About Us
Ultimate Adventure Moto NZ Ltd is the leading adventure motorcycle tour operator in New Zealand, specialising in off-road motorcycle tours that take riders on thrilling journeys through the stunning backcountry landscapes of this beautiful country.
Who Are We?
Born out of a passion for dual sport adventure riding in the remote South Island back country, our company was founded with the vision of sharing the breath-taking natural beauty of New Zealand with motorcycle enthusiasts and adventure seekers from around the world.
What sets us apart is our dedication to providing exceptional customer experiences. We take great pride in providing epic tour routes, the best motorcycles, quality accommodation, and exceptional guides leading and managing our tours.
We exclusively use KTM motorcycles which are the proven weapon of choice for the terrain encountered on our tours. Quite simply the KTM’s are the best and most capable adventure motorcycles in the world for this type of riding, why would we accept anything less! All bikes are meticulously maintained, checked and serviced before every tour.
Our team of experienced and knowledgeable guides are passionate about sharing their love for riding and their extensive knowledge of New Zealand's backcountry. They are experts in showcasing our epic scenic routes, off-the-beaten-path trails, and hidden gems, ensuring that every tour is filled with awe-inspiring landscapes and unforgettable moments.
Our accommodation partners are hand picked to provide top quality facilities and a relaxing rest after an exhilarating days riding.
Safety of our guests is our utmost priority, and we strive to create a secure environment for all our riders. Our guides are trained in first aid and have extensive experience in navigating the diverse terrain experienced on our tours. We provide comprehensive safety briefings before each tour and offer support throughout the trip, ensuring that our riders have a safe and enjoyable experience.
Beyond the tours themselves, we are committed to sustainability and environmental responsibility. We believe in preserving the pristine landscapes and unique ecosystems of New Zealand for future generations to enjoy. We adhere to responsible tourism practices, promoting eco-friendly behaviours and respecting the environment and local communities we encounter during our tours.
At Ultimate Adventure Moto NZ Ltd, we are dedicated to providing exceptional experiences that will leave you with memories to last a lifetime. Get ready to embark on the adventure of a lifetime and discover the hidden wonders of New Zealand's backcountry with us.
Please contact us if you have any questions. We look forward to riding with you soon…
Meet The Team
Steve Gillies
Founder / General Manager / Guide
Steve is the founder and owner of Ultimate Adventure Moto NZ and a passionate trail and adventure rider with extensive experience across New Zealand and overseas.
His riding journey began with multi-day back-country trail rides and has since taken him through the South Island’s remote high-country tracks, the mountains of Oman, Europe, India, and major adventure events in both New Zealand and Australia.
He has been part of the KTM Adventure Rallye community since 2018 and has also worked behind the scenes as Route Coordinator for major KTM and Husqvarna events, creating and managing routes for large groups of riders.
Known for his meticulous planning, calm leadership, and strong focus on safety, Steve takes pride in creating professionally organised tours that showcase the very best of New Zealand’s spectacular back country while ensuring every guest enjoys an unforgettable adventure.
Alex Bicheno
Guide / Medical Expert
Alex will make you feel extremely welcome from the moment you meet him. His contagious enthusiasm and sense of humour will have you smiling from ear to ear.
He is an experienced rider, enduro and adventure riding being his main passion. Alex has advanced first aid training including CPR, specialised Outdoor First Aid and pre-hospital care making him an asset in emergency situations.
Alex loves helping people, ensuring they get the most from these incredible adventure rides. He will do everything in his power to ensure you have the experience of a lifetime on one of our trips. You’re in very good hands.
Hayden Gillies
Guide
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Hayden is an experienced rider with a lifelong passion for motorcycles and the outdoors. He began trail riding and racing motocross in his teenage years, developing strong off-road skills and plenty of confidence on two wheels.
Hayden caught the adventure-riding bug and now enjoys exploring remote back-country routes on larger bikes. He is happiest heading well off the beaten track, camping in isolated locations, ripping the occasional wheelie and finishing the day with a cold beer.
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A qualified carpenter, certified welder and highly experienced engineer, Hayden brings more than two decades of practical problem-solving experience to the team. Calm, capable and resourceful, he can diagnose and repair almost any mechanical issue with ease.
His riding ability, practical skills, sense of humour and easygoing nature make Hayden a dependable and valuable member of the Ultimate Adventure Moto NZ team.
Trevor (Trev) Chapman
Operations Support
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With over 40 years of motorcycle riding and racing experience, I bring a wealth of knowledge, skill, and passion to every trip.
Over the past decade, I’ve explored New Zealand extensively through adventure riding, gaining a strong understanding of the terrain, conditions, and challenges riders can face.
As the logistics support driver, I work behind the scenes to keep each journey running smoothly, from managing the support vehicle to assisting riders whenever needed.
Friendly, practical, and versatile, I’m always ready to lend a hand and help ensure every adventure is safe, seamless, and enjoyable for everyone involved.
Cheers Trev
Ant Rountree
Guide
Ant has had a passion for bikes since the age of 10, racing Motocross and Cross Country. Representing the North Island 3 times in Motocross in the late 1990s. He’s still lucky enough to be racing Motocross now and enjoys riding with his sons.
The past few years his Adventure Riding love has grown, and he is looking forward to taking you on an adventure of a life time. Ant is excited to be part of the team.
New Zealand has some amazing scenery, from testing yourself on bush tracks, creek crossings to enjoying flowing gravel roads. Ant is here to help guide you through these bucket list adventures.
He has great people skills and loves seeing a smile on your face, he looks forward to meeting you soon.​
Rob Kerber
Guide / Media Expert ​
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They say adventure runs in his veins. Rob left Germany to explore Australia, Thailand, Nepal, and eventually found a home in the picturesque landscapes of New Zealand.
His heart beats for adventure riding combined with photography and his thrive on revealing the unparalleled beauty of New Zealand's terrain to fellow riders.
Always with a camera in hand, his love for motorcycle photography weaves effortlessly with his passion for motorcycles. He achieved a special position as the main photographer for KTM and Husqvarna Rallies in New Zealand and Australia. This role lets him catch the spirit of adventure in each photo, highlighting the strong will, determination and camaraderie that define these events.
Embark on an unforgettable expedition alongside Rob, as he will lead you through the breathtaking landscapes, sharing the hidden marvels of the country on two wheels.
Max Gillies
Operations Support
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An experienced off-road rider, Max is a dedicated member of the Ultimate Adventure Moto NZ team, supporting selected tours to help ensure every guest enjoys a safe, well-organised and unforgettable experience.
With a strong passion for motorcycles, outdoor adventure and remote travel, Max brings energy, practical ability and enthusiasm to every tour. He completed a full season as a sweep rider and support specialist for an enduro tour company in Georgia, gaining valuable experience assisting riders through the rugged terrain of the Caucasus Mountains in Eastern Europe.
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At Ultimate Adventure Moto NZ, Max supports tour logistics, luggage transport, motorcycle preparation, maintenance and on-route assistance. His riding experience, mechanical awareness and calm, capable approach make him a reliable presence both on and off the trail, helping every tour run smoothly, safely and professionally.
Mike Ellis
Operations Support
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Logistics Practitioner Extraordinaire, Director of Luggage, Chief Hydration Officer, Keeper of the Keys, Back-up & Recovery Resource, Social Scout & Pub Finder...
Now mainly retired, Mike’s working life involved a mix of manufacturing and retailing in the furniture industry, with a sharp focus on sourcing and procurement. Today, he channels his logistical skills into supporting our riders.
Mike has a grown-up family and loves spending time with his grandkids or travelling both locally and internationally. As a part-time crew member, his favourite part of the job is taking care of the logistics to make the start and end of each day easy for the riders and guides.
Mike loves meeting our riders and looks forward to helping ensure your journey and stays are the best they can be.
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