: A chance to see native wildlife and enjoy a short walk.
2. Johnsonville, Paekakariki Hill & Haywards Loop
Ranked as the second most popular motorcycle route in New Zealand, this loop is a must-ride for any Wellington biker. The winding roads and stunning coastal views make it a truly unforgettable experience. At 60kms, it’s not the longest route on our list, but it is ideal for those who are short on time and want to get out and explore this beautiful area.
For those with time on their hands, there are some great cafés along the route which tend to be popular with bikers and there are also some great lookout points if you prefer to pack up your own snacks and drinks and enjoy the views.
Key Features
- Popularity: Second most popular motorcycle route in New Zealand
- Road Type: Twisty and challenging with beautiful coastal views
- Length: Approximately 60 km round trip
Stop Off Points
- Paekakariki Village: Stop for a coffee or snack at one of the local cafes.
- Pukerua Bay Lookout: Enjoy panoramic views of the coastline.
3. Upper Hutt to Martinborough Via SH2 and SH53
Image by: Insertcleverphrasehere, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
This route comes in at number three on the national popularity list. It's a fantastic day trip that takes you through the picturesque Wairarapa region. This route is approximately 100 km one way, so it is definitely a route for those looking to head out for the entire day if you are planning to come back to where you started. For many riders, it makes up part of a multi-day ride and includes some amazing landscapes and stunning scenery along the way.
The route is a testing one although mainly carried out across two main highways – SH2 and SH53 although the rolling hills provide some high quality riding. The route takes you to Martinborough where you can enjoy the local cuisine or a glass of local wine – even better if you are planning on stopping the night before heading back the next day.
Key Features
- Distance: Roughly 100 km one way
- Scenery: Rolling hills, vineyards, and charming rural landscapes
- Road Conditions: Well-maintained roads suitable for all skill levels
Stop Off Points
- Upper Hutt: Grab breakfast or fuel up before hitting the road.
- Martinborough Square: Perfect for lunch and exploring local shops.
4. Featherston Loop via Lake Ferry, Martinborough & Gladstone
This 170km loop is one of the Wairarapa's most popular motorcycle routes. It offers challenging twisty sections, especially towards Lake Ferry. For those seeking an extra adventure, you can extend your trip to Cape Palliser Lighthouse.
Key Features
- Distance: 170 km loop
- Terrain: Twisty sections with coastal views towards Lake Ferry
- Adventure Factor: Option to extend to Cape Palliser Lighthouse
Stop Off Points
- Lake Ferry Hotel: A great place for lunch with stunning lake views.
- Cape Palliser Lighthouse: A scenic detour worth taking for its breathtaking views.
5. Masterton Loop via Pahiatua Track & Rimutakas
Image by: Deano87, CC BY-SA 3.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
For those looking for a full day's ride, this 300km loop is perfect. It takes you through diverse landscapes, from farming country to the scenic Rimutaka Range. This route can be demanding, so make sure you're equipped with the right gear.
Key Features
- Distance: Approximately 300 km loop
- Scenery: Diverse landscapes from farmland to mountain ranges
- Challenge Level: Suitable for experienced riders looking for a full-day adventure
Stop Off Points
- Pahiatua Town Centre: Ideal for a quick refuel or snack.
- Rimutaka Summit Lookout: A must-stop for stunning views and photo opportunities.
6. Wellington to Taihape
This route offers an excellent mix of open roads and picturesque countryside, making it a favourite among local riders. It’s a long route tracking at 226 one way and often forms part of a multi-day route or as part of a ride to another part of the country. The elevation gain of 507 m means this route provides some great views and the road itself offers some challenging sections.
Key Features
- Distance: 226 km one way
- Elevation Gain: 507 m
- Terrain: Scenic rural roads with some challenging sections
Stop Off Points
- Bulls Town Centre: A good place to stop for refreshments.
- Taihape Town Centre: Explore local shops and grab a bite before heading back.
7. Admiral Hill Loop
Wellington Harbour on Admiral Hill Loop by Velvet Android (https://www.flickr.com/photos/68777870@N00/128600128/in/photostream/)
This route is ideal for those looking to experience some of Wellington's best panoramic vistas while enjoying thrilling curves. At 236 km as a loop route, this is another of those great all-day riding routes that keeps giving you more every time you ride it. Another of the routes on the list with good elevation gain, this offers some spectacular views of the Wellington Harbour as well as some challenging roads that will test even the most experienced rider.
Key Features
- Distance: 236 km loop
- Elevation Gain: 559 m
- Terrain: Curvy roads with stunning views over Wellington Harbour
Stop Off Points
- Admiral Hill Lookout: Take in sweeping views of the city and coastline.
- Wainuiomata Hill Road Café: Perfect for a coffee break after enjoying the ride.
Wellington's motorcycle routes offer an incredible mix of challenging rides and stunning scenery. Whether you're cruising along the coast or winding through the mountains, these routes are sure to satisfy your riding passion.
Before you set out on your next adventure, make sure to visit MR MOTO online for all your motorcycle needs. From parts and accessories to the latest riding gear, we've got you covered. And if you're in the market for a new ride, don't forget to check out MR Motorcycles for one of the best selection of bikes in the country.
Remember, a well-maintained bike and proper gear are essential for a safe and enjoyable ride. So gear up, rev up, and explore the best that Wellington has to offer on two wheels!