Tour Aotearoa - I had a Dream…

3000 spectacular kilometres in my own backyard….

Well, it wasn’t exactly me who had the dream and technically it’s across the ditch, not in my backyard. This one was my husband’s dream. Apparently it had been percolating for years.

Cycling from the most northern tip of New Zealand to the most southern tip. 3000 kilometres in all. Simply spectacular countryside - any wonder Peter Jackson chose it for Bilbo Baggins and his crew of the HOBBIT to inhabit. Beauty of the rugged country aside, you can’t help but notice the pure scale of the mountains.

To date, our riding tours have been, let’s say - suited to most ages and cycling ability. This Tour Aotearoa does not appear to be a one size fits all. Daily distances are longer, for example Day One well over my 70km sweet spot at 107km along a beach with prevailing weather conditions promising a hectic headwind. Elevations over those hobbit mountains, jet boat transfer (with bikes) through an uncycle-able gorge section - (well, okay that sounds fun).

I’ve read “Fear and Loathing on the TA” and am hoping I have a different experience to Hal and Homer!