Italians and Kiwis – A Match Made in Motorcycle Heaven

Take a map of New Zealand, flip it upside down, and squint just a little. Suddenly, that long, narrow pair of islands at the bottom of the world starts to look strangely familiar. The resemblance to Italy is uncanny – not just in shape and size, but in spirit too. Though separated by half the globe and a great deal of ocean, New Zealand and Italy share far more than geographical likeness.

Both our nations share a central love for whānau – family in all its forms. Family gathered around the table, extended family working bees, helping with the grandchildren, the list goes on.

Food is also a key part of our cultures, whether it’s pasta and espresso enjoyed slowly in the Italian sun, or a Kiwi BBQ that stretches beyond the afternoon with stories, laughter and good company. Add to that we are two countries sporting dramatic coastlines, winding mountain roads, and landscapes that beg to be explored on two wheels, and it’s easy to see why Italians and Kiwis understand each other so well.

And then, of course, there are Italian motorcycles.

Moto Guzzi, with its unmistakable transverse V-twin and rich heritage, feels perfectly at home in Aotearoa. These are machines built with character, soul, and purpose. They thrive on roads that twist and climb, that hug the coastline before disappearing into rolling hills and alpine passes. In New Zealand, you can guarantee all of the above.

From the rugged beauty of the West Coast to the sunlit curves of the Coromandel, from the volcanic heart of the North Island to the Southern Alps standing proud in the south, New Zealand offers a varied playground for Moto Guzzi riders. It’s a country where you can ride from sea to summit in a single day, stopping along the way for a coffee, a pie, or a yarn with a fellow rider who instantly feels like an old friend.

Riding a Moto Guzzi in New Zealand feels like a natural pairing – Italian passion meets Kiwi adventure. So, if you’ve ever dreamed of riding Italian steel through wide-open landscapes, or if you’re already part of the Moto Guzzi family and looking for your next great adventure, come ride a Moto Guzzi Downunder. We promise you’ll fall in love with our land, our sea, and our community spirit.

That’s amore!