best bike tour aotearoa

• Route planner

Tour Aotearoa [2024]

116,925  ft

1.1 Cape Reinga to Rangiora Ferry Terminal

1.2 rangiora ferry terminal to rawene boat trip, sign up to discover places like this.

Get recommendations on the best single tracks, peaks, & plenty of other exciting outdoor places.

1.3 Rawene to Dargaville [2023]

1.4 dargaville to pouto point (boat pickup), 1.5 optional kaipara harbour bypass, 1.6 kaipara harbour charter boat trip, 1.7 parakai to auckland, 2.0 auckland to taumaranui, 2.1 hunua traverse weekday entrance, 2.2 clevedon to kaiaua via coast, 2.3 optional 500m side trip to ongarue store 001, hawkes bay trail segment - closed 2022, 3.1 taumaranui to mangaparua landing, 3.2 whanganui jetboat trip, 3.3 optional mangapurua track to raetihi to pikipriki, 3.4 pipiriki to wellington ferry terminal, 3.5 optional durie hill elevator bypass (hill climb), 3.6 optional wgtn ferry to bluebridge ferry terminal, 3.7 cook strait boat trip, 4.1 picton to greymouth, like this collection, questions and comments.

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Collection Stats

• Distance 2,126 mi
• Duration 270:48 h
• Elevation 116,925 ft

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• GRAVEL TYRES
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• CO2 INFLATORS & CARTRIDGES
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• BIKEPACKING BAGS

Tour Aotearoa - Bike Packing - January 6, 2021

Tour Aotearoa Top Tyre Picks & Setup Advice

If you are researching gear for the Tour Aotearoa (TA), including sorting out some fresh rubber for the 3000km journey, we thought it would be good to offer some advice and options on one of the more important gear choices, your connection to the ground, tyres.

Tyre choice for a long bike packing tour such as the TA is an important one as tyres influence the control and comfort you have on your bike on a range of surfaces. You also want something durable enough to last the distance, something that rolls well and has enough grip for the technical sections of the route. Your personal skill level and preferences of tyre characteristics also come into play. 

If you are having a hard time finding an option, give us a call (021 262 6243) or send us an email ([email protected]) and we would be more than happy to discuss options and talk through our experience from riding the Tour Aotearoa and other off road/mixed terrain bike packing routes.

The most popular bike choice for the TA is generally a 29” hardtail or rigid mountain bike, though gravel bikes and mountain bikes of other wheel sizes and types are not uncommon and the advice and principals that follow can apply to all of these bikes.

We recommend setting your wheels and tyres up tubeless with sealant. This will ward off unnecessary punctures from small to medium size punctures, usually caused by sharp rocks, rim strikes, thorns or more likely glass. Tubes are still an option but the chances of being slowed down by a puncture are much higher. If you are Auckland based and would like to learn how to go tubeless, please get in touch, we can talk you through it or we are happy to come out and show/help you do it.

The majority of your time during the TA will be riding on unsealed surfaces either off road or gravel, even though most of the actual distance you will ride is on sealed roads (the breakdown of trail surfaces for the TA can be found here: http://www.touraotearoa.nz/p/trail-surfaces.html ).

Tyre Width & Pressure

For mountain bikes, a tyre width in the range of 2.0”- 2.35” is a good mid volume choice. Typically, with a low-profile tread design. For gravel bikes or those looking for narrower, lighter and faster options, a larger volume gravel tyre is a possibility too. Gravel tyres can be a handful off road, especially in the wet, so we would only recommend them for riders that are confident in their bike handling skills. Generally, a 37mm - 50mm gravel tyre will still provide enough volume and comfort for long days in the saddle.  

For loaded bike packing set ups, tyre pressures for mountain bike tyres are typically between 25 - 30psi for off-road sections and closer to 40psi for sealed roads. Varying tyre pressure for different sections can be an extra task you do not need on a big day, especially if you are riding a mix of road, gravel and off-road in the same day. I would recommend setting your pressure to suit for the day or days ahead (if you plan to check them daily or every few days) and only stop and set them up specifically for sections of serious off road such as the Kaiwhakauka Track in the North Island and the Big River/Waiuta Track in the South, or for long days on the tarmac that you will find from Helensville through past Hunua in Auckland and along the West Coast highways.

A narrower tyre will save some weight and will roll a little faster. Higher tyre pressures are needed to avoid punctures and the lower volume of a narrower tyre will sacrifice comfort and compliance on rough roads and terrain.

Widths on the larger end of the spectrum will generally be a little heavier and a little slower rolling on smooth roads. Their larger volume will provide the ability to run lower pressures, provide more grip and compliance/comfort on rougher terrain. They will also roll faster when the road conditions are poor/bumpy and on rougher roads and off-road trails.

Tread Design

Tread design can vary between brands, but generally a cross country tread design will do well off-road and still be easy rolling on the tar seal, this will be the most popular and sensible choice for the TA. Semi slicks with good shoulder knobs are an option for lower rolling resistance and good cornering grip but will be challenging to ride on slippery trails. Some tyres also provide an almost continuous centre tread design which are a fast-rolling option. Depending what characteristics you would like for your ride, speed or grip, or a balance of both, you can choose something with a more aggressive design with larger knobs or a tyre with smaller knobs, finer tread and lower profile design. 

Mud clearance should be considered as there are some parts of the ride where you may encounter wet and sticky soil that could bind up between your tyres and frame/bags/racks. Slowing or even stopping forward progress.

Casing and rubber compound should also be considered when choosing a tyre.  Look for something with a durable casing, they will generally be a little heavier, but faster in the long run when you don’t have to stop and repair a puncture, or a serious sidewall cut. A medium to hard rubber compound will help the tyre roll fast and last the 3000km journey, but still provide good grip on the off-road trails. Tyres with multiple compounds across the tyre help reduce the compromise between grip and speed/durability by using harder compounds on the base of the tyre and centre tread and softer compounds on the cornering knobs for more grip.

Puncture Protection

Some tyre brands and models offer additional side wall or bead to bead puncture protection. They usually weigh a little more than a standard casing tyre but pay dividends in keeping your tyres full of air and you riding rather than repairing. Sometimes the additional protection can also stiffen up the casing on your tyres which is beneficial for the additional weight and load they are taking during bike packing tours.

Mixing it up

It can also be advantageous to run different tyres front and rear. The front tyre does a lot of the heavy work for you in terms of braking, steering and general control of your bike.  A larger and more aggressive tyre can help keep you right side up and the rolling disadvantages are not felt as much here. Rolling speed is more important on the rear of your bike which will be taking more of the overall weight of the set up and will be impacted by poor rolling tyres. Running a lighter, less aggressive tyre on the rear can help keep the bike fast.

Top Tyre Picks

Here are some good options for the Tour Aotearoa or any other mixed terrain bike packing trip you may have planned (in no particular order). They come in a range of sizes, casings and rubber compounds. Click on the tyre name to be directed to more detail:

Mountain Bike tyres

• Mezcal – A versatile all round XC tyre. The Mezcal has a near continuous centre tread for fast rolling on hard pack/sealed surfaces and many effective edges and siping to the transition and cornering knobs for excellent traction. A very popular choice for bike packers, with a good track record.

• Barzo – A XC tyre that can handle more technical terrain but still rolls fast. Alternating and tightly spaced centre tread with taller side knobs.  Ridden by the winner of the 2020 XCO world champion and the winner of the BC bike race (Canada).

• Ikon – An all rounder and popular XC/Trail tyre for bike packing. The low profile and consistent tread design mean that the Ikon is a fast rolling tyre that is predictable in corners and performs well on a range of surfaces. 

• Rocket Ron – A very fast XC tyre that is capable in a range of conditions.  The Rocket Ron has one of the lowest rolling resistance for MTB tyres and the blockier tread design means it is grippy in loose soil and gravel too.

• Racing Ray/Racing Ralph – Front and rear specific XC race tyres. Tread designed specifically to excel for the demands of front and rear tyres. A fast combo with low profile tread. These tyres can be run as a combo or as a Racing Ray front and rear or Racing Ralph front and rear on their own.

CONTINENTAL

• Race King – A very fast rolling XC tyre. Rolling resistance is very low on this tyre and they have been independently tested (bicyclerollingresistance.com) as faster than most gravel tyres too. Good tread design for consistent traction off road.

• Cross King – A similar tread design to the Vittoria Barzo but with different knob siping and Continentals casing and rubber compound offerings. Another tread with a good reputation.

• Nano – Another fast-rolling tyre with a continuous centre tread. Staggered transition and shoulder knobs for climbing, braking and cornering traction. Also available in gravel tyre widths.

• Ranger – A XC/Trail tyre, more aggressive than the Nano and less aggressive than a Trail Boss. A really great bike packing tyre that won’t suffer too much on hard surfaces but will still excel on single track and off road.

• Trail Boss – An all-round trail tyre. On the more aggressive and heavy side for bike packing but has some good high-volume options that will give you tonnes of traction for the most technical sections of the TA.

• Booster – Another proven fast and aggressive XC tread. Popular for XC racing and fast trail riding. It has good casing volume and the additional sidewall protection makes it a great choice for bike packing.

• Saber – High volume casing, a very low-profile tread design, low rolling resistance and grippy rubber compound means this tyre is fast rolling, comfortable and has plenty of traction. The race-oriented rubber compound may wear a little fast on a heavily loaded bike and these tyres won’t be as capable as the Booster in wet conditions.

• Peak - A fast rolling XC tread. The peak has a supple but tough casing.  Due to its speed and tread design it is a great fast all rounder for bike packing. The design is similar to the Maxxis Ikon but the tread is a little shallower and more spaced, faster rolling and better at clearing loose dirt or mud.

• Escape - Similar to the WTB Trail Boss the Escape is a dedicated trail tyre. This doesn't exclude it for being great as a tyre for bike packing. It is fast rolling for a trail tyre and the more aggressive tread design gives you plenty of confidence on fast and loose gravel or in the most challenging off road sections. A good choice if you are happy to sacrifice some speed on the road for speed and control off road.  

Gravel Bike tyres

• Terreno range - The Terreno tyres from Vittoria are their gravel range. Available models from most road oriented to most gravel/off-road oriented are the Zero, Dry, Mix and Wet. For the Tour Aotearoa or other bike packing routes we would recommend either the Terreno Mix or Wet, with both having enough traction for off road surfaces. The dry would be ok for gravel and tar seal routes.

• G-One Bite – A really great balance of speed and grip. A consistent tread design similar to the G-One All Round, but with larger knobs and bigger spacing between the side knobs.  This allows much better off road traction.  The Bite can be paired up as a rear tyre with the Ultra Bite for a fast rolling and grippy combo.

• G-One Allround – Uniform tread design provides fast rolling and predictable traction. This tyre is a good choice for predominantly gravel routes with some off road but can be an option as a rear tyre paired with the Bite or Ultra Bite. For those confident off road and ok with a bit less traction on muddy trails the Allround is still an option.

• G-One Ultrabite – The most aggressive G-One tyre. This tyre sacrifices some rolling speed for much more traction than the others in this range. Great as a front tyre paired with either of the other G-One tyres or run front and back for a very good bike packing and adventure set up for rougher routes.

• G-One Speed – A fine micro tread design aimed at seal and gravel roads. Ok on dry and hard pack trails but will be a handful if the dirt gets too loose or wet. The fastest of the G-One range.

• Terra Speed – A gravel tyre with a consistent tread design with reasonable knob spacing for traction. Up the top of the list for rolling speed.

• Terra Trail – A more aggressive version of the Terra Speed, the better option if your plans include rough roads and trails. Could be run up front with a fast Terra Speed in the rear.

• Riddler – A really great tread design for gravel and off-road riding and bike packing. Low and tightly spaced centre knobs with chunky side knobs. These tyres roll and grip well on a range of surfaces and have good traction in the corners.

• Raddler - A similar design to the Riddler but more aggressive. The side knobs are large, close to the size of a mountain bike tyre side knob.  Great for loose gravel and those wanting a fast tyre with very good cornering traction.

• Flintridge - A very popular, tough gravel tyre with a fast rolling centre tread and grippy transition and side knobs. Tread is a good size so can handle off road trails well. As with other gravel tyres it will start to struggle in conditions with sticky mud. Bead to bead puncture protection.

• Alluvium - Another popular gravel tyre. Faster tread design than the Flintridge, with small closely spaced knobs in the centre and reasonable side knobs for cornering traction. A little less capable off road but still doable and plenty capable and fast on gravel and sealed sections. Bead to bead puncture protection.

• County - A fast rolling tyre with a slick centre tread that transitions to widely space side knobs for traction in loose conditions.  This tyre is aimed at predominantly gravel and sealed routes. Off road trails in the dry would be fine but braking and drive traction would be poor off road in the wet due to the slick centre.

• Connector - A very capable tyre that can handle loose gravel and trails. Tightly spaced centre tread for good rolling speed and traction.  Aggressive side knobs help with off road traction and cornering.

This is not an exhaustive list of tyre options, so if you are after something different or are not sure what to go with, feel free to get in touch, we are always happy to help.

My personal favourite for the TA is the Vittoria Mezcal in a 2.25" width. They are fast, grippy and reliable.

Spares/Extras

It is always essential to be prepared for punctures and tyre damage so you can keep rolling and keep unwanted downtime to a minimum. Some spares to carry with you:

• Tyre pressure gauge .
• Mini pump .
• CO2 cartridge's and inflation tool (optional, but great to seat a tyre back onto the bead or get a flat tyre back up to pressure quickly).
• Spare tube (ideally 2 if you have space).
• Tubeless puncture repair kit (plug tool, several 'plug strips', a small knife or clippers to trim off excess plug strip and some top up sealant).
• Puncture repair kit for tubes , either if you are running tubes or if you puncture your spare (patches, glue, sand paper or something to rough the tube surface).
• Tyre Boot (muesli bar wrapper, $5 note or similar can be used and will save you carrying an extra item).

• Continental Tyres - Tech Info
• Goodyear Tyres - Tech Info
• Kenda Tyres - Tech Info
• Maxxis Tyres - Tech Info
• Schwalbe Tyres - Tech Info
• Tour Aotearoa - Bike Packing
• Vittoria Tyres - Tech Info
• WTB Tyres - Tech Info
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• Press the space key then arrow keys to make a selection.
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Love Exploring

The Best E-Bike Tours In America Are Perfect For Adventure

Posted: February 27, 2024 | Last updated: February 27, 2024

E-bikes are surging in popularity and for good reason: they allow you to travel further and faster without having to break much of a sweat. They’re an ideal and accessible way to see more of America – and these brilliant tours are a great place to start. From small-group adventure trips to guided city tours, here are our favorite e-bike tours throughout the US.

Small-Group E-Bike Adventure Tour through Hidden Santa Fe, New Mexico

A treasure trove of Indigenous artifacts, desert-like southwestern landscapes and fascinating Spanish forts await you on this three-and-a-half hour guided tour. Run by Heritage Inspirations , the trip aims to uncover lesser-known gems in the New Mexico capital, all with the ease of battery-assisted bikes – which come in an aesthetically pleasing mint green color.

Starting at the Cross of the Martyrs in Fort Marcy Park (pictured), cyclists will pedal their way through the city, visiting attractions including the Randall Davey Audubon Center, the stunning River Park and the hip Railyard District. According to recent Tripadvisor reviews , guides are highly knowledgeable, and the tour takes guests along quieter streets, while thorough lessons in how to use the e-bikes are provided. 

17-Mile Drive Tour, Big Sur, California

Although it’s better known as a road trip destination, California’s wild and windswept Big Sur coastline is perfect for exploring by e-bike. This well-planned tour , which takes you along an ultra-scenic 17-mile section of the road in around two and a half hours, is a great way to experience some of the most stunning and diverse landscapes along this storied route.

Beginning at Asilomar State Beach, you’ll learn the history of this beautiful surfing beach before hopping onto your e-bike and cycling along the rugged coastline towards the start of 17-Mile Drive. Memorable stops along the way include Lone Cypress (pictured) – a starkly beautiful Monterey cypress set on its own headland jutting out to sea – as well as the pristine stretch of sand at Carmel Bay and Bird Rock point, where you’ll get to watch sea lions frolicking in the water. 

3-hour Guided Wine Country Tour in Sonoma on Electric Trike, California

Although they offer something a little different from the conventional e-biking experience, the e-trikes provided by Pushpak Motors are a fun and environmentally friendly way to explore California’s wine country. With space for two riders apiece, these three-wheeled electric trikes will whizz you past scenic vineyards in no time – with plenty of stops along the way.

And it’s not just sightseeing you’ll get to do on this no-holds-barred tour. Over the course of three hours, guests can enjoy stops for wine and cheese tasting at prized local wineries. If you want a little more time to relax and enjoy the views (and wine), book onto the more elaborate five-hour tour, which includes an additional winery visit and plenty more time to explore lesser-known roads.  

Fat Tire E-Bike Tour through Volcanoes National Park, Hawaii

Covering more than 500 square miles of Hawaii’s Big Island, including two active volcanoes (Kīlauea and Mauna Loa), Volcanoes National Park is jam-packed with awe-inspiring landscapes. And what better way to take them in than on an electric bike? Volcano Ohana offers a three-hour experience on its trademark fat tire e-bikes, which are just the thing for navigating the region’s challenging volcanic terrain. 

Asheville Historic Downtown Guided Electric Bike Tour, North Carolina

Surrounded by the stunning Blue Ridge Mountains and full of historic attractions, Asheville is a great city to discover by e-bike.  The Flying Bike  offers a three-hour tour of downtown, allowing you to learn about the city’s inspiring architecture, discover its fast-changing arts and cultural scene and pick up some brilliant recommendations from local guides. 

Half-Day Electric Bike Tour of Red Rock Canyon, Las Vegas, Nevada

With the option to take either a guided or self-guided tour via e-bike, Escape Adventures ’ half-day experience is an ideal way to see this National Conservation Area. Recent Tripadvisor reviewers have praised the tours’ organization and the quality of the bikes, with many reporting that the added help of an e-bike was necessary to manage the hills along the route.

Guided E-bike tour of downtown St Petersburg, Florida

Tucked between the Gulf of Mexico and Tampa Bay, St Petersburg is one of Florida’s most charming cities and it’s perfect for some pedal-powered adventures. With Bay E-Bikes’ downtown tour , a local expert will take you around the city’s most noteworthy attractions, including colorful murals, waterfront parks and St Pete Pier.

The family-friendly three-hour tour, which has received rave reviews on Tripadvisor , includes bike, helmet and lock rental, as well as drop-off and pick-up. Bay E-Bikes also offers a wildlife and history tour around Fort De Soto Park, located just southwest of the city, during which you’ll get to explore these gorgeous offshore keys and learn about the plants and wildlife they support.

San Juan Islands biking tour, Washington

If you’re after a full-blown, multi-day adventure, this incredibly beautiful bike tour through Washington’s San Juan Islands is well worth considering. The seven-day adventure covers a total of 134 miles by either regular or e-bike, including ferry trips across the Salish Sea, six nights of accommodation at boutique inns and a tried-and-tested, detailed itinerary.

Ketchikan Electric Bike and Rainforest Hike Ecotour, Alaska

For an intrinsically Alaskan tour experience, look no further than this highly rated excursion from the Ketchikan Kayak Company . Taking visitors around the most scenic parts of Ketchikan – famously the entrance to the Inside Passage – it includes a journey down the so-called ‘Road to Nowhere’ and a guided hike through the Tongass National Forest.

You’ll get the chance to spot some incredible wildlife, including porpoises, seals and sea lions, along the coastal section of the route. Meanwhile, the journey through the rainforest gives you the chance to see an active salmon-spawning stream, a waterfall and plenty of native Alaskan flora and fauna. The trip includes a smoked salmon meal (or vegan option) and beverages, plus round-trip transportation from Ketchikan downtown. 

Boston City View Bike Tour, Massachusetts

The historic city of Boston can be explored on foot, of course – but a little pedal power will allow you to see many of its most important sights in a shorter amount of time. Urban AdvenTours’ flagship e-bike tour , which takes around two and a half to three hours, takes you through Fenway Park, Boston University Campus, Boston Common and past plenty of attractive brownstones.

Original Electric Cruiser Fat Tire Bike Tour, Boulder, Colorado

Boulder is a great city for cycling, with more than 300 miles of bikeways , including designated cycle-only paths, bike lanes and multi-use routes. And the fat-tire, electric-assisted cruiser bikes offered by Electric Cruiser Bike Tours are a great way for all the family to get out and explore the city. 

During a two-hour trip you’ll get to see some of the city’s best-loved neighborhoods, including the University of Colorado, the historic downtown, Chautauqua and along Boulder Creek. According to recent Tripadvisor reviews , the tours are well-paced, guides are knowledgeable and there are a good number of stops at interesting locations along the way. 

Now discover the amazing North American destinations to visit with your EV

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