Tour Aotearoa Adventure

I'm heading off for another cycling adventure - this time, I'm riding the length of New Zealand: Aotearoa, Mordor, the Land of the Long White Cloud.

Route

The journey kicks off at Cape Reinga, right at the top of the North Island, and wraps up in Bluff at the bottom of the South Island. All up, it'll be more than 3,000 km of pedalling through some of the most spectacular landscapes imaginable.

I'll be following the route mapped out by the Tour Aotearoa (TA) group. TA is an annual event held in February that attracts hundreds of keen cyclists. If you're curious, their Tour Aotearoa website has loads of great info.

Timing

I'll be riding solo through the North Island during October. Then in Wellington, I'll meet up with my brother, and we'll cycle the South Island together over about 20 days in November. We're not chasing speed records—this trip is all about the experience.

Logistics

Getting to the start line has taken a fair bit of planning. The first major challenge: getting me and my bike from Auckland Airport to Cape Reinga. Thankfully, I've got a support crew - code named M.A.R.K. (Mission Assurance & Ride Kickoff). Mark has kindly volunteered to make sure I actually go through with this adventure. We'll hire a car in Auckland and spend a few days enjoying Northland before the ride begins.

Staging the Start

The first day involves 80km riding along Ninety Mile beach. So like any great adventure, the actual start date depends on a few variables—weather, wind (speed/direction), and tides all play a part. To give myself the best chance of a smooth launch, we'll be staging in the town of Ahipara, near the base of Ninety Mile Beach. From there, we'll wait for the right conditions before heading north to Cape Reinga and officially starting the ride.  Here's hoping for a northerly breeze.

Final Thoughts

This is shaping up to be an epic, bucket-list journey. I'm feeling a mix of nerves and excitement—but mostly, I can't wait to get rolling.

Today's theme song is by Paul Kelly - Dumb Things

In the middle of a dream / I lost my shirt, I pawned my rings  / I've done all the dumb things

This trip might be on the top of my Dumb Things list.  An epic journey cycling the length of Aotearoa, from Cape Reinga on the North Island to Bluff at the bottom of the South Island.  Over 3,000km.  What could go wrong…

Photo from Auckland Airport.  Three bags.  Bike box 25kg, Black bag with gear 15kg and yellow travel bag 4kg.  While the box and black bag will be left behind, once I add water and food my total weight should be back up around 40kg.

The road ahead, Cape Reinga to Bluff