Tour Aotearoa

Tour Aotearoa is a 3,000 km self-supported bikepacking journey across the entire length of New Zealand, stretching from Cape Reinga at the northern tip of the North Island to Bluff in the south. Designed by Jonathan Kennett, the route connects some of the country’s best cycling trails, remote backcountry roads and spectacular natural landscapes.

Route and terrain

The journey combines purpose-built cycle trails, gravel roads, forest tracks, quiet country lanes and sections of paved roads. One of its most iconic sections is Ninety Mile Beach, where riders must time their arrival around low tide to cross the firm sand. Along the way, the route passes through rural communities, forests, mountain regions, river valleys and coastal landscapes across both islands.

Self-supported brevet

Tour Aotearoa is not a race but a self-supported brevet, with participants following a fixed route and completing 30 photographic checkpoints along the way. Riders must manage their own navigation, accommodation, food, equipment and mechanical repairs. The official annual brevet takes place in February, with a completion window of 10 to 45 days.

The route is also open to anyone wishing to ride independently outside the organised event, making it an accessible long-distance adventure for experienced bikepackers looking to explore New Zealand at their own pace.