At a glance:

• The 2026 International BSA Rally takes place in Silverstream, New Zealand, from February 13–20, 2026.

• Australian riders taking their own motorcycles need to plan shipping well ahead of the event.

• International motorcycle shipping involves transit time, customs clearance, biosecurity inspections, and local collection.

• Booking early provides more flexibility and reduces the risk of missing preferred shipping dates.

If you're planning to attend the 2026 International BSA Rally in New Zealand, there's one part of the trip you don't want to leave until the last minute: getting your motorcycle there.

The rally will take place in Silverstream, approximately 30 minutes north of Wellington, from February 13 to 20, 2026. For Australian riders, it's a rare opportunity to attend an International BSA Rally close to home while riding their own motorcycle through some of New Zealand's most spectacular scenery.

But international motorcycle shipping isn't something you organise a few days before departure. Your bike needs enough time to be transported, cleared through customs and biosecurity, and made ready for collection before your trip begins.

Here's what you need to know about timing your motorcycle shipment for the 2026 BSA Rally.

Why Shipping Timing Matters

Shipping a motorcycle internationally involves several stages.

Your motorcycle first needs to be delivered to the designated Australian depot before being loaded into a shipping container. From there, the container travels to New Zealand, where the motorcycle must go through customs and biosecurity clearance before it can be released.

Each stage takes time, and unexpected delays can occasionally occur.

That's why it's important to build enough time into your travel plans rather than arranging for your motorcycle to arrive immediately before the rally.

The last thing you want is to arrive in New Zealand ready for the BSA Rally while your motorcycle is still waiting to clear customs.

Allow Enough Time Before the Rally

The 2026 International BSA Rally begins on February 13, 2026.

Ideally, your motorcycle should arrive in New Zealand with enough time for customs clearance, biosecurity inspections, collection, registration requirements, and any final preparation before you begin riding.

Shipping schedules vary depending on departure ports, container availability, customs processing, and other logistical factors.

For this reason, riders should organise their motorcycle shipping well in advance.

Booking early also gives you a better chance of securing a place on the shipment that best matches your travel dates.

Preparing Your Motorcycle for Shipping

Before your motorcycle can be shipped, there are several preparation steps you'll need to complete.

New Zealand has strict biosecurity requirements, so motorcycles must be thoroughly cleaned before shipment.

Pay particular attention to areas where dirt and organic material can collect, including:

• Wheels and tyres

• Mudguards

• Underneath the motorcycle

• Engine areas

• Suspension components

• Luggage and panniers

Your motorcycle should be free from mud, soil, grass, seeds, insects, and other organic material.

Depending on shipping requirements, you may also need to prepare the fuel tank and battery before transport.

Get Routed will provide instructions before your shipping date so you know exactly how your motorcycle needs to be prepared.

Don't Forget New Zealand Road Requirements

Getting your motorcycle into New Zealand is only part of the process.

Before riding on New Zealand roads, your motorcycle will need to meet the appropriate local road requirements.

This may include obtaining temporary registration and a Warrant of Fitness (WoF).

Allowing some extra time before the rally gives you the opportunity to complete these requirements without rushing.

Once everything is sorted, you'll be ready to enjoy the roads leading to Silverstream and the surrounding Wellington region.

Turn the Rally Into a New Zealand Motorcycle Adventure

One of the biggest advantages of shipping your own motorcycle to New Zealand is that your trip doesn't need to begin and end with the rally.

New Zealand is one of the world's great motorcycle touring destinations.

After the BSA Rally, you could continue exploring winding coastal roads, mountain passes, forests, lakes, and small towns across the North and South Islands.

Having your own motorcycle gives you the freedom to travel at your own pace without worrying about rental restrictions or returning a motorcycle by a particular date.

For many Australian riders, the 2026 International BSA Rally is the perfect excuse to finally take that New Zealand motorcycle trip they've been thinking about.

Book Your Motorcycle Shipment Early

Events such as the International BSA Rally create additional demand for motorcycle shipping.

Leaving your booking too late may limit your available shipping dates or make it difficult to align your motorcycle's arrival with your travel plans.

Booking early gives you more time to prepare your motorcycle, organise your travel arrangements, and deal with the necessary paperwork.

Most importantly, it gives you peace of mind knowing your bike's journey is already organised.

Get Routed Can Help You Get There

Get Routed has been helping Australian motorcyclists ship their bikes overseas for more than two decades.

We take care of the international motorcycle shipping process so you can focus on planning the ride itself.

If you're attending the 2026 International BSA Rally, now is the time to start organising your motorcycle shipment.

Get in touch with Get Routed to discuss your travel dates and secure your place for New Zealand.