09 947 9409 | Office Hours 9am -5pm Weekdays info@passmasters.nz

ABOUT us

At Passmasters Rider Training, we believe learning to ride should be as enjoyable as the ride itself. Our story began with founder Chris Smith, who first qualified as a motorcycle instructor in London more than 25 years ago. Since then, Chris has clocked up decades of riding experience across 19 countries, collecting not just miles, but a wealth of riding knowledge and real-world skills.

In 2008, Chris made the move to Aotearoa, where he’s been sharing his passion for motorcycling ever since—helping riders of all levels gain their motorbike licence in Auckland, Hamilton, and across New Zealand, improve their skills, and enjoy our country’s incredible roads with confidence. His philosophy? Learn well, ride safe, and always have fun.

At Passmasters, we offer friendly, professional motorcycle lessons tailored to your needs—whether you’re starting out on your learner licence, brushing up with a refresher course, or taking advantage of ACC Ride Forever courses (often starting from just $20, and sometimes completely free). From motorcycle training in Auckland to licence test preparation in Hamilton, our goal is to help you upskill, ride with confidence, and keep the shiny side up.

Whether you’re new to two wheels or a seasoned rider, we make your riding journey safe, rewarding, and unforgettable—on the city streets, open highways, or the twisting scenic routes New Zealand is famous for.

MEET THE TEAM

Chris – Founder & Head Instructor

Speciality: Road, Track & Slow Skills
Rides: Kawasaki ZH2, Yamaha T7, Ninja 400 race bike

Chris is the boss, the big cheese, and the bloke who started Passmasters after qualifying as a motorcycle instructor in London more than 25 years ago. He’s ridden in 19 countries, survived the British weather, and now enjoys teaching riders across Auckland, Hamilton, and beyond how to get their motorbike licence without losing their marbles. Since landing in NZ in 2008, he’s been sharing his “learn well, ride safe, and have fun” mantra—though he still hates cleaning bikes.

Andy A – Motorcycle Instructor

Speciality: Road & Track
Rides: KTM 990, Kawasaki Z400, Ninja 400 race bike

Andy’s a bike nut—if it’s got two wheels, he’s into it. Splits his time between road coaching and racing, plus he’s into LEGO… because apparently building tiny bikes counts as training. Andy is also single-handedly responsible for saving more crash-damaged Ninja 400s from the wrecking yard than most mechanics see in a lifetime. He rebuilds them into fully prepped race machines for the Carl Cox Motorsport Cup, proving he’s as handy with a spanner as he is with a set of handlebars.

Alex – Motorcycle Instructor

Speciality: Road & Track
Rides: BMW S1000R, Ninja 400 race bike

Alex is the new guy who’s still deciding if he likes us or not (jury’s out). He’s big on road and track training and loves pushing riders to up their game—while secretly plotting revenge on anyone who beats him in a race (especially lighter people). Also partial to cheese and dogs, though not at the same time.

Andy E – Motorcycle Instructor

Speciality: Road
Rides: BMW GS, Yamaha MT09

Andy’s the big jolly fellow with the permanent smile and a heart the size of his fuel tank. Specialises in road skills training and getting the best out of any bike—or rider—without breaking a sweat. Loves 90’s sports bikes and, apparently, almost everything else.

Mikayla – Admin & Marketing

Speciality: Offroad, Moto, Enduro
Rides: Husqvarna TX300, Speed 400

Mikayla is the glue that holds this circus together—especially after Chris has been in the office breaking things. She’s currently working on her full motorcycle licence (no pressure, Mikayla) and is often the voice behind our emails and social posts. What most people don’t realise is she’s a five-time New Zealand Motorcycle Title holder—probably more than the rest of the team combined. Handy on any dirtbike, Mikayla has no problem working all the boys off-road, and she’s proof that admin staff can be just as fast (and sometimes faster) than the coaches.

    Rob – Motorcycle Instructor

    Speciality: Road
    Rides: Kawasaki Z1000SX

    Rob’s a smooth operator on the road and off it. Comes from a trucking background, which means he’s seen some things… and probably can’t repeat them. Loves learning new skills and teaching riders how to make cornering look like art.

    Spot – Motorcycle Instructor

    Speciality: Road
    Rides: Kawasaki Z900RS

    Spot’s our “organic mechanic”—basically a human service manual with a sense of humour. Happy customers make him happy too. He also has a “real” job, which apparently involves picking up pieces (don’t ask).

    Steve – Motorcycle Instructor

    Speciality: Road
    Rides: Triumphs. Lots of Triumphs.

    Steve’s been riding since before mono-shocks were a thing, which is code for “he’s seen it all.” A boat builder on the side, Steve brings steady hands, decades of road riding knowledge, and a healthy disdain for oil on the carpet.

    Paul P – Motorcycle Insturctor

    Speciality: Road & Track
    Rides: V-Strom, Yamaha FZR1000 race bike, KX450F

    Paul’s a racer at heart who also loves the open road—basically living proof you can be fast and still enjoy a Sunday cruise. Dislikes falling off, whether it’s on the track or in the dirt (fair enough).

    Ben – Motorcycle Instructor

    Speciality: Road, Gravel & Slow Skills
    Rides: Yamaha T7, Suzuki V-Strom

    Ben is the team’s Swiss Army knife—versatile, reliable, and probably over-prepared. He can coach you through gravel riding, slow skills, or a tricky corner you’ve been avoiding for months. Likes adventures and dislikes meat.

    Kedar – Motorcycle Instructor

    Speciality: Road & Gravel
    Rides: KTM 890

    Kedar’s the adventure guy—if there’s gravel, he’s on it. Loves meeting people, riding hard, and KTM’s so much he might start a fan club. Dislikes bad drivers, so don’t be one.

    Callan – Motorcycle Instructor

    Speciality: Road
    Rides: Yamaha MT09

    Callan had his BHST with Chris over a decade ago—clearly he wasn’t scared off, because now he’s one of our coaches. Loves racing cars and tattoos, dislikes messy gear containers.

    Brian – Motorcycle Instructor

    Speciality: Road
    Rides: BMW GS

    Brian’s an import who brought plenty of riding and training knowledge with him—plus a side hustle training truck drivers. Loves teaching, dislikes the price of fuel, and will happily help you ride smarter so you use less of it.

    Erik – Motorcycle Instructor

    Speciality: Road
    Rides: Yamaha MT09, Yamaha Tracer

    Erik has two jobs and both involve motorcycles—he’s living the dream. Known for winding Chris up, getting his bike stuck in the sand, and making riders laugh while they learn.

    Josh – Motorcycle Instructor

    Speciality: Learner & Intermediate Riders
    Rides: KTM 390

    Josh is so keen he probably sleeps in his riding gear. He’s the go-to guy for Basic Handling Skills Test coaching and helping new riders start their journey without too many “oops” moments. Dislikes picking up dropped bikes… but will do it anyway.

    See us on Facebook

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    2 days ago

    Waiheke Island! — Ready to get your Learners Motorcycle Licence? 🏍️

    Join us for your Basic Handling Skills (BHS) test and take the first practical step toward your Learner Licence. 🏍

    Our Basic Handling Skills course covers training and the practical riding assessment required for your Learners.

    Bike helmet and gloves are included in the course fee so you can just show up 😎

    Limited spaces available for 21 & 22 March.

    1hr & 1.5 sessions only - Book now:
    passmasters.nz/course-calendar/#basichandling
    ... See MoreSee Less

    Waiheke Island! — Ready to get your Learners Motorcycle Licence? 🏍️

Join us for your Basic Handling Skills (BHS) test and take the first practical step toward your Learner Licence. 🏍

Our Basic Handling Skills course covers training and the practical riding assessment required for your Learners.

Bike helmet and gloves are included in the course fee so you can just show up 😎

Limited spaces available for 21 & 22 March.

1hr & 1.5 sessions only - Book now:
https://passmasters.nz/course-calendar/#basichandling
    7 days ago

    Double Trouble 🌶️ 🌶️

    We now have not 1, but 2 Triumph Speed 400’s in the fleet!

    Don’t have a bike? Check out our Bike hire page on our website for our full range bikes.

    passmasters.nz/bike-hire/

    Triumph Motorcycles New Zealand
    ... See MoreSee Less

    Double Trouble 🌶️ 🌶️

We now have not 1, but 2 Triumph Speed 400’s in the fleet! 

Don’t have a bike? Check out our Bike hire page on our website for our full range bikes. 

https://passmasters.nz/bike-hire/

Triumph Motorcycles New ZealandImage attachment

    2 CommentsComment on Facebook

    Great bikes to learn from

    Best day ever out on the 400 doing the silver course from Pukekohe 👍 Learned the quick gear changes that day too!

    1 week ago

    Had to jump on the trend - good ol' ChatGPT 🔥 🤙 ... See MoreSee Less

    Had to jump on the trend - good ol ChatGPT 🔥 🤙Image attachmentImage attachment+1Image attachment

    2 CommentsComment on Facebook

    Awesome

    Now this is Immortan Chris Smith:

    A fabulous day out with these two. New skills learned and others honed. A “needle monkey” (ambo) and 2 “ water fairies” (fire) let loose in the Waikato...🤣
    @spottydog701
    ... See MoreSee Less

    A fabulous day out with these two. New skills learned and others honed. A “needle monkey” (ambo)  and 2 “ water fairies” (fire) let loose in the Waikato...🤣
@spottydog701

    4 CommentsComment on Facebook

    Yes Grant is right thanks Spot Passmasters Rider Training NZ all ways learn something and sharpen up my riding.

    Water Fairies 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

    Awesome day thanks Spot Passmasters Rider Training NZ and you too Robert. Learnt heaps... Again.

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