It’s a [3000km route](https://bikepacking.com/plog/bikepacking-new-zealand-tour-aotearoa/) that looks ideal for the kind of cycling I’d like to do.
Details:
* travelling from the UK
* never done bikepacking before
* ideally a mix of camping and staying at hostels
* 6 weeks at the start of January
* buy the bike there, sell it afterwards
* haven’t bikepacked before or done cycle rides longer than 4 days
* fitness wise I run 2-3 times a week 5-10k distances
I’d love to hear thoughts from people who’ve done the route before, or any general tips that might be useful.
Thanks!
by Supert0d
8 Comments
I’d recommend biking for training, not running.
And also, any reason you don’t buy your bike before? You can easily check them on planes, you’ll know how it works, can fit your bags on it as you please, and then can still sell it there if you don’t want it anymore. Or, you’ll become emotionally attached to it and want to keep it.
IMO buying/selling a bike will be considerably more stressful (and expensive, assuming you’re buying new on arrival) than buying one before you go and flying with it
Yes, it’s wonderful. Have ridden several big routes. Tour Aotearoa was the one that got me into bikepacking.
It has a lot of strengths. It travels through a beautiful country. It has some unique elements such as the photo checkpoints, riding down Ninety-Mile Beach, and the jet boat ride down the Whanganui River. It’s a bit friendlier to inexperienced riders as the terrain and elevation aren’t too crazy (but it’s still challenging). It’s also a popular one (presuming you’re signing up for the group start), so chances are you’ll likely wind up riding with some others and enjoying their company.
Highly recommended!
It seems stupid to go from no biking to biking 3000km. We can’t know whether it really is stupid or whether you can do it.
You are approaching it in a less than ideal way.
It would be better to buy a bike and bags in the UK where you have more time and options (also cheaper) and fly to NZ with a ready to ride set up. This way you can dial in your set up on a few short trips in the UK to figure out what way you want to approach the Tour Aotearoa. It could take you 30+ days, that’s a long time out there on a bike that you just purchased at the start of the trip.
I have a strong attachment to my bikes, and their fit, unless you already know what you want and have tested it, why not use what you have?
In terms of actual riding (not specific to the route), some considerations:
– how comfortable are you with lots on long days in the saddle (see above fit comment)
– if you’re reasonably fit, you should be fine, generally a long ride doesn’t mean hammering daily
– how well dialed are your systems (sleep, how frequently to eat etc) – these sort of things can make it significantly easier or harder
– how well do you handle things going not to plan? Because it won’t go to plan
– regardless of everything, there’s always something to update, change or whatever, so prep will never be perfect
I truly believe whether or not you go to is a function oh how well you adapt. If you’re super comfortable with “just go for it”, then have at ‘er!
Did the tour myself but in a very laid back, 3 month approach with many detours and good stuff. I never fail to smile when I think back, so;
I would recomend buying a bike before heading out, bikes (and bags, equipment etc) in NZ are more limited and airlines arent as scared of bikes as they used to be. Doesnt have to be a top of a line thing, but something that suits you helps. I have some friends that bought absolute junkers for 100$ each (in 2021) in NZ and still managed the full route within 27 days but they also had a lot of discomfort, so aim a little higher maybe.
Can be done on a budget or on a credit card. Either way you’ll enjoy it, but do a little prep!
Good luck!
Edit; Fitness wise, if you aim to do it in the 27 days as a proper challenge you’d benefit from some cycling experience. If you’re not in a rush, you will quickly pick the km’s up and your legs/body will quickly adapt, but still, some time spent on a bike is appreciated. I got some mega knee pains which was resolved by adjusting my seat by 2 or 3mm, so time on the bike is also about learning a good set up!
I’m currently at the airport on my way from Seattle to start the TA! From my experience and other commenters to far, definitely buy and get use to the bike and gear beforehand. It’ll save a lot of stress and preventable misfortune. I’m a regular fit cyclist and still had a hard time dialing in just the saddle for repetitive long days.
If you have any specific questions about the preparation I’m happy to share my experience!