A Trip in Two Halves
Here’s the problem, the official Tour of Aotearoa (TA) brevet is just too long if you are a working person. Taking 25-30 days off at the beginning of the work year is just not possible for many people.
Here’s the solution, break the tour into 2 halves of 14 days each. Do one half in February after the last group of brevet riders depart and the other half in November to complete the tour within one calendar year.
Why join a group trip? Principally so you don’t have to carry bags on your bike, meaning riding is easier and daily distances can be longer. Nor do you have to find food and accommodation each day or book water crossings (5 in total). These are arranged in advance. Transport to and from the end is included and a vehicle is available should something go wrong. In other words, you concentrate on the riding and not the logistics.
The Trip a Glance…
Price: NZD $6,750 inc GST per Island. Deposit $1,700 to secure a seat, balance required 4 months out.
North Island Trip Dates: pick up on the Fri 07 Mar 2025, drive to Cape Reinga, start on the morning of Sat 08 Mar 2025, end on Sun 23 Mar 2025 in Wellington, start return trip Mon 24 Mar drive north, dropping riders at their preferred location along Highway 1
South Island Trip Dates: Fri 14 Nov 2025, driving to Wellington to catch the ferry, Saturday leave Picton finish Sat 29 Nov 2025, start the return trip 30th Nov 2025
Time commitment: 14 days per Island
Who is it for: Seasoned cyclists, capable of 125kms of varied terrain riding each day
Total kilometres: 3,000 kms (total of both Islands)
Accommodation styles: accommodation is likely to be basic. Either camping, holiday cabins or hotel rooms in some towns. Excludes resorts. Ensuite bathrooms are unlikely. Nightly accommodation will have a communal kitchen, laundry and Wi-Fi.
Food: prepared by TnT on the day.
Best bike: hardtail mountain bike, full-suspension mountain bike, gravel bike
Max number of riders on the trip? 14
Starting and finishing points
North Island Ride starts at: Cape Reinga. Ride ends at: Wellington Ferry Terminal
South Island Ride starts at: the Wellington Ferry Terminal Ride ends at: Bluff
North Island Transport to the start: our main pick-up will be in Auckland (airport and CBD) on Friday 16th Feb 2024. However, pickups can be made on Highway 1 between Rotorua and Kaitaia Airport.
North Island Transport from the finish: our main drop-off is in Auckland, however, we can drop off anywhere between Wellington and Auckland on Highway 1.
South Island Transport to the start: our main pick-up will be in Auckland (airport and CBD) however pickups can be made on Highway 1 between Auckland and Wellington.
South Island Transport from the finish: anywhere between Bluff and Christchurch including Queenstown Airport.
What Track & Trail provides…
- Transport to the start and from the end by bus
- Ferry crossings (there are 5 water crossings in total)
- Accommodation
- Carry your gear forward
- Camp Cook and Driver
- Daily ride information, map files for your phone, route notes
- Breakfasts, lunches, dinners
- Water, riding snacks and sunscreen
- Basic mechanical support and first aid
- Support vehicle (in some places the bus cannot be on the route)
- Carbon offsets for the van and your travel to the start
- Bike hire if needed
- Department of Conservation activity fees
- What you provide: strong legs, heart and lungs. Your bike, sleeping bag, towel and navigation (notes and maps provided) …after those items, you ride, have fun, be awesome and see the less trod parts of NZ
The Ride
- A total distance of 3,000km spread over 28 days of riding, broken into two 14 day trips.
- Though e-bikers are welcome, this is a human-powered cycle trip. Riding distances and daily stages are suited to ordinary pedal bikes.
- Daily riding distances have been planned to be challenging but achievable and to allow plenty of time for photo stops, to explore the local towns and points of interest along the way.
- 100-125 km riding per day on wonderfully remote and scenic riding route. Approximately 35% road, 30% cycle trail and 25% gravel road the rest is beach or forest single track.
- NZ cycle trails have variable terrain and generally slow riding speed.
- Single-track, gravel or road biking experience will add to the enjoyment of your tour.
- A hardtail or full-suspension mountain bike, a gravel bike or a touring bike with off-road tyres are all good bikes for the trip.
- Our support vehicle is available (most of the time) should you need a break from the saddle.
The Route Map
Random TA Montage
Bikes, Food & Accommodation
There are a few bike styles that work well on the course. In order:
- Hardtail mountain bike
- Full-suspension MTB with rear shock pumped up
- Gravel bike
- Touring bike …. whatever your bike, gravel tyres are best
You are responsible for the fitness of your bike. Please get it fully serviced before you join the tour and bring spare parts eg. a derailleur hanger. It will be doing 3,000 km on some of the roughest terrain in the country and parts will not be available without a delay.
Your bike must be able to carry 1.5 litres of water, your rain jacket, snacks, phone, spare inner tube and sunscreen so a handlebar bag, front roll or frame bag is recommended. Avoid backpacks as they put too much pressure on your sitting bones, affect your balance and are too hot in summer.
Contact Peter if you plan on hiring any type of bike.
The tour includes most breakfasts, lunches, evening meals and snacks. There may be exceptions where we stop in a major centre. We may be able to cater for vegetarians and coeliac. If this includes you, it is crucial to advise us of this well before the tour begins.
Typical meals Include:
- Breakfasts – Fresh fruit, muesli, toast and spreads, hot drinks.
- Lunches – Picnic-style lunches, bread or rolls and filings such as cold meats, cheese & vegetables.
- Snacks – Fresh fruit, muesli bars, nuts and baking.
- Evening – Prepared by your tour leaders or local accommodation.
Accommodation is included for all 28 nights of the trip. Our job is to explore and find the most fitting accommodation to work in with the riding route. The TA is remote in places and the accommodation can be limited with often only basic options available. We will be staying in a combination of campgrounds, holiday park cabins, farm stays, lodges, possibly hotels in major centres and one community communal accommodation. It’s likely bathrooms will be shared. Accommodation is on a shared basis.
Safety comes first! The main threats are; getting lost, getting cold, running out of water, sunburn, falls in remote country. We are here to mitigate as many of those risks as much as possible but care and attention will be required from you at all times.
This cycle tour includes rides of 125 km per day. Preparing for your cycle tour should involve:
- Riding on gravel and other unpaved surfaces
- Riding hills, lots of them! In a day you may climb 1,500 to 2,000 metres in rises and falls.
- Riding 3-4 times a week with rides of 50-80km in length.
The more prepared you are the more you will enjoy your adventure!
Trip Price
NZD $6,750 inc GST
Singles
– this is a group trip. No single supplement is available.
Exclusions
The tour price does NOT include:
- optional activities and entrances to attractions
- personal equipment (bags, helmets, wet weather gear)
- bike repairs
- alcoholic drinks & café stops
- emergencies. The cost of emergency evacuation by ambulance or helicopter is at your own cost.
If you have to leave the tour we will we help you arrange transport at your own cost. You may wish to take travel insurance.
Please read our Terms & Conditions carefully before booking.