Sunglide Moto Tours
A shared passion for motorcycles
The team at Sunglide Moto Tours comes from all corners of the world, united by a shared passion for motorcycles and adventure. And what better place to explore than New Zealand? Driven by a desire to uncover the hidden gems of this remarkable country, our team has developed extensive knowledge of the most breathtaking landscapes, scenic backroads, and thrilling twisty roads throughout the Land of the Long White Cloud.
For us, motorcycling is about far more than simply riding; it is about community, camaraderie, and shared experiences. Sunglide Moto Tours was founded from a desire to share the exhilaration of exploring New Zealand on two wheels. There is something special about setting off on an adventure with fellow riders, discovering incredible places, and creating lasting memories along the way. Riding safely, enjoying great company, and experiencing the freedom of the open road together is what Sunglide Moto Tours is all about.
Why Choose Sunglide
Multilingual Guides
Our guides and instructors originate from all corners of the wold, and speak a variety of languages; including Chinese, English, and Norwegian. We know that effortless communication is key to you having a stress free and enjoyable holiday, and we make it our priority to ensure you enjoy a comfortable and seamless communication experience throughout your journey.
Customized Routes
Carefully designed routes showcase New Zealand’s famous lakes, volcanoes, forests, and coastlines. You’ll ride along our guides’ favourite back roads and discover hidden gems along the way. Our itineraries combine the thrill of motorcycling with sightseeing and relaxation, creating a well-balanced adventure. The routes are suitable for riders of all experience levels.
Superior Accommodation and Dining
Our carefully selected hotels and restaurants ensure that every part of your journey is comfortable, enjoyable, and memorable. We understand the importance of a good night’s rest and time to recharge after a day in the saddle, which is why we choose quality accommodation and dining experiences that complement your adventure on the road.
Advanced Rider Training
Our Riders Workshop training course has been specifically designed to help you get the most enjoyment from riding in New Zealand. Led by Glen Leyston, a New Zealand senior certified motorcycle instructor, the course focuses on improving your riding skills, building confidence, and enhancing safety, ensuring you are well prepared for the unique conditions and adventures New Zealand has to offer.
The Team
GLEN
Glen Leyston
Lead Guide & Adventure Riding Instructor
Glen Leyston and motorcycling go hand in hand. He is a New Zealand Certified Motorcycle Instructor and an official instructor for New Zealand’s government-backed ACC Ride Forever programme. He has more than 22 years of experience as a motorcycle instructor in New Zealand, along with over 40 years of mechanical expertise. Glen has a strong technical background, having competed in South Africa with the BMW Firehawk Motorsport Team in several top-level motorsports events. He began his motorcycling journey in South Africa as a teenager and developed a particular passion for off-road riding. Glen has participated in some of Africa’s most challenging rallies, including the Roof of Africa and the Toyota 1000 Desert Race.
After moving to New Zealand, Glen began sharing his knowledge and experience within the adventure-riding community. He is highly skilled in both on-road and off-road riding techniques, developing practical training programmes for riders of all levels. His teaching style is practical, logical, and easy to understand, helping riders quickly build confidence and control in a relaxed and supportive environment. His courses are suitable not only for travellers preparing to embark on long-distance adventures, but also for intermediate and advanced riders seeking to refine their skills and strengthen their capabilities. Whether on gravel roads, forest trails, or technical corners, Glen provides riders with professional, safe, and practical instruction. If you are eager to explore New Zealand’s spectacular riding routes while continuously improving your riding ability, Glen is the man to turn to.
BERRY
Berry Chow
Founder & Managing Director
Being from Dongguan, Guangdong, China, Berry was deeply influenced by Lingnan culture and the Cantonese spirit of chivalry from an early age. Fluent in both Cantonese and Mandarin, he possesses strong bilingual communication skills and extensive cross-cultural experience. He graduated from the University of Auckland with a Master of Education and holds a CELTA qualification in English Language Teaching from the University of Cambridge. He also holds a Bachelor's degree in Chinese Language and Literature, making him a professional educator with a strong background in language education, cross-cultural communication, and adult learning.
Having lived in New Zealand for many years, Berry has not only built a successful career in English language teaching but has also developed a passion for adventure motorcycling. He enjoys exploring the diverse landscapes of both the North and South Islands, riding through glacial fjords, forest plateaus, gravel valleys, and volcanic mountain ranges. Through countless adventures, he has experienced the true scale, beauty, and rugged wilderness of New Zealand’s natural environment. He is an active participant in a variety of adventure rides and motorcycle rallies, including the BMW GS Rallye, RemoteMoto Adventure Ride, and Coromandel Rallye.
In 2023, Berry founded Sunglide Moto Tours, combining his expertise in language education with his passion for adventure riding to create a premium, safe, and accessible motorcycle touring experience tailored specifically for Asian riders visiting New Zealand.
KARL
Karl Erik Finstad
Lead Photographer & Media Producer
Having grown up in rural Norway, Karl grew up with a passion for the outdoors. From driving crosskarts around the family farm to racing go-karts, his fascination with mechanics developed from an early age. His motorcycling journey started as soon as he could get his license at 15 years old. Karl enjoys exploring forest trails and embarking on long-distance adventure rides across a wide variety of terrain.
Karl graduated with a degree in Media Production and Visual Effects and is highly skilled in short-film production, photography and CGI Imagery. His focus is on capturing authentic yet dynamic moments that tell a story. With a keen eye for composition and professional post-production expertise, he is dedicated to creating cinematic “blockbuster moments” for every rider on the road. As Sunglide Moto Tours’ accompanying photographer and videographer, Karl is not only responsible for documenting each journey but also for preserving the unforgettable memories of every tour participant.
You will find Karl in his element when he is off the beaten track. Always carrying a camera and driven by a passion for discovering hidden gems throughout the New Zealand countryside, he ensures that every adventure is documented in a way that allows riders to relive their experience for years to come. With Karl along for the ride, you can be confident that the memories you create will last a lifetime.
The Riding Community
Gearshift Gatherings -
“A riding community for the explorers”
Gearshift Gatherings is a community built for riders who share a passion for camaraderie, adventure, and exploration. If you have joined one of our training days, organised rides, or explored backcountry trails alongside us, then you are already part of the family. Our Facebook community is now home to more than 450 riders, all connected through past training courses, group rides, and shared adventures. It is a community founded on trust, mutual respect, and a healthy dose of good humour. Through Gearshift Gatherings, we organise a wide range of riding experiences, including adventure-riding training days, guided rides, and weekend adventures.
We also host Motorcycle Poker Runs, combining navigation, exploration, and friendly competition. Follow the route, collect your cards, and complete the challenge for the chance to win spot prizes. Along the way, riders share stories, talk motorcycles, and continue developing their navigation and adventure-riding skills. In our community, there are no strangers—only fellow riders brought together by a shared passion for two wheels. We believe motorcycling is more than just a hobby or sport; it is a way of building friendships, confidence, and a sense of belonging. If you have ever ridden with us, Gearshift Gatherings will always be a place you can call home on your New Zealand motorcycling journey.
