North Island Back Roads: Wellington to Auckland

Itinerary Details

1. Day 1Wellington Makara Circuit

   Your North Island Back Roads trip meets in Wellington at 8:00am. After you’ve said hello to your fellow bikers, had your bike fitting and tour briefing, you'll drive to the suburb of Karori, where you can set off on your bike along quiet and hilly rural roads. There will be time to visit the wild Makara Beach before riding through farmland scattered with huge windmills and exploring gorges and rivers.

   This afternoon you are free to explore the vibrant and creative city of Wellington, visiting some of the many galleries or museums, walk along the waterfront, or through the botanical gardens. You will meet later in the evening for the first group meal together with a chance to discuss the exciting itinerary ahead.

   
   

   • 21.7 miles
   • 1,312.3 ft
     1,312.3 ft
   • Bay Plaza Hotel, Wellington
   • Lunch and Dinner
2. Day 2Wellington to Masterton

   Your second day starts with a drive over the winding Rimutaka Range to Martinborough, a charming colonial town in the heart of the Wairarapa wine region. Here, you'll get on the bikes and ride the quiet roads and vineyards to Gladstone, following the Whangaehu Valley.

   On arrival, you’ll be welcomed with a local beverage at the Gladstone Inn. After lunch, you can take a short drive and begin the ride to Castlepoint, known for its rugged coastline and century-old lighthouse. You'll enjoy a short walk to the viewpoint, before driving to Masterton and your nights’ accommodation.

   
   

   
   

   • 46.6 miles
   • 2,296.6 ft
     2,296.6 ft
   • Masterton Accommodation
   • Breakfast and Lunch

   • 

     Castlepoint, NZ

     Cycle to this beautiful spot on the second day of the tour

3. Day 3Masterton to Wallingford

   This morning you'll drive an hour north to near Pahiatua, where you will begin your ride. You'll follow the Makuri River before gradually ascending 460m to cross the Puketoi Range. The road climbs high above the valley, offering incredible views in all directions. From there, a fast descent takes you to Pongaroa, where you'll continue through the small farming communities of Waione, Ti Tree and Wimbledon to Porangahau Beach.

   Next up, you'll pass by the 1000ft hill that holds the Guinness World Record for the longest place name with 85 characters. Locals call it Taumata Hill after a native warrior. After you pack up the bikes, you'll drive to your accommodation at Wallingford Homestead and enjoy a hearty meal prepared by your kiwi hosts.

   
   

   
   

   • 70.2 miles
   • 2,952.8 ft
     2,952.8 ft
   • Wallingford Homestead
   • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
4. Day 4Wallingford to Napier

   After breakfast, you'll jump on the bikes and head out on the road straight from your front door. This morning’s ride takes you along quiet rural roads to the small town of Waipukurau. After a coffee stop, you'll transfer a short distance north to Waipawa where you can start riding again. The route follows the wide Tukutuki River valley, lined by grassy hills and vineyards.

   On arriving at the pretty town of Havelock North, you can challenge yourself to a steep hill climb to the top of Te Mata Peak. Climbing 385m over 7km we reach an incredible lookout with 360-degree views over the whole of the Hawke’s Bay. From Napier and Mahia Peninsula to the north and east, hill country to the south and the Ruahine, Kaweka and Maungaharuru mountain ranges to the west. Mount Ruapehu is also often visible in the distance. It's well worth the effort! You'll then transfer to the seaside art deco town of Napier where you will spend the next two nights.
   

   • 49.1 - 53.4 miles
   • 2,247.4 ft
     2,247.4 ft
   • Napier Accommodation
   • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
5. Day 5Napier - Rest Day

   Today is a free day to relax or enjoy a short ride from Napier. The Hawke’s Bay is blessed with fertile soils and a warm, temperate climate, and is among New Zealand’s leading producers of wine; notably red wines – cabernet sauvignon, merlot and syrah – and stunning chardonnays. You can follow one of the many self-guided bicycle wine trails visiting some of the region’s 30+ cellar doors, and numerous artisan producers, connected by flat, easy-riding cycle paths.

   Napier is also called the art deco capital as the city was rebuilt in the architectural styles of the time following the devastating 1931 earthquake. You can wander through the art deco buildings and enjoy the many restaurants and cafes in the town. Another option is to take a 4WD tour to visit the Gannet Colony at Cape Kidnappers to see the largest, most accessible mainland nesting area of gannets in the world. You are free to make your own lunch and dinner arrangements.
   

   • Napier Accommodation
   • Breakfast
6. Day 6Napier to Tongariro National Park

   The day begins with a wonderful ride on the recently paved road from Omahu to Taihape through the Kaweka Forest Park. You’ll scale the local hill named “Gentle Annie”, reaching an altitude of 950m which is the highest point on the whole tour. You'll retrace an ancient Maori route between Hawke’s Bay and the Inland Patea district, around the headwaters of the Rangitikei River.

   Once you’ve reached Taihape, the ‘Gumboot Capital of NZ’ you'll drive to the Tongariro National Park on the Central Plateau. In the late afternoon, those keen to explore can walk to the Silica Rapids on the flanks of Mt Ruapehu, to see a series of shallow terraces coated in white deposits. Your comfortable accommodation awaits with views of the volcanic cones of Tongariro, Ngarahoe and Ruapehu.
   

   • 62.1 miles
   • 5,905.5 ft
     5,905.5 ft
   • Local Accommodation
   • Breakfast and Lunch
7. Day 7Tongariro National Park to Rotorua

   This morning you'll head out on a walk down the Whakapapanui Track which descends through native bush following the Wahakapapanui Stream, there could be the chance to see or hear the native blue duck, known in Maori as whio. After your walk, you will leave the Central Plateau and drive to visit the colourful pools and geysers of Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland on the outskirts of Lake Taupo. Then you'll hop back on the bikes and cycle through the quiet rural Waikete Valley towards Rotorua.

   Rotorua is a small town on the side of Lake Rotorua famous for its hot pools, geysers and thermal reserves. This evening you will experience a Maori feast prepared in the traditional Hangi style, visit Te Puia’s geothermal valley and the impressive Pohutu Geyser, as well as being entertained by traditional Maori cultural performances.
   

   • 24.9 miles
   • 1,410.8 ft
     1,410.8 ft
   • Rotorua Accommodation
   • Breakfast

   • 

     Ride to Rotorua

     Explore the iconic sights and the lesser known tracks of this lovely part of NZ

8. Day 8Rotorua to Auckland

   After breakfast, you'll drive towards Matamata and start riding near Te Poi, following a quiet road winding northwards alongside the Kaimai Range. You will ride as far as Te Aroha and then visit the town of Paeroa, ‘World Famous in NZ’ for L&P; the “Lemon and Paeroa” drink. Next, you'll drive to Miranda and cycle the coastal road to Kawakawa Bay affording wonderful views across the Firth of Thames. You'll then load up and drive to Auckland, and your final destination.

   Tonight you'll have the final meal together to celebrate your week’s cycling achievements.
   

   • 52.8 miles
   • 885.8 ft
     885.8 ft
   • Auckland Accommodation
   • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
9. Day 9Tour concludes in Auckland

   After breakfast, it’s time for a farewell as the trip comes to an end. Shuttles, buses and taxis are readily available to get to the airport. Additional nights accommodation can be arranged in Auckland if required.
   

   • Breakfast