Why this ride
Out of Kingston, one way: 285 km, roughly 5 h 47 in the saddle. The climbs: near Kingston and Scenic stretch near Te Anau. It tops out at about 900 m. It was put together for the scenery rather than the shortest line.
CURVESCOUT / MOTORCYCLE RIDE
Lindis Pass and Tekapo · part 1
Plan this ride
- Recorded distance
- 285 km
- Riding-time estimate
- 5 h 47
- Journey
- One way; return travel is separate
Distance and timing basis
Ordered leg totals agree within rounding. Stop distances are approximate sums of rounded legs. Stops, delays, approach and any separate return travel add time. Basis: planning record, not independently verified geometry.
Reading history stays on this device. My road watch requires a separate selection; opening it does not subscribe this ride.
Distances and riding times are planning figures. Check local closures and conditions before you ride.
Scenic road chapters
Milford Road (SH94)
Expect company on a summer weekend. Early is better than fast. For about 97 km this is Milford Road (SH94), a road with a name of its own and a reason for it.
Rider note
Check the pass is open before you commit to it.
Chapter facts
- Length
- 97 km
- Named road
- Milford Road (SH94)
- Pass
- Homer Tunnel
Waypoint introductions and full write-ups
1. Fuel stop near Kingston
Planning note
Lindis Pass and Tekapo is where the day begins. Next is High point near Kingston.
2. High point near Kingston
Planning note
You top out here; the road stops climbing. Next is Scenic stretch near Te Anau.
3. Scenic stretch near Te Anau
Planning note
This is where the road stops climbing. Next is Lindis Pass and Tekapo photo pull-off.
4. Lindis Pass and Tekapo photo pull-off
The nearest way in is a walking track, the Hollyford, which runs for days through the valley to the sea at Martins Bay, and the nearest roads stop well short of it. The ride is named for the Lindis Pass and Tekapo, which lie a long way east, so take this stop as a nod to the wilderness behind the road.
Read the complete Lindis Pass and Tekapo photo pull-off write-up.
Recorded stop-planning note
May refer to an earlier itinerary; verify against your selected route before riding.
Planning note
Lindis Pass and Tekapo photo pull-off closes the day.
Leg by leg
Fuel stop near Kingston to High point near Kingston
Fuel stop near Kingston → High point near Kingston is 70 km of rhythm rather than effort. Let it flow and let the view breathe.
High point near Kingston to Scenic stretch near Te Anau
High point near Kingston → Scenic stretch near Te Anau is 118 km of getting across. Ride it tidily and keep the enthusiasm for what comes after.
Scenic stretch near Te Anau to Lindis Pass and Tekapo photo pull-off
Scenic stretch near Te Anau → Lindis Pass and Tekapo photo pull-off is 97 km of getting across. Ride it tidily and keep the enthusiasm for what comes after.
More motorcycle rides nearby
- Southern Lakes Loop · 342 km
- Milford Road Expedition · part 2 · 125 km
- Queenstown · Crown Range and Milford Approach · 653 km
- Mount Cook High Country · part 1 · 136 km