Open Road Motorcycle Tours NZ, 41 Boston Road, Grafton, Auckland (2026)

06/09/2026

🏔️ Ultimate Alps Tour Diary | Day 16
📍 Arabba 🇮🇹 → Passo Pordoi → Passo Sella → Gardena Pass → Passo Falzarego → Arabba

The Dolomites have a way of making you slow down...
even when you're on a motorcycle.

Today was officially a rest day in Arabba.

But with scenery this incredible surrounding us, we all decided that a leisurely loop through the Dolomites was just what the day needed. 😂🏍️

So we climbed back onto the bikes and set off towards Passo Pordoi, Passo Sella, Gardena Pass and Passo Falzarego.

There was no rush today. No chasing the clock. Just beautiful roads, sweeping bends and plenty of opportunities to stop and take in the views.

And we certainly weren't alone.

The roads were alive with hundreds of other bikers, motorists, hikers and even paragliders, all enjoying this incredible corner of the mountains.

But that was part of the fun.

We took our time, stopping whenever we could to admire the scenery and soak up the atmosphere. Because these mountains really do have to be seen to be believed.

Simply breathtaking. 🏔️

Lunch was at a small mountain rifugio, tucked away among the peaks — the perfect place to refuel and enjoy the surroundings before heading back out.

And then, because it was officially a rest day after all, the afternoon was ours to do whatever we pleased.

Somewhere along the way, these rest days have become about more than giving the bikes a break.

They're a chance to appreciate where we are, reflect on the roads we've conquered, enjoy the company of good friends and simply make the most of being in a place as extraordinary as the Dolomites.

Tomorrow we begin our journey back towards Slovenia.

But not quite yet...

We have one more day to enjoy these magnificent mountains before we point the bikes towards home.

🏍️ Ride. Explore. Repeat.

RideExploreRepeat

05/09/2026

🏔️ The Stelvio Pass - 48 switchbacks. One legendary road

After climbing through the Umbrail Pass, we finally reached one of the most iconic roads in the Alps.
And standing at the top of Stelvio, looking out across those mountains, it's easy to understand why this road has become such a legend among riders.

The famous 48 switchbacks were waiting below us — but for a moment, we simply stopped and took it all in.

Sometimes you don't need many words.

Just look at that view. ❤️🏔️

Stelvio Pass.

One very big tick on the Alpine adventure list.

🏍️ Ride. Explore. Repeat.

05/09/2026

🏔️ Ultimate Alps Tour Diary | Day 15
📍 Zernez 🇨🇭 → Umbrail Pass → Stelvio Pass → Gardena Pass → Arabba 🇮🇹

And what a day it was. 🏍️🔥

Three legendary Alpine passes.
One unforgettable day in the saddle.

We left Zernez early this morning and climbed steadily towards our first challenge — the historic Umbrail Pass.

The roads were smooth, the twists beautifully winding and the mountains provided the perfect backdrop. It was a brilliant start to what we knew was going to be a pretty special day.

And then came Stelvio.

One of those roads that every rider knows by name. Forty-eight famous switchbacks climbing dramatically up the mountainside.

Reaching the top was a moment worth pausing for.

We stopped for photos, grabbed a few souvenirs and took a moment to appreciate exactly where we were — before turning the bikes downhill and tackling those 48 hairpins.

Starting early definitely paid off. The traffic was already beginning to build as we descended, and we could see just how busy this legendary road can become as the day goes on.

But we'd had our chance to enjoy it.

From Stelvio, the route took us onwards towards the Dolomites, where the landscape changed once again and the magnificent peaks began to dominate the horizon.

Our final challenge of the day was the Gardena Pass, with its flowing bends and spectacular mountain scenery providing a fitting finale to an incredible day of riding.

And eventually, we rolled into Arabba.

Tired? Absolutely.

Smiling? Without a doubt.

There was a huge sense among the group tonight that we'd achieved something pretty special.

Umbrail. Stelvio. Gardena.

All in one day.

These are the days you come on an Alpine motorcycle tour for.

And tomorrow, we get to slow things down a little...

A rest day in the heart of the Dolomites. 😎

🏍️ Ride. Explore. Repeat.

04/09/2026

🏔️ Ultimate Alps Tour Diary | Day 13
📍 Annecy 🇫🇷 → Col de Aravis → Simplon Pass 🇨🇭 → Domodossola 🇮🇹

Breakfast in France. Lunch in Switzerland. Dinner in Italy.
Not a bad way to spend a day on a motorcycle! 🏍️🌍

We left beautiful Annecy this morning and climbed back into the mountains, heading towards the Col de Aravis for our first stop of the day.

And what a way to start.

While we enjoyed our morning coffee, the soundtrack was provided by the unmistakable sound of cow bells echoing across the mountains. 🐄🔔 And just to add to the entertainment, a few very enthusiastic local farm dogs were busy keeping themselves — and us — amused with their playful antics.

Coffee finished, it was time to get back on the bikes and head towards one of the great Alpine crossing points — the Simplon Pass.

The road climbed steadily higher, winding its way through the mountains and into the impressive avalanche galleries that cling to the mountainside. There's something quite humbling about riding through these enormous structures and thinking about the forces of nature that they are designed to protect against.

And then we reached the top.

The views were well worth the climb. 🏔️

Standing proudly above the pass was the mighty Simplon Eagle, watching over the road as we prepared to begin our descent into Italy.

From high Alpine mountains to Italian valleys, the landscape changed once again as we made our way down towards Domodossola, where our day would end with dinner in Italy.

Three countries. Three meals. One brilliant day on the road.

And with the tour now entering its final few days, we're becoming increasingly aware that this adventure is beginning to wind towards its end.

But there's still plenty of road ahead...

Tomorrow, we ride into another legendary corner of the Alps. 🏍️

Ride. Explore. Repeat.

02/09/2026

🏔️ Ultimate Alps Tour Diary | Day 12
Not every great day on tour is measured in kilometres.

📍 Route: Annecy 🇫🇷 — Rest Day

After the unexpected change of plans over the last couple of days, today was exactly what everyone needed—a chance to slow down, relax and enjoy this beautiful corner of France.

Most of us spent the day exploring Annecy's charming old town, wandering along the canals and taking in the historic Château d'Annecy overlooking the town.

Of course, a rest day on a motorcycle tour isn't entirely about relaxing...

There was some essential washing to catch up on, cameras and phones were given some attention as we sorted through the ever-growing collection of photos, and there was plenty of time to sit back with a coffee and simply enjoy the atmosphere.

And then there was lunch... or perhaps more accurately, another excuse to enjoy some of the local cuisine.

Tonight we tucked into another French classic—raclette. 🧀

We're certainly not going hungry on this tour!

While most of us were taking things a little easier, one member of the group clearly hadn't quite got the memo about "rest day" and couldn't resist getting out onto Lake Annecy for some water skiing. 😂

That's the beauty of a rest day. Everyone gets to enjoy it their own way.

After nearly two weeks of riding together, it's been lovely to have a slower day to catch our breath, explore, share stories and just enjoy being together.

Tomorrow, though, the bikes are calling again.

We'll leave France behind and cross back into Italy via the magnificent Simplon Pass, heading for the historic town of Domodossola.

🏍️ Ride. Explore. Repeat.

RideExploreRepeat

02/09/2026

🏔️ Ultimate Alps Tour Diary | Days 10 & 11
Not every day on tour goes exactly to plan... and that's OK.

After our spectacular ride through the French Alps, we decided to mix things up a little.

With the girls staying behind in Sisteron for some well-earned rest and relaxation, the lads headed off on the bikes—this time without luggage or pillions. 😎

That meant a lighter load, a little more freedom and the opportunity for some spirited riding as they headed towards the spectacular Gorge du Verdon for a loop through the countryside surrounding the gorge.

Unfortunately, one of our BMWs had other ideas.

A technical issue meant we had to shorten our planned ride, but that's the reality of travelling by motorcycle. Sometimes you simply have to adapt, make the best of the situation and keep moving forward.

With the bike still not performing at 100%, we made the decision the following morning to head directly to Annecy and have the BMW dealer take a look.

And what could have been a fairly ordinary transfer day turned into a beautiful ride in its own right.

We travelled through the northern Provence countryside, with towering massifs rising on either side of us, passing fields of drying sunflowers and apple orchards before the landscape gradually changed again as we reached the vineyards and lakes of the Savoie region.

A quick stop with BMW in Annecy confirmed that the issue is a known problem with the current bikes, and for now a manual workaround will have to do.

Problem-solving done, we could finally check into our hotel just outside Annecy's beautiful old town.

And then it was time to concentrate on something far more important...

Dinner! 😂

We found a wonderful little restaurant tucked away from the main tourist spots, where we enjoyed some fantastic local specialities—including tartiflette and fondue. Now that was the sort of recovery we could all get behind. 🧀🍷

You can plan the route, the passes and the stops, but you can't plan everything that happens along the way.

Tomorrow, the bikes get a rest day and we get to enjoy one of the most beautiful towns in France. 💙 Annecy

🏍️ .

31/08/2026

🏔️ Ultimate Alps Tour Diary | Day 9
Today the Alps showed us another side of their personality.

📍 Route: Val Cenis 🇫🇷 → Col du Galibier → Col du Lautaret → Clue de Barles → Sisteron

Leaving Val Cenis, we were soon climbing once again, this time towards two of France's most iconic mountain passes—Col du Galibier and Col du Lautaret.

The roads flowed effortlessly through towering peaks, every corner revealing another unforgettable panorama. It's easy to understand why these passes have become legends among both motorcyclists and cyclists. They challenge you just enough to keep every kilometre engaging, while rewarding you with scenery that's impossible to forget.

As the day progressed the crisp alpine air gradually gave way to warmer temperatures, the mountains softened and the landscape slowly transformed. Before long, hints of Provence began to appear, with
a completely different character to the high Alps we've been exploring over the past week.

One of today's real surprises was riding through the spectacular Clue de Barles, where the road threads its way through towering limestone cliffs and a dramatic narrow gorge. A complete contrast to the alpine roads of earlier in the day.

By late afternoon we rolled into the historic town of Sisteron, with its impressive citadel standing
proudly above the rooftops.

Tomorrow we continue deeper into the heart of
Provence to the Gorge du Verdon.

🏍️ Ride. Explore. Repeat.

RideExploreRepeat

29/08/2026

🏔️ Ultimate Alps Tour Diary | Day 8
Today we said goodbye to the lakes... and hello to France and the Route de Grand Alps

📍 Route: Isola Bella 🇮🇹 → Col du Petit Saint-Bernard → Col de l'Iseran → Val Cenis 🇫🇷

After a relaxing day on the shores of Lake Maggiore, it was time to get the bikes rolling once again. Leaving Italy behind, we climbed back into the mountains, where every kilometre reminded us why the Alps are one of the world's greatest motorcycle playgrounds.

Our first major challenge of the day was the Col du Petit Saint-Bernard. For centuries this historic route has linked Italy and France, carrying everyone from Roman legions to traders and travellers. Today, it welcomed a group of very happy motorcyclists.

Crossing into France, the scenery became even more dramatic as we climbed towards the Col de l'Iseran—the highest paved mountain pass in the Alps and one of the true highlights of the famous Route des Grandes Alps.

Standing at the summit, surrounded by towering peaks in every direction, it was one of those
moments where everyone simply stopped to take it all in. After the obligatory photo stop, the road wound gently down into the welcoming alpine village of Termingnon in Val Cenis, where another wonderful day came to an end with good food, great company and plenty of conversation about the bikes and favourite roads travelled.

Tomorrow we'll continue south through the French Alps, where legendary mountain passes give way to spectacular gorges, Provençal landscapes and one of France's most picturesque historic towns.

🏍️ Ride. Explore. Repeat.

RideEurope

29/08/2026

🏔️ Ultimate Alps Tour Diary | Day 7
Sometimes the best part of a motorcycle tour is taking a day to simply enjoy where you've arrived.

After six incredible days on the road, today was our opportunity to slow the pace and experience the magic of Isola Bella and Lake Maggiore.

Without the riding gear and daily kilometres, everyone explored at their own pace. Some wandered the elegant gardens and historic streets of Isola Bella, others chose to relax beside the lake with a leisurely cold drink, while a few took the opportunity to
explore more of this beautiful corner of northern Italy.

These quieter days are an important part of every Open Road tour. They give everyone the chance to recharge, sort through the growing collection of photos, enjoy local food and simply soak up the atmosphere before the next chapter of the adventure begins.

It's also a reminder that while we come for the roads, it's the complete experience that makes a tour like this so memorable—the spectacular scenery, wonderful places, great food and the friendships that continue to grow with every passing day.

Tomorrow we leave Italy behind and cross into France, where another unforgettable chapter awaits. From the shores of Lake Maggiore we'll climb back into the mountains, bound for the spectacular Route des Grandes Alpes and some of the highest roads in Europe.

🏍️ Ride. Explore. Repeat.

OpenRoadMotorcycleTours

28/08/2026

🏔️ Ultimate Alps Tour Diary | Day 6
Some days are good. Some days become the reason you travelled halfway around the world.

We left Andermatt this morning and headed straight for the Susten Pass — and what a way to start the day.

The road climbed through incredible mountain valleys, with spectacular alpine scenery unfolding around every bend. The riding was challenging, exciting and exactly what we'd come to the Alps for. And the best part? We knew there was plenty more to come.

Next up were the Grimsel and Furka Passes, each offering their own character and another collection of incredible mountain views.

And, of course, no ride over the Furka is complete without a photo stop at the famous Hotel Belvédère. Perched high above the valley, it's one of those places that simply has to make an appearance in the photo album!

But the day wasn't finished yet.

We continued on towards St Gotthard Pass, before taking on the wonderfully twisting, cobbled road of the historic Tremola Pass. This was riding that demanded concentration, rewarded skill and gave us plenty to talk about afterwards.

Challenging roads, dramatic landscapes and some of the most spectacular scenery we've encountered so far — today really had it all.

Eventually, we made our way down to Stresa, where the bikes were parked and we swapped two wheels for a short ferry ride across Lake Maggiore to our home for the night on Isola Bella.

It was the perfect end to another brilliant day on the road.

Tonight we'll enjoy the beautiful surroundings of the island, share a few stories from the day and raise a glass to some seriously good riding.

Tomorrow?

A much-needed rest day. 😎

🏍️ Ride. Explore. Repeat.

RideTheAlps

Open Road Motorcycle Tours NZ

06/09/2026

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