About South Pacific Motorcycle Tours

Mike Lester is the MD and has been a 'petrol-head' since way back.

“I was born with a steering wheel in my hand and Castrol in my veins! I've been riding bikes and driving cars since 1965 and over the years I've owned a multitude of  vehicles including  Mercedes, BMWs, and Triumphs plus Blackbirds and Harley-Davidson motorcycles.. I have a passion for all things motorised and my prized possessions currently include a couple of Triumph TR classics, a TR4A and a TR8, and my gorgeous 1953 Matchless G9500 Twin.”

Mike is the CEO and owner of South Pacific. Be prepared for lots of  Sports Car Banter when you pick up your vehicle. Previously an electrician in the UK, Mike moved to New Zealand in 2002. Trained to an advanced level by the Institute of Advanced Motorcyclists, Mike loves passing on his vast driving knowledge to our tour guests who may want to improve their skills. 

Carole has lived in New Zealand since the 1970s and extremely proud to call Christchurch home. She manages the company and is also a wonderful host,excelling in customer service. Carole’s enthusiasm and dedication to quality has helped South Pacific become one of the best Tour companies in New Zealand.

Carole loves driving and also has her full motorcycle licence.  In  addition to running the business Carole is passionate about the environment and responsible tourism.  She's a Nature-lover and also looks after guests staying at the on-site B&B, Mandeville Lodge.  Carole will probably be the first member of staff you meet when she picks you up to collect your vehicle.  

When you make an enquiry with South Pacific you may be lucky enough to receive a reply from the wonderful Kim, Carole's daughter and company Operations Manager.  Her customer services and inter-personal skills are exemplary and she consistently strives to make all our clients happy.   

Kim is an animal lover and passionate about everything New Zealand. With a background in Media and TV Production, Kim brings a wealth of skills to the company, and she also rides a motorcycle. Kim's father is a past New Zealand Formula Ford 1600 Champion. It's in the blood, because Kim loves anything that goes fast!  

 

Hayley is our Travel Manager, responsible for travel and activity bookings and producing our legendary GPS and Fully Guided Tour Itineraries. Hayley is Mike's daughter and moved to New Zealand in 2004 along with her husband Ian and family. 

Hayley has worked in the UK for magazine publications as a graphic designer and her knowledge has been a godsend for South Pacific, helping with publication, website and itinerary design.  When you arrive at South Pacific Hayley will probably be the one to offering you cups of tea and biscuits!
 

Molly will probably be first in line to greet you. She's our resident cocker spaniel, extremely friendly and loves any attention given. 

However please be aware that she loves to steal socks and will be inspecting your bags once opened! On a serious note, if you do not want or cannot have Molly around just let us know and we'll make sure she stays in the house.   
 

David, our wonderful 'Magic Mechanic' is the cog in the wheel that we just can't do without.  

Known to us here as 'The Road Commander', David is our resident qualified mechanic, and will make sure your vehicle is presented to you in excellent condition. 

David also runs our motorcycle service and rental workshop on the premises, so if you see him lurking in the depths of the garage be sure to pull him out, say hello, and give him a pat on the back!