Ride the Length of New Zealand – an epic journey on two wheels
The Tour Aotearoa is more than just a bike ride – it’s one of the world’s truly great cycling adventures. Spanning 3,000 km from the wild seas of Cape Reinga in the north to the rugged shores of Bluff in the deep south, this journey takes you the full length of New Zealand through an ever-changing tapestry of landscapes.
You’ll follow an expertly crafted route linking scenic cycle trails, quiet country roads, forest tracks and remote backcountry roads – with the occasional beach ride, harbour, lake or river crossing to keep things exciting. Every day brings new terrain: smooth sealed roads, crunching gravel paths, flowing trails and wild coastal stretches.
The prime window for the tour are 1 November–20 December and 15 January–31 March…maybe a little into April.
Whether you tackle it as a personal challenge, a slow-paced journey of discovery, or a fully supported group tour, the Tour Aotearoa promises an unforgettable way to experience the beauty, variety, and spirit of New Zealand – from top to bottom.
Use the form below to express your interest – tell us where you are from, supported or self-guided, your preferred number of days riding, preferred start date and experience to date.
North Island (March 2027)
Hightlights & Sites
Far North: Cape Reinga, Ninety Mile Beach, NZ’s tiny church, Tane Mahuta and the Waipoua Forest, Kaipara Harbour cruise, Parakai hot springs.
Central North: Mt Eden, coastal bird sanctuaries, Karangahake Gorge, Hobbiton, Centre of the North Island, suspension bridges and tunnel.
Lower North Island: The white Kiwi, Pinot for Martinborough.
Great Rides and Cycleways Completed
Far North Cycleway, Kauri Coast Cycleway, The Hauraki Rail Trail, Waikato River Trail, The Timber Trail, Mountains to Sea, Manawatu Cycleway, Remutake Rail Trail.
South Island (February 2026)
Hightlights & Sites
North of the South: Earnest Rutherford memorial, Spooners Tunnel, Nelson Lakes, Maruia Saddle.
Central South: Pike River Memorial, Cowboy Paradise and the Kaniere water race. Fox and Franz Joseph Glaciers.
Lower South Island: Haast Pass, Kawarau Gorge and Gibbston Valley, cross Lake Whakatipu.
Great Rides and Cycleways Completed
Great Taste Trail, Pioneer Heritage Trail, West Coast Wilderness Trail, Kawarua Gorge (if complete), Queenstown Trails, Around the Mountains, Southland Traverse.