7 Days Biking New Zealand

After a year off the bike, I recently did a short 7-day tour in New Zealand.

I started in Auckland, mostly following the Tour Aotearoa bikepacking route to Hamilton, where I took Te Huia back to where I started. Even though this was not my first bike tour, I was, admittedly, a bit rusty on this one. I was coming off a pretty bad elbow injury and getting over a cold, so I wasn't too fit, something that became abundantly clear to me during the tour. I wild camped most nights, spending two nights at a motel in Paeroa and one night at a hostel in Hamilton.

I did it with mostly new gear and a new bike since most of my gear is in storage overseas. I didn't get to have all the gear I usually bring, but not having it this time taught me what is truly essential for me on a bike tour.

I usually prefer to ride a bit heavy, but I opted for a lighter set up on this one.

Bike weight: The total weight of the loaded bike setup was 38.22 kg:

• 20.50 kg – Bike w/ handlebar bag, tube bag, and lock
• 6.12 kg – Back pannier bag
• 6.28 kg – Back pannier bag
• 5.32 kg – Yellow dry sack

Things I'd bring next time:

• Bigger dry sack (55L): More space.
• Proper pillow: Total luxury item, but essential for me. I did a big 4-month bike tour last year, and I brought a big pillow that seemed like overkill, but the improved sleep I got was more than worth it. On this tour, I just stuffed my extra clothes into my sleeping bag sack, and I didn't sleep as well.
• Handlebar bag that is bigger and detachable: So many things just end up in the handlebar bag because it's convenient. Having it detachable is important so I can put my most valuable items inside, unclip it, and take it with me when I step away from the bike.
• Comfy cushioned seat: The seat the bike came with was very uncomfortable. Controversial opinion perhaps – I have actually gotten into some heated debates over this – but I've never been a fan of those thin, hard, sporty bike seats like Brooks. Since making the switch, I much prefer a cushioned seat (I don't call it a saddle anymore; I call it a seat). I rode with a Brooks and similar seats in the past, and I always had constant problems with saddle sores. I lived with the pain for years believing I would "break in" the seat eventually, but no matter what I tried, it was always miserable. I switched to a cushioned seat 5 years ago, and saddle sores became a complete non-issue. Unfortunately, on this tour, I decided to just stick with the stock seat to save money, and I paid the price.
• Kickstand: I have one on my other touring bike, and it really comes in handy.
• Phone Mount: Much easier than pulling my phone out of my pocket constantly.