Jackson Bay Ride: Self-Guided

Your Adventure is yours to create with an Indian Motorcycle rental in New Zealand, but if you’re looking for a fantastic itinerary, this one—created especially for Polaris Adventurers by the team at Wanaka Powersports—fits the bill.

You’ll travel along the western shore of Lake Hawea before crossing “The Neck,” a saddle in the mountains between Lakes Wanaka and Hawea. Continuing along the smooth highway, you’ll skirt the eastern coast of Lake Wanaka, winding your way to the lake's northern tip before following the Makaroa River into Mount Aspiring National Park.

Here, the landscape transforms, becoming saturated in forest green as you wind your way up and up over the southernmost pass crossing the Southern Alps before dropping back down to cross the Haast River, journeying into the valley floor. Before reaching Haast township, you’ll turn south and ride along the west coast to Jackson Bay, marking the southernmost tip of the West Coast Road. The local village consists of 12 houses, a long wharf, a crayfish chiller warehouse, and a wonderful surprise—a cafe in a caravan. Called the Cray Pot, the cafe serves fabulous seafood, including blue cod, whitebait fritters, and crayfish.  

Enjoy spectacular ocean views and the Southern Alps, which are often painted pink by the setting sun. And you may even catch a glimpse of rare Hector’s dolphin females and their calves.

Visiting this remote, geographically blessed area, it’s easy to see why it’s been designated a World Heritage Area.

Please note: Price is in New Zealand dollars.