- BMW Motorrad GS Rally returns to Taupō from November 6-8 for another three-day adventure riding festival.
- Open to all motorcycle brands and rider abilities, with both off-road and scenic tarmac routes available.
- BRM attended the last GS Rally and found it to be one of New Zealand’s best organised adventure riding events, with a full video available on Bike Rider TV.
One of New Zealand’s premier adventure riding events is back, with the BMW Motorrad GS Rally returning to Taupō this November for three days of riding, camaraderie and spectacular Central North Island scenery.
Adventure riders are being invited back to one of New Zealand’s premier riding events, with BMW Motorrad New Zealand confirming the BMW Motorrad GS Rally 2026 will take place in Taupō from November 6-8.
Based at the Wairakei Resort, the three-day event is open to all motorcycle brands and riders of all experience levels, with participants able to choose between an off-road adventure route or a scenic sealed-road ride through the Central North Island.
While it’s organised by BMW Motorrad, you don’t need to own a BMW to take part.
Having attended the previous GS Rally in Whanganui, BRM can attest that it’s one of the best organised adventure riding events on the New Zealand calendar. The routes were superb, the organisation was first-class and, perhaps most importantly, there was something for every rider, regardless of experience or confidence level. Whether you wanted to tackle gravel roads or simply enjoy some of the country’s best touring roads, there was a ride to suit.
If you’re wondering what it’s like, we’ve also got a full video from the Whanganui event on our Bike Rider TV YouTube channel.
The Taupō rally follows the same winning formula, with riders choosing between a dedicated Off-Road Adventure Route, featuring gravel roads, trails and back-country terrain, or a Scenic Tarmac Route that showcases some of the region’s finest sealed roads.
BMW Motorrad New Zealand Senior Marketing Executive Nick Maltby said the event is designed to be about far more than simply riding motorcycles.
“The BMW Motorrad GS Rally has been carefully designed to bring together riders who share a passion for adventure, discovery and the freedom of motorcycling.”
He said welcoming riders of every brand and experience level was a key part of the event’s philosophy.
“By welcoming riders of all brands and experience levels, we’re creating an event that celebrates the broader motorcycling community while showcasing some of the incredible riding experiences New Zealand has to offer.”
Maltby added that bringing everyone together at the same venue helps create the unique atmosphere that has become a hallmark of the GS Rally.
“The BMW Motorrad GS Rally is about more than just the ride itself; it’s about building lasting friendships and celebrating a shared passion for adventure riding.”
The event package includes a full day of riding, two breakfasts, two dinners, access to Wairakei Resort’s thermal pools and facilities, an official event T-shirt, rider goodie bag and the chance to win genuine BMW prizes throughout the weekend.
Accommodation packages are also available through the booking process, with organisers encouraging riders to stay together to maximise the social side of the weekend.
Tickets for the BMW Motorrad GS Rally 2026 are on sale now, with BMW Motorcycle Owners Club members eligible for discounted entry. You can find all the details and where to get tickets HERE.
