If you love exploring new places, enjoying nature and challenging yourself, bikepacking might be the perfect activity for you. Bikepacking is essentially multi-day mountain biking with an emphasis on travelling light. You carry only the essentials on your bike or in a backpack, and camp along the way or stay in huts, hostels or other accommodation options.
New Zealand is a bikepacking paradise, with a diverse and stunning terrain that offers something for everyone. Whether you want to ride along the coast, through the forest, over the mountains or across the plains, you’ll find a route that suits your skill level and interests. Plus, you’ll get to experience the friendly culture, rich history and delicious food of this amazing country.
In this article, we’ll give you an introduction to bikepacking in New Zealand, including some tips on how to plan your trip, what to pack and where to go. We’ll also share some of the most popular bikepacking routes that you can try, from short and easy loops to epic and challenging adventures.
How to Plan Your Bikepacking Trip in New Zealand
Before you set off on your bikepacking journey, there are some things you need to consider and prepare. Here are some of the main steps:
Choose your bikepacking route:
New Zealand has a comprehensive network of cycle trails, tracks and gravel roads that you can use for bikepacking. Most of these can be found on the New Zealand Cycling Map. This map shows the 23 Great Rides (mostly off-road trails), the Heartland Rides (mostly on-road routes) and the Connector Rides (links between trails). You can also check out some of the popular bikepacking routes that combine different trails and roads for a varied and scenic experience. Depending on your time, fitness and preferences, you can choose a route that matches your goals and expectations.
Book your transport:
Depending on where you start and end your trip, you may need to arrange transport for yourself and your bike. You can fly to most major towns and cities in New Zealand, or take a bus, train or ferry. Some transport operators may charge extra for carrying bikes, or have limited space or availability, so make sure you check and book in advance. You can also rent a bike from one of the many bike shops or bike hire companies in New Zealand if you don’t have your own or prefer not to bring it.
Plan your accommodation:
Depending on your route and budget, you may have different options for accommodation along the way. Camping is available in designated campsites, near DOC huts and holiday parks. You can also stay in hostels, motels, hotels or other types of accommodation that suit your needs and preferences. Some places may require booking in advance, especially during peak seasons or holidays, so make sure you check availability and reserve your spot. You can also use apps like CamperMate or websites like Rankers to find and book accommodation along your route.
Pack your bikepacking gear:
The key to bikepacking is packing light and smart. You want to carry only what you need and nothing more, as every extra gram will affect your performance and comfort. Also ensure you pack your gear in a way that balances your bike and distributes the weight evenly. You can use various types of bags that attach to your bike frame, handlebars, seatpost or fork, or use a backpack if you prefer.
Some of the essential items you’ll need are:
- Tent, sleeping bag and sleeping mat (or a bivvy bag if you want to go ultra-light).
- A stove, pot, utensils and food (or ready-to-eat meals if you don’t want to cook).
- Water bottles or bladder and a water filter or purification tablets.
- A first aid kit, sunscreen, insect repellent and personal hygiene items.
- Bike repair kit, spare tubes, pump and multitool.
- A helmet, gloves, sunglasses and appropriate clothing for different weather conditions.
- map, compass, GPS device or smartphone with offline maps.
- Headlamp, spare batteries and a power bank.
- camera, journal or other items for documenting your trip.
Of course, this is not an exhaustive list and you may need to add or remove items depending on your specific needs and preferences. The important thing is to pack as light as possible, but not compromise on safety or comfort.
Where to Go Bikepacking in New Zealand
Now that you have an idea of how to plan your bikepacking trip, you may be wondering where to go. The good news is that New Zealand has plenty of options for bikepacking, from short and easy loops to epic and challenging adventures. Here are some of the most popular bikepacking routes:
Tour Aotearoa
This is the ultimate bikepacking challenge in New Zealand, a 3000 km journey from Cape Reinga at the top of the North Island to Bluff at the bottom of the South Island. You’ll ride through some of the most diverse and stunning landscapes in the country, from beaches and forests to mountains and plains. On top of this you will experience the culture, history and hospitality of the different regions and communities along the way. This route is not for the faint-hearted, as it requires a high level of fitness, endurance and self-reliance. You’ll need to complete it in 10 to 100 days, depending on your pace and schedule. You can find more information and resources on the nzcycletrail website.
Kōpiko Aotearoa
This is a shorter but still challenging bikepacking route that cuts across the central North Island, from East Cape to Cape Egmont. The distance you’ll ride is about 1071 km on a mix of trails, gravel roads and sealed roads, passing through hilly and remote country. You’ll see some of the most scenic and historic places in the region, such as Lake Waikaremoana, Te Urewera National Park, Whanganui River, Mount Taranaki and more. it can be completed in 5 to 12 days, depending on your pace and schedule. You can find more information and resources on the nzcycletrail website.
Kahurangi 500
This is a 500 km loop in the northwest corner of the South Island, taking in some of the most epic trails in the country, such as the Heaphy Track and The Old Ghost Road. You’ll ride through stunning scenery and tough single track, with plenty of climbs, descents and river crossings. You are likely to encounter some of the unique wildlife and plants of the region, such as giant snails, weka birds and nikau palms. You’ll need to complete it in 5 to 10 days, depending on your pace and schedule. You can find more information and resources on the nzcycle website.
Twin Coast Bikepacking Mega Loop
This is a 390 to 425 km loop in Northland, going from coast to coast and back again. You’ll ride up the Pacific Coast and across the Twin Coast Great Ride before looping back through kauri forest and cross-country back to Whangārei. Passing by some of the most beautiful and historic places in the region, such as Paihia, Russell, Kerikeri, Hokianga Harbour and more. You’ll need to complete it in 4 to 6 days, depending on your pace and schedule. You can find more information and resources on the nzcycletrail twin coast cycle trail website.
Raglan to Te Awa Loop
This is a 490 km loop in the Waikato region, starting from Pukekohe near Auckland. You’ll ride through three beautiful west coast beaches via quiet gravel roads and weave across the Waikato River following some of its cycle trails. Travelling through some of the most scenic and cultural places in the region, such as Raglan, Kawhia Harbour, Waitomo Caves, Otorohanga Kiwi House and Hamilton Gardens. It can take between 5 to 8 days to complete, depending on your pace and schedule. You can find more information and resources on the The Mighty Waikato website.
Of course these are just some of the many bikepacking routes that you can try in New Zealand. There are many more options for different skill levels, interests and durations. You can also create your own route by combining different trails and roads that suit your preferences. The possibilities are endless!
Summary
Bikepacking is a great way to explore New Zealand by bike, with an emphasis on travelling light and enjoying nature. It’s an adventure that will challenge you physically and mentally, but also reward you with unforgettable experiences and memories.
In this article, we gave you an introduction to bikepacking in New Zealand. we covered some tips on how to plan your trip, what to pack and where to go. We hope this guide has inspired you to give bikepacking in NZ a crack.