DAY ONE – Auckland to Tāpapakanga Regional Park (65km) 

Fly into Auckland International Airport, the gateway to the rest of New Zealand. 

When you’ve assembled your bike and you’re ready to go, begin your bikepacking journey from Auckland to the picturesque east coast settlement of Kawakawa Bay.  

There you can refuel and rest before riding another 10km to the beautiful beachfront campground at Tāpapakanga Regional Park (pictured above) for your overnight stay. 

Optional add-ons if time allows: From Auckland head north and experience the scenically spectacular Pou Herenga Tai - Twin Coast Cycle Trail Great Ride, Aotearoa’s most northern trail. Or journey along one of New Zealand's oldest railway corridors, Hauraki Rail Trail Great Ride.  

DAY TWO – Tāpapakanga Regional Park to Matamata via Hauraki Rail Trail Great Ride (150km) 

It’s about a seven-and-a-half-hour ride from the coastal Tāpapakanga Regional Park (pictured above) to the township of Matamata, home to the Hobbiton Movie Set, the filming location for Lord of The Rings and The Hobbit movies.  

Along the way you can veer on to the Hauraki Trail Great Ride, which will take you from Kaiaua to Matamata.  

With its gentle terrain, quaint historic towns, lush farmlands, wetlands and historic railway corridor, it’s one of the easiest and most satisfying trails in the North Island. 

Optional add-ons if time allows: Other Great Rides in the central North Island include the Motu Trails  Great Ride on the East coast, in the cultural capital of Rotorua get among the mighty redwood forest on the Whakarewarewa Forest Loop Great Ride, or enjoy a day ride on the Great Lakes Trail Great Ride. The Waihaha section is the most remote, with flowing corners, fun downhills, and some short switchback climbs to keep you honest, but your efforts will be rewarded with postcard-worthy lookouts along the way.  

DAY THREE – Matamata to Mangakino via Waikato River Trails Great Ride (92km) 

Day three is a shorter day with a mix of back-country roads, open views, dark forests, singletrack and gravel trails, including the amazing Waikato River Trails Great Ride. 

The mostly flat terrain features the magic and beauty of New Zealand native bush and exotic forest.  

You’ll be inspired as you cycle past magnificent hydro dams, over suspension bridges (pictured above) and significant wetlands while soaking up expansive lake and river landscapes. 

DAY FOUR – Mangakino to Timber Trail Great Ride via Centre of the North Island connector ride (50km + 30km on Timber Trail) 

You’ll need to follow the Centre of the North Island connector ride, which links the Waikato River Trails Great Ride in Mangakino with the Timber Trail Great Ride. It encompasses quiet back country roads and old forestry tracks. 

Once you get to the start of the Timber Trail, you’ll come across undulating trails that pass by stunning ancient forests (pictured above). 

Considered one of the best two-day rides in the country, it follows the path of old logging roads and tramlines, linked with purpose-built singletrack and a series of thrilling suspension bridges. 

Halfway in is the Timber Trail Lodge. Nestled in Pureora Forest Park, it’s a serene retreat offering riders a comfortable stay and top-notch food. 

DAY FIVE – Timber Trail Great Ride – Ōwhango (87.5km) 

From the Timber Trail Lodge, the journey through ancient trees, birdsong, history and suspension bridges (pictured above) continues to delight riders along the old logging roads and tramlines that make up this amazing Great Ride. 

Then it’s onwards to the small township of Ōwhango to rest up and refuel overnight. 

Optional add-on if time allows: It's just over a three-hour drive to the sunny Hawke’s Bay region, known for its wine and art deco architecture. With about 200km of leisurely off-road trails to explore, Hawke’s Bay Trails Great Ride is known for relaxed cycling among beautiful scenery with world-class wine, great hospitality and rich cultural history.  

DAY SIX – Ōwhango – Raetahi via Ohakune Old Coach Road (Mountains to Sea/Ngā Ara Tūhono Great Ride) (70.5km) 

Rejuvenated from a full belly and a good night’s sleep, jump back on the bike and head to yet another small town, Raetahi.  

Raetahi lies in a valley between Tongariro and Whanganui National Parks, 11km west of the township of Ohakune and the nearby skifields. 

To get there it’s worth riding via Ohakune and the 15km-long Ohakune Old Coach Road. It's part of the Mountains to Sea/Ngā Ara Tūhono Great Ride and traverses Tongariro National Park forest and farmland (pictured above).  

There are many epic lookouts over the volcanic plateau, as well as spooky railway tunnels, grand viaducts, old bush camps and remnants of the original cobblestone road. 

DAY SEVEN – Raetahi to Whanganui via Pipirki and Mountains to Sea/Ngā Ara Tūhono Great Ride (102km) 

It’s a long trek but worth the journey for the scenery alone. It’s mostly road riding across the hills to Pipirki and then a long, leisurely ride along the Whanganui River Road, which is part of the Mountains to Sea Great Ride. 

Following the Whanganui River as it flows towards the sea, this peaceful road blends sublime scenery (pictured above) with a series of delightful heritage sites and settlements perched high above the mighty river. 

The river runs through the city of Whanganui, but you’ll also find a variety of accommodation, eateries, heritage buildings, a thriving arts and culture scene and even a paddle steamer. 

DAY EIGHT – Whanganui to Foxton Beach (95km) 

From Whanganui, which is known for its 30 street art masterpieces like the one above, it’s a flat ride on a mix of highways and quieter back roads through to Foxton Beach. It’s super important to have rear lights whenever you’re on main roads.  

Foxton Beach is a relaxed coastal village not far from the main township of Foxton on the main State Highway.  

You’ll find long black sand beaches, a couple of cafes/takeaway shops and some accommodation options.  

DAY NINE – Foxton Beach to Paekākāriki (84.9km) 

From one coastal village to another – again it’s a relatively flat ride on highways through Levin and on to Ōtaki. There’s a new cycleway through to Waikanae Beach and on to the Kapiti cycle route to Paraparaumu Beach (pictured above). 

The final stretch to Paekākariki features some fun trails through Queen Elizabeth Park, which covers 650 hectares of sand dunes and wetlands.  

Paekākariki, just a short drive or train ride from New Zealand’s capital Wellington, has a few cafes/bars/accommodation options on the main street and a campground at one end.  

DAY 10 – Paekākāriki to Wellington (44.6km) 

The best way to bike to Wellington and your return flight to Australia is to follow the well-signposted bike paths through Pukerua Bay, Porirua and Johnsonville.  

On arrival, make sure you explore the rugged beauty along New Zealand's Miramar Peninsula coast (pictured above), from the stunning Point Halswell lighthouse (pictured below) to the intriguing marine ruins at Shelly Bay. 

Optional add-ons: Bike the nearby Remutaka Cycle Trail, which features native bush, coastal views, historic sites and old rail tunnels. It’s easily accessible from Wellington and can be done in sections or over two to three days. 

If time allows, head to the South Island via the Interislander ferry for the next leg of your journey. The ferry arrives in Picton.  

There are numerous Great Rides in the South Island. Check out all of our 23 Ngā Haerenga Great Rides of New Zealand to plan your route.