This route (created by the Kennett brothers) is one of the strings in New Zealand’s bow of epic pedal powered adventures. We have created a fully supported version of this ride, closely following the classic route, so you can get on with the pedaling and enjoy all the benefits that come with exploring on two wheels, without the stress of tricky logistics.
Taking you into the thick of the North Island’s most remote, rugged and off the beaten track towns: you will experience ocean vistas, pristine podocarp forest, cycle trails and rural farm life, knowing that we have got your back and lunch is ready just around the corner! You will be immersed into the small communities we pass through, interacting with locals and enjoying the slower pace of life that touring brings. Why not jump into the ocean for a mid-ride dip? Or stop at that tiny cafe for a brew? You might even get roped in to help herd some rogue sheep along the road!
This is a fully supported cycle tour, one crew will ride with the group whilst the other goes ahead to set up snack, water and lunch breaks. The support vehicle will have all your luggage and supplies for each day and is also available if you would like to take a break from the saddle.
We are not running a Cape to Cape Cycle Tour in 2025, however we are planning for it to be back better than ever in 2026! Let us know you’re interested by using the enquiry form.
Meeting Point: Gisborne
Ride Start: East Cape
Ride Finish: Cape Egmont
Tour Ends: New Plymouth
The experience – This trip was both a challenge and an adventure with a small group of like minded cyclists who were supportive of each other and lots of fun to be with. Being part of a group certainly has some advantages and I have done many touring trips unsupported in the past. I highly recommend this trip and the Escape Adventures team. The trip- a 1000 plus kilometre cycling adventure both by road and on trails and cycle paths with variable terrain through the back roads of New Zealand . We visited remote parts of the country and experienced wonderful hospitality. It’s at your own pace but there’s backup if you need it. The Company – Mandy and John provided great communication, answering any questions we had prior to the Tour and ongoing support during it especially as Omicron was about to hit and we had to change our planned East Cape light house start to accommodate this. We got rained off the Timber trail by a Cyclone but they quickly reorganised our accommodation and the riding plan so we could carry on. We have been offered a free weekend on the Timber trail in February as a replacement. The accommodation was memorable and the meals too that we shared. I had last cycled with Escape Adventures in Africa in 2009 and China in 2010 , so a happy customer who returned for a new experience. The Guides – Bruce and Alice were professional,fun, well organised and made the tour the success that it was. I felt well supported but also independent and free to ride at my own pace. The snack stops and the quality of the food was amazing and we all put on weight despite some strenuous days riding ! I felt very well cared for and couldn’t ask for more
What an amazing trip! The Cape to Cape was an absolutely brilliant two weeks riding through some of the best scenery that Te Ika-a-Māui has to offer. Every day we experienced unique and beautiful parts of Aotearoa; enjoyed delicious, nutritious food served up by the fantastic support team; and enjoyed each other’s company as we rode our way across the country. The riding was great – a few big days, but you have nothing to do but ride and enjoy, and its such a great feeling when you get to the top of the hill, or reach your accommodation for the evening. Escape Adventures organisation and planning is amazing, and the support team work tirelessly to make sure everything is organised for you making it a fantastic escape from ‘reality’ where you can just focus on riding and enjoying the trip. I was really impressed by Escape’s commitment to sustainability and minimising waste along the trip – it was evident in everything that they did. If you are thinking of doing the Cape to Cape, don’t hesitate, just sign-up! There’s no way you’ll regret choosing to do the Cape to Cape with Escape.
Escape have done it yet again, another superbly organised epic bike ride, wiggling our way from East Cape to Cape Egmont, the widest part of New Zealand. What a way to explore and see so much of remote, rural and the small towns of the North Island, riding our bikes along scenic coastline, fabulous trails, through native forest and back country roads. Of course, there were a few good hills, but they came down too! The support crew of Bruce and Alice were amazing – again. Always thinking ahead and on hand to support us and keep us topped up with great snack food along the way. I can’t recommend this enough, just prepare yourself to really enjoy a ride of your life!!
Despite a very nervous start, the ride became a pleasure, a challenge, an opportunity.. a blast! The riding company was great, the support excellent, the food varied but generally excellent, making for a comfortable experience. Best of all, the weather was almost perfect. Highlights included the regular coffee stops, in some very unlikely places, wonderful nibbles and lunch stops, and help whenever required. Thank you Mandy, Alice and Bruce for all tour efforts to provide a positive, first class riding event of a 1000 plus kilometres.
I am finding it hard to express how much I enjoyed my C2C trip. Just everything went so well. I was quite unsure as to how I would manage what was a major challenge for me, as I hadn’t done anything like it before. Everyone, both those of you in the office and the wonderful Bruce and Alice were so supportive, helpful, knowledgeable and fun. When changes were required these happened smoothly, professionally, and were communicated to us very well. In fact we were well informed throughout the trip with good information about the days ride, when we were likely to next see the van, as well our evening arrangements. I can’t leave this without mention of the wonderful snacks that were very plentiful at the stops – very much appreciated. So thank you all so much for making my big birthday challenge so successful and fun. I’m still finding it a bit hard to believe that I actually did it!!!
