Follow along on this 7 part series as we set off on an unforgettable 4-week cycling adventure from Auckland to Queenstown, riding the legendary Tour Aotearoa route. We totaled 1,946km (1,209 miles) of riding from start to finish. By far our longest bike tour yet…well, until the next one!
Aotearoa, meaning "Long White Cloud" in the Māori language, is a common name for New Zealand.
In Ep. 1, we take you through our journey of flying with and setting up our bikes, dive into the first leg of the ride as we adjust to the climbs and long days in the saddle. We share the constant chorus of birdsong, the irresistible New Zealand pies, and lots of coffee breaks along the way. You'll also get a glimpse of the smooth stretches of trail and the nerve-wracking sections of busy highway. All in all, it was the perfect start to our tour—everything we hoped for and more.
Next episode coming Feb. 3, 2025
Our journey kicked off on November 2, 2023. We flew from SLC to Dallas to Auckland on American Airlines, but it wasn’t without drama. When we arrived at the SLC airport, we were told we couldn’t board because we hadn’t applied for the NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority). We rushed to apply online, and while Eric’s was instantly approved, Court’s was still pending. As an hour ticked by, we thought for sure we’d have to rebook—our chance to make the flight was slipping away. But then, after a mysterious phone call from the ticket agent, they let Court on the flight just in time!
Tip for future travelers to New Zealand: Make sure to apply for the NZeTA before you go. It's not a visa, but it’s a required digital travel document for entry into the country. It costs $65.50 USD (or $117 NZD) per person and is valid for two years. Download the free NZeTA app to submit your application—and avoid the stress we went through!
Spanning over 3,000 kilometers in total, this iconic bike route took us through some of New Zealand’s most stunning landscapes—from lush farmland and rugged coastlines to pristine lakes and towering mountains. Along the way, we met amazing locals, made new friends with fellow cyclists, and experienced the highs and lows of this incredible journey.
It was truly a ride we’ll never forget!
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