How to Bikepack in NZ

Build your rental rig

Bike, bags and camping gear for touring in NZ.

Where to Bikepack in NZ

Explore NZ routes

Ride where the locals ride.

Want to travel New Zealand by bike — but don't fancy hauling your whole setup halfway across the world? Talk to us.BIKEPACKING NEW ZEALAND, MADE SIMPLE

We are Cyclery Raglan, based on the west coast of the North Island, and we do full bikepacking rentals for visiting riders.Based in Raglan on New Zealand’s wild west coast, we build complete bikepacking rental rigs and share the routes worth riding. Whether you’re new to bikepacking or planning your next big adventure, we’ll help you get rolling.

Travel light. Land in Auckland, make your way to Raglan (90 minutes drive), and your bike and kit will be waiting. Auckland gear drop-off is also possible by arrangement. Take a day or two here in this famous fun surf town to shake off the jetlag - then roll out.

New Zealand biking paradise

New Zealand touring is a little different. Here are some of the frequently asked questions about touring in NZ:

Bike Gear

Bikepacking scene for what bike to bring

Whilst a classic touring bike with skinny tyres will work on the sealed roads of NZ, nice wide tyres and even front suspension is recommended to get you off the busy dangerous highways and allow you access the real gems of cycling in New Zealand. Panniers and a heavy setup will work but to make the most of the stunning trails we'd recommend a lighter bikepacking setup. Bike shops are far apart, so carry a solid tool kit and learn some basic repair skills.

When to ride

Summer and autumn (December to April) are the best cycling months in NZ with warmer weather and longer daylight. Spring can be excellent too, but expect more wind, rain and mud. If you want the simplest trip, aim for the shoulder of summer when the roads are drier and resupply is easier. If you have the right gear (and attitude) then you can bike most routes all year round however in NZ the weather changes can be quick and extreme so plan wisely.

Accommodation

New Zealand has a wide range of overnight options for bikepackers: freedom camping, DOC campsites, DOC backcountry huts, holiday parks, hostels, Airbnb and Warmshowers. Freedom camping rules vary by district, so always check local signage and council rules before stopping anywhere unofficial. Mixing these options gives you flexibility across both remote backcountry sections and bigger towns.

Navigation

The best way to tour is with the route preloaded onto a GPS device on your bike. Also worth having offline maps on your phone (see links below) and even a paper copy. Plan as if towns are further apart than they look on a map, carry enough food, water and repair spares, and download maps before you leave town because coverage can get patchy in backcountry valleys. Cell coverage can disappear quickly once you get out of the towns. Many riders have a personal locator beacon with them in case of emergency and patchy cell range.

What to pack

New Zealand weather can swing from blazing hot sun to snow in the same day. Even if you are riding in the middle of summer make sure you pack layers, a proper rain shell, a good warm jacket. The Sun in New Zealand is intense so bring lots of sunblock and UV rated clothing .New Zealand is usually slower, steeper, wetter, windier, and more remote than it looks on a map so plan accordingly. Links to full example packing lists below...

North vs south

North Island and South Island bikepacking scene

The North Island can feel tropical with golden beaches and banana palms, while the South Island is wilder with the southern alps dominating the landscape. Both islands are beautiful and rugged are provide excellent bikepacking opportunities. A good idea is to join up a north island route with a island route and use the Wellington to Picton Ferry to connect the two.

Public Transport

Internal flights are quick and affordable. JetStar and AirNZ are the two main flight options. Local bike shops will often give you a cardboard bike box for the flight. Pedals, handlebar and front wheel off and you are set. Most airports also have bike build stations with pumps, tools and a stand. For moving between the North and South Islands, Bluebridge and Interislander run multiple daily Ferry crossings. Trains in NZ are almost non existent. The bus network is limited and slow but will usually allow clean bikes onboard.

Visas and entry

You'll need a visa to enter New Zealand, you can apply online. A standard visa is 6 months but working holiday visas allow for longer stays and work opportunities. Check the links below...

Our Fleet

Some of the many setups we have built up and tested on New Zealand's most demanding backcountry routes.

Build Your Bike

Featured Route

Tour Aotearoa

Cycle the full length of New Zealand on this classic route, from Cape Reinga in the far north to Bluff in the deep south. 3,000 km on gravel roads, forest tracks, quiet country lanes and singletrack through every landscape Aotearoa has to offer.

One of the most celebrated bikepacking routes in the world — remote, challenging, and deeply rewarding. This route was made by the Kennett brothers and is run as an event every year; however, you can ride it anytime of the year. Makes a great trip for 1-3 months of riding.

Cycle 3,000 km from Cape Reinga to Bluff on one of the world’s great bikepacking routes, crossing gravel roads, forest tracks, quiet lanes and singletrack. Remote, challenging and deeply rewarding, the Tour Aotearoa can be ridden as an event or independently over one to three months.

3,000Kilometres

30–100Days

39,000mClimbing

Dec - MayBest Months

GravelBike Type

IntermediateDifficulty

View Route (North) View Route (South)

Inspiration

Dreaming about riding in A otearoa? Here are a few films to spark route ideas, build stoke, and help you picture the adventure.

Resources

Trail Resources

Routes & Inspiration

Classic NZ Rides

Local Gear Makers

Dirk, owner of Raglan Cyclery, working as a mechanic

About Us

Meet Dirk and Chris from the Raglan CycleryMeet Dirk and Chris

Dirk has been running Raglan Cyclery and hiring out bikes since 2011. He has helped riders from first-timers to big-trip veterans get rolling with confidence. As an avid cyclist himself, every recommendation comes from real miles on New Zealand terrain.

Dirk has run Raglan Cyclery and hired bikes since 2011, helping everyone from first-timers to seasoned adventurers get rolling with confidence. An avid cyclist, his recommendations come from real miles on New Zealand roads and trails.

Chris is the other half of the team, a passionate cyclist with a love of adventure and the road less travelled, he brings firsthand experience and enthusiasm to every conversation. Every rental setup is prepared by two people who genuinely care that your trip is smooth, safe, and memorable.

Chris brings a love of adventure, firsthand bikepacking experience and genuine enthusiasm to every conversation. Together, they prepare every rental setup with one goal: a smooth, safe and memorable trip.