Kōpiko Aotearoa

Kōpiko Aotearoa traverses the North Island at its widest point, running 1,060 km from the East Cape lighthouse to Cape Egmont on the Taranaki coast. Riders climb over 16,000 m across the tour, following remote sealed and gravel back roads through Te Urewera, Waikaremoana, the Timber Trail and the King Country to Whangamomona and New Plymouth.

The route mixes coastal riding, native forest, high country farmland and sections of three Great Rides, finishing with a half-day ride to Pukeiti before returning to Rotorua. Accommodation is a mix of resorts, guest houses, lodges and community stays, with six of twelve nights rated high quality.

They cap the tour at 10 riders, with a support vehicle available for most of the route (though not on sections like the Timber Trail), and a personal locator beacon carried in remote areas.

Highlights:

• Start at first light at the East Cape Lighthouse, the world's easternmost sunrise point
• Ride through Te Urewera past Rere Falls, Rere Rockslide and Lake Waikaremoana
• Cross the Timber Trail's suspension bridges and the Ongarue Railway Spiral
• Climb the Okahukura Saddle and pass through the historic Moki Tunnel to Whangamomona
• Cross the Te Rewa Rewa Bridge with Mount Taranaki in view, finishing near Cape Egmont

Surface and terrain:

Around 60% sealed road, 27% quiet gravel road and 13% cycle trail. Terrain is demanding, with multiple daily saddle climbs and over 16,000 m of total ascent across the tour. Hardtail/full-suspension MTB, gravel or touring bikes with wide tyres are recommended; road bikes are not suitable.

Suitable for:

Seasoned, well-trained cyclists capable of 75–110 km of demanding, hilly, partly unpaved riding per day.