Arguably the most well-known bike packing route in NZ, originally created by the Kennet brothers, if you’re looking for an adventure this one should be top of your bucket list. (It will leave you with a tall tale or two to recount to riding buddies back home.) We have created a fully supported version of the Tour Aotearoa so that you can ride the full length of New Zealand knowing that we have got your back!

You will be immersed in the diverse and beautiful scenery that makes up the ‘land of the long white cloud’. From wild coastlines to giant stands of ancient Kauri forest. Cycle through volcanic North Island landscapes and in the shadow of the mighty Southern Alps. Connect with locals and get the full ‘kiwi’ experience. You’ll be donning a swandri and jandals in no time…

Our incredible network of cycle trails and rural gravel roads keep you ‘off road’ most of the way. Navigating point to point each day gives you a true bikepacking feel, but with the luxury of knowing lunch will be set up for you, snacks are never far away, and a comfy bed has been arranged for you each night. Relax and take the days at your own pace!

This is a fully supported cycle tour, one crew will ride with the group whilst the other goes ahead to set up snack, water and lunch breaks. The support vehicle will have all your luggage* and supplies for each day and is also available if you would like to take a break from the saddle.

*Please note if coming from overseas and bringing your own bike, we are not able to carry empty bike bags or boxes. You can either courier them from Auckland to Invercargill or package your bike to travel in a cardboard box that you can recycle on your arrival.  

The Biking Lowdown:

• A total distance of 3000km spread over 34 days of biking.
• This is a ‘Pedal bike-centric’ cycle tour. Riding distances and overnight stops have been designed around the needs of pedal biking. E-Bikers are welcome to join.
• Daily riding distances have been planned to be achievable, (but not without challenge) and to allow plenty of time to explore the local towns along the way.
• We encourage an early start so that you have time to recharge at the end of the day.
• 31-139km riding per day on wonderfully remote and scenic riding route. Approximately 58% sealed roads / 18% quiet gravel roads / 22% cycle trails and a 90km beach section.
• There are some big climbs, big downs, undulating coastal terrain and of course there is also some flat terrain.
• Cycle trails have variable terrain and generally slow riding speed.
• Dirt/gravel road biking experience will add to the enjoyment of your tour.
• Our ‘Sag Wagon’ support is available (most of the time) should you need a break from the saddle.

Itinerary:

Day 0: Optional vehichle transfer to Pukenui from Auckland for you and your bike

Day 1: Arrive in Pukenui.

Meet with your tour leaders and fellow bikers at 5pm for a pre tour briefing and first meal together 

Day 2: The journey begins! Cape Reinga and 90 mile beach - 85km 

We rise early for a 1 hour vehicle transfer to Cape Reinga to begin our cycle tour. 90 Mile Beach leaves strong memories in the minds of all Tour Aotearoa riders - a crazy way to start... but there you have it. I hope we get a north-easterly!

Day 3: Cycling to Hokianga Harbour - 112km

Day two on the bike and it’s time to start preparing our hill legs for the journey ahead... The day promises stunning NZ bush and views of the Hokianga Harbour on a 10 min ferry to Rawene.

Day 4: Pedal between giant Kauri - 110km

The Kauri Coast cycleway fully immerses us into the far north - riding through the Waipoua sub tropical forest dominated by giant kauri. This is the epitome of the far north with quiet roads, quiet
towns, wild beaches and some great swimming opportunities.

Day 5: Kaipara Harbour inlet by bike - 70km

We head south down the remote and quiet Pouto Peninsula through farmland and the mouth of the Kaipara inland harbour. We cross the harbour by boat (3 hrs tide dependent) and pedal into Parakai.

Day 6: Cycle trails galore, Auckland City - 69km

We’re not in the far north any more! But suddenly in the centre of NZ’s largest, busiest and traffic craziest city. Thanks to Auckland Transport for the convenient cycle routes for getting us there alive!

Day 7: Cycle the firth of Thames - 117km

Negotiating the city traffic + tricky navigation out of Auckland city is not everyone’s cup of tea… and the support vehicle is available for those who opt out. Once clear of the city we ride around the firth of Thames finishing on a short stretch of the Hauraki Rail Trail.

Day 8: Spin along the Hauraki Rail Trail -126km

We get our “groove on” riding the smooth surface and gentle gradient of the Hauraki Rail Trail. We ride the historic railway across the Hauraki Plains then divert west all the way to Cambridge.

Day 9: Rest Day in Cambridge

Your first rest day, get some ‘bikepacking admin’ done or visit Hobbiton movie set conveniently located just down the road!

Day 10: Off road and onto the Waikato River Trail - 89km

Running alongside New Zealand’s longest river, is the amazing Waikato River Trail. Our riders tell stories about the Waikato River Trail. The trail passes a series of hydro lakes, through volcanic landscapes, forest and farmland. Our escape riders always tell stories about the Waikato River Trail…once you’ve ridden it you’ll have your own stories to tell! 

Day 11: Magical and historic, Pureora forest awaits - 85km 

We make a B-Line for the lovely Pureora Forest Park and the topographical centre of the North Island. And then the fun begins! The Timber Trail is famous for stunning stands of virgin forest bush saved from logging in the 1970s. Remote cycle trail and cool bridges bring us to the Timber Trail Lodge. 

Day 12: Ticking off the Timber Trail - 69km

We ride the second half of the Timber Trail following historic milling tracks down to Ongarue, then quiet back roads get us to Taumarunui for the night

Day 13: Volcanic views of central North Island - 82km

We ride lesser-travelled farming roads for a little while before hitting the tar seal and boosting towards Raetihi. Fingers crossed for clear skies and views of Mt Ruapehu, New Zealand’s largest active volcano and home to the North Islands only glaciers.

Day 14: Cycling the Bridge to Nowhere Trail - 69km

Optional: Ride the Bridge to Nowhere trail + jet boat then vehicle transfer to Raetihi.

OR: Spend the day exploring cycle trails in the area

Day 15: Whanganui River Trail - 98km

The Whanganui River Valley has a climate of its own. Take your time rolling up and down (it’s got to be more down than up right?) through this lush river valley down to Whanganui. 

Day 16: Rest Day in Whanganui 

Explore the art walks and galleries around Whanganui, or maybe it is time your bike got some love with a local mechanic.

Day 17: Up and away to Hunterville - 61km 

With a bit of a quirky start to the day we warm up heading east out of town on nice flat quiet farming road. It wouldn’t be NZ without a couple of hearty hills to get your heart happy before hunkering down at the Hunterville Hotel.

Day 18: Rural roads to the Ruahine Range - 80km 

Some smooth seal starts the day, but don’t get too comfy! Soon we’re back onto a mix of gravel and farm roads. Taking us from Hunterville towards the Ruahine Range.

Day 19: Crank over the Paihiatua Track - 90km

Traverse below the Ruahines as you head South, then your legs spin like windmills as we crank over the Paihitua track. What a wonderful thing a wind-powered bike would be! 

Day 20: Pedal Paihiatua to Greytown - 116km 

If we get a northerly, you’ll have a famous Martinborough vino in your hand soon after lunch. If we ride into a southerly breeze, you’ll just have to wait until dinner time!

Day 21: Remutaka Cycle Trail - 87km 

After a warmup on flat farm roads, we meander up the Remutaka Cycle Trail through disused rail tunnels and take in other cool history. Then it’s down, down, down and along the Hutt River cycle trail all the way into Wellington (Petone) before our final dinner together which marks the end of your North Island adventure!

Day 22: Wellington, Ferry Transfer Day

Farewell to those completing the North Island!

Ferry transfer and rest day for those continuing to Bluff

For Those beginning their journey in Picton, WELCOME!

Day 23: Scenic Queen Charlotte Drive to Havelock - 45km

We get our wheels turning on the stunning Queen Charlotte drive. Or you can head off road for a more adventurous ride on The Link Pathway cycle trail (similar km’s but more singletrack trail and some steeper climbs/descents). A shorter riding day offers us time to explore the coastal settlements along the way.

Day 24: Rolling roads take us to Nelson - 75km

You’ll ride on sealed roads today through small rural settlements and over the scenic Whangamoa reserve between Havelock and Nelson. Don’t worry, there’s a good cafe and at least one ice cream shop on the way! 

Day 25: Great Taste Trail to St Arnaud - 99km

We meander out of Nelson on the sealed/gravel Great Taste Trail. Navigating a historic railway tunnel is a pretty great way to avoid a steep hill, so don’t forget your head torch! Then we’re on country roads all the way to St Arnaud.

Day 26: Ride via Lake Rotoroa to Murchison - 75km

We stretch our legs today clocking up some kilometres on quiet country roads.  We pass through Lake Rotoroa, some gorgeous native bush and lots of fords.

Day 27: Native bush and back roads to Reefton - 123km

Good rural farming country meets native bush on lovely quiet little used roads. We pop over Maruia Saddle at 500m, then it’s a lovely up and over piece of road – rich in bush and birdlife to Reefton

Day 28: Historic Roads to the West Coast - 82km

It’s gently descending all the way to Greymouth. Stopping off at the eccentric and historic settlement of Blackball and paying our respects to the minors lost in the Pike River mine disaster.

Day 29: Rest Day in Greymouth 

A well-earned rest day, explore the nearby historical mining settlements, enjoy the Pounamu pathway exhibition or hire a car/ ride your bike up to the beautiful  Punakaiki rocks.

Day 30: West Coast Wilderness Trail - 101km 

We don our plaid and join the West Coast Wilderness Trail and gently climb on purpose-built trails through magical forest. What goes up must come down, this afternoon we enjoy a stunning ride from Cowboy Paradise down to Hokitika via the Lake Kaniere trails

Day 31: Coastal Cycle Trail - 82km

We absorb the West Coast pace of life on the most recent part of the West Coast Wilderness trail. Coastal cycle trail, secondary roads and finally highway, we enjoy a smorgasbord of farmland, stunning bush and lakes.

Day 32: Riding into Glacier Country - 86km

Get your hill legs out… we’re riding into glacier country. We set out early to allow time for optional glacial viewing activities for those who wish.

Day 33: Pedal the Wild West Coast - 119km 

We continue riding south on sealed roads through towering Rimu rainforest. You’ll enjoy glimpses of rugged and wild coastline including Bruce Bay and the famous Knights Point lookout.

Day 34: In the shadow of the Southern Alps - 79km

Click into your low gears or crank up your battery we’re going over… Up we go – up and over the Southern Alps. Take it slowly – because there is some great scenery to see!

Day 35: Wānaka awaits - lake views get us there - 75km

We ride from Lake Wānaka to Lake Hāwea and back to Lake Wānaka.  It sounds like a circle… but it’s not.  It’s quite hilly and can be windy but if we’re in luck the resident nor’wester will blow us to Wānaka with the last part on a fun riverside cycle trail.

Day 36: Rest day in Wānaka 

Rest Day in Wānaka. Central Otago scenery, local activities, abundant shopping and dining options or a relaxing walk by the lake.

Day 37: Bike the Crown Range Road - 87km

There’s no doubt you need your wits about you today, the Crown Range Road is the highest main road in NZ at 1076m and you’re going to ride over it! We finish the day on the cycle trail into Queenstown. (You can of course opt out of this ride if you prefer).

Day 38: Round the Mountains Cycle Trail - 103km 

We begin the day with a 45 min boat trip across Lake Wakatipu. Today is BIG, big scenery, big day, big climb, big down and hopefully a big southland feed!

Day 39: Pedal the Southland Plains - 101km 

We make a beeline for Invercargill today. Quiet roads through rolling farmland with an occasional view of the Southern Ocean make a great landscape to reflect on your journey!

Day 40: Grand finale into Bluff! - 31km

The last hurrah, the crowning glory, the culmination of 34 days of pedaling! Today you roll to the iconic signpost at Stirling Point, Bluff marking the end of your incredible adventure by bike.

Day 41: Farewell 

Our final breakfast together. Stay on and explore the region or travel on to Stewart Island. Crew can help arrange bike boxes and transfers to the airport.