In just a few days the Tour Aotearoa season will begin.
600 people from all around the world will set off from Cape Reinga on a 3000 km journey the length of New Zealand.
Some will be veteran bikepackers, accustomed to the rigours of such endurance events and aiming to ride 200+ kilometres a day.
But for most, this will be the longest ride of their lives, and the anticipation is already palpable.
They will be aiming to cover the distance and have fun along the way, making new friends, and enjoying this beautiful little (but very long) country.
The Tour Aotearoa cycle route mostly follows a carefully planned selection of Great Rides and Heartland Rides of the New Zealand Cycle Trail.
Riders are self-supported, and may stop and start whenever, and wherever they like, as long as it is on the course.
They will all be carrying small GPS trackers, so you can see how they are going from the comfort of home!
If you’re interested to find out more, you’ll find everything you need to know on the official Tour Aotearoa website.
We wish every rider taking part in the event a safe and memorable adventure.
We would love to hear your stories and see some photos along your journey.
You can Post to our Facebook Page or share your link with us if you are keeping a journal / Blog.
GREAT NEW ZEALAND TREK
Images above are of another well known trek which started in 2006.
This is known as the Great NZ Trek and involves horses and walkers also trekking the length of NZ.
They have taken far longer as walkers and horses are involved and the route is confined to farmland and beaches.
In 2018 – Stage 13 – 3 to 11 March – they trek from Ophir to Lawrence raising funds for MS.
They expect to finish at Bluff in 2019.
The GNZT bikers will envy the Aotearoa route involving so many of the Great Rides and Heartland Rides of the New Zealand Cycle Trail.
When the GNZT started none of these were developed.
Isn’t it wonderful to see so many people take on such physical challenges to see and feel the real heartland New Zealand, that tourists might seek but will rarely discover.
What wonderful positive people enjoying the best attributes of such an amazing country…
For a brief glimpse of the North Island stages of the Great New Zealand Trek view the slide show below…