Cape to Cape, NZ North Island, Kōpiko Aotearoa

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+64 3 545 1789

info@escapeadventures.co.nz

Why Book With Us?

  • Small cycle groups
  • Hand-picked Cycle Tours & Activities
  • Family Run Business
  • 15 Days
  • 12 People Per Tour
  • Fitness Level: 2 - 3
  • Fully Supported Bike Tour
  • 1100 km
  • East Cape to Cape EgmontMeeting and End Point is Rotorua

Ride East to West across New Zealand's North Island on our fully supported Cape to Cape Cycle tour.

The Cape to Cape - Kōpiko Aotearoa is a 1100 km route, taking you East to West across New Zealand’s North Island. Known in the bikepacking world for its challenging logistics and potential for big days... that's where we come in!

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. 

Cape to Cape Cycle Tour Highlights

Departure & Return Location

Meeting Point: Rotorua
Ride Start: East Cape
Ride Finish: Cape Egmont
Tour Ends: Rotorua

Price Includes

  • 14 nights Accommodation
  • Meals as per tour itinerary
  • Two Escape Adventures tour leaders
  • Support vehicle & bike trailer
  • Vehicle transfer from Rotorua to East Cape
  • Vehicle transfer from Cape Egmont to Rotorua

Optional Extras

  • Bike Hire: If required hire fee is NZD $500 (Pedal Bike)
  • E Bike Hire: If required hire fee is NZD $1050
  • Bike Collection (to transfer your bike Christchurch to Rotorua & back) $50

Price Excludes

  • Airfares, visas, or airport taxes
  • Optional activities and excursions
  • A couple of meals as per the detailed itinerary
  • Personal equipment
  • Getting to and from Rotorua

Solo Travellers - Single Supplement

  • NO Single Supplement! - If you’re traveling alone, we’ll pair you to twin-share with another biker. (same gender)
  • If you do not wish to share that is fine too, a single supplement of $1,150NZD will apply. NOTE Single rooms will be provided where available however in some places you will be required to share a bathroom.
Itinerary: Cape to Cape Cycle Tour

DAY 1: Meet at our starting point in Rotorua

Arrive in Rotorua by midday.  Meet with your tour leaders & fellow bikers for lunch and bike set up, then load up and drive out to your accommodation on the East Cape. Approx 4hours. 

Accommodation: Motel

Meals: Dinner

 

DAY 2: Start the Adventure! Pedal the East Cape

We transfer the last section out towards the East Cape lighthouse by vehicle.  Then limber up and hop onto our bike to ride the most stunning part of the cape. Rugged coastline, windswept landscapes and ancient Pohutukawa trees.

Cycling Distance: 77km

Accommodation: Motel

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch 

DAY 3: Cycling the coastal road

We follow the coastal road on the north of the East Cape as it meanders to and from the coast, through bush, farmland and small coastal settlements chock full of boats. Look out for the steam cloud of Whakaari, White Island, out in the bay. And enjoy the scenic dunes section of the Motu trail as we arrive in Ōpōtiki.

Cycling Distance: 104km

Accommodation: Holiday Park Cabins

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 4: Discover the remote Mōtu road

Here begins the road less travelled. Sharing the road with only the odd farm vehicle or free-range animal, we head inland and climb the Mōtu road. Part of the first vehicle road connecting Gisborne to the Eastern Bay of Plenty back in 1914.  Back country views, historic farmland and lush forest.

Cycling Distance: 106km

Accommodation: Farmstay

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 5: Exploring rural roads and private tracks

We set off across country, getting access to private farm tracks and quiet rural roads this is a real adventure by bike! 

Cycling Distance: 90km

Accommodation: Farm stay 

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 6: Historic roads lead to Te Urewera

What goes up must come down. And then go back up again! If the road building lacks tact – it makes up for it later in the day with good looks, don’t worry we only need to make it halfway before we can lounge on the shores of Lake Whakamarino.

Cycling Distance: 91km 

Accommodation: Rustic Lodge 

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 7: Soak up the beauty of Lake Waikaremoana

You might have a feeling that you deserve today… and your rewards come in the form of lakes, bush and birds of Lake Waikaremoana and Te Urewera National Park and a very long downhill. Keep your eyes peeled for free roaming cows, sheep and horses.

Cycling Distance: 93km 

Accommodation: Rustic Lodge 

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner,

DAY 8: Head for the hot springs!

If ever there was a day of contrast – this is it. We leave the dense forest and gravel roads behind and take a long straight road for a change. We pass by Waimangu Volcanic Valley, the perfect opportunity for a stint off the bikes, learning about the incredible geothermal activity that shaped the landscape around you. Then it’s all downhill to Rotorua, you’ll be ready for a soak in one of the many hot springs. 

Cycling Distance: 85km

Accommodation: Motel

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 9: Rest day to explore Rotorua

A well-earned rest day and time to explore the many attractions of Rotorua. Te Puia is the place for Māori culture and an incredible geothermal landscape, or hot pools and a massage might be more your style.

Accommodation: Motel

Meals: Breakfast

DAY 10: Rolling roads of the King Country

We head into the rolling hills and valleys of the mighty King Country, or Te Rohe Pōtae, named back in the 1860s at the time of the New Zealand wars.  Quiet country roads and the Waikato River cycle trail, make for a memorable day. 

Cycling Distance: 74km

Accommodation: Rustic lodge 

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 11: Magical and historic, Pureora Forest awaits

Starting the day on quiet roads, we are quickly engulfed by Pureora Forest Park – the centre most point of the North Island is quickly followed by the famous Timber Trail. Virgin rainforest, timber industry relics, cool suspension bridges and a cosy lodge complete the day.

Cycling Distance: 81km

Accommodation: Timber Trail Lodge

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 12: Ticking off the Timber Trail

We ride the second half of the amazing Timber Trail cycle way following historic milling cycle tracks to Ongarue. Then it is sealed roads, rolling all the way to tiny Ōhura for the night.

Cycling Distance: 90km

Accommodation: Cottages

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

 

DAY 13: Cycle Tāngarākau Gorge

A big day’s ride on the Forgotten World Highway. At the top of the Paparata Saddle, hilly farm country swaps out to native forest and the Tāngarākau Gorge. Get your passports out, we’re passing through the Whangamōmona Republic!

Cycling Distance: 127km

Accommodation: Motel

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 14: Final dash to Cape Egmont Lighthouse

A wee stretch of the legs is required to make our final lunge out to Cape Egmont. We take the scenic route over a low foothill of Mt Taranaki and down to the Cape Egmont. We transfer back to New Plymouth for our final dinner together.

Cycling Distance: 64km

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 15: Farewell

Our final breakfast together for this tour before we load up and transfer approx. 3.5 hours back to Rotorua and say our farewells.

Meals: Breakfast

Photos from the Cape to Cape Cycle Tour

Map - Cape to Cape Cycle Tour

Cape to Cape Cycle Tour - Frequently Asked Questions

Escape Adventures fully supported bike tours have been running for decades, if you have any questions "just ask us"

The biking lowdown

  • A total distance of 1100km spread over 12 days of biking.
  • Daily riding distances have been planned to be achievable, (but not without challenge) and to allow plenty of time to explore the local towns along the way. E Bikes and pedal bikes are equally
    welcome!
  • We encourage an early start so that you have time to recharge at the end of the day.
  • 30-127 km riding per day on wonderfully remote and scenic riding route. Approximately 60% sealed roads / 27% quiet gravel roads and 13% cycle trails.
  • The Cape to Cape is renowned for its hilly terrain – big ups, big downs, and otherwise rolling coastal terrain. Don’t say we didn’t warn you!
  • Cycle trails have variable terrain and generally slow riding speed.
  • Dirt/gravel road biking experience will add to the enjoyment of your tour.
  • A hardtail mountain bike or a touring bike with off road tyres is the ideal bike.

Our ‘Sag Wagon’ support is available (most of the time) should you need a break from the saddle.

How does a 'Supported Cycle Tour' work?

We’ll sort the nitty gritty! Before your tour begins, we will organise all the logistics and book all accommodation. We will give you daily digital route maps, that you can follow on your phone or GPS, and route cue notes so that you can ride at your own pace, stop when you like to smell the roses and grab a coffee when the opportunity presents, while always knowing that we are there if you need us.

On tour, your awesome Escape Adventures support crew will have your breakfast ready for an early start and provide snacks for you to carry with you. They will provide daily ride information and ride sweep with first aid and mechanical support. Our support vehicle will carry your luggage, and on most days set up a ‘floating picnic lunch’ on route so that you can picnic at a time that suits you, and top up on water and snacks. The support vehicle is also there if you need first aid or mechanical support, or if you need a break from the saddle.

How fit do I need to be for this cycle tour?

This cycle tour includes rides of 30-127 km per day. Please do read about the daily riding distances taking note of the riding terrain in the itinerary and prepare accordingly. The more prepared you are the more you will enjoy your adventure! Preparing for your cycle tour should involve:

– Riding on gravel and other unpaved surfaces.
– Lots of hills! 
– Riding 3-4 times a week with rides of 40-80km in length.

Please do contact us if you would like some help with a detailed training plan.

Support: Our trusty support vehicle carries all your luggage, has lunch, snacks and water at hand, and is there if you need a break from the saddle.

What kind of meals do you provide?

Included in your tour are all breakfasts and riding snacks, most lunches and seven evening meals. (One lunch is not included). The one lunch and most of the evening meals (as per the tour itinerary) are in places where there are dining and wining options available – therefore at your own cost and choosing. (This gives you more control over the cost of your tour AND spreads the love supporting local businesses!).  We are most definitely able to cater for vegetarians and special diets. If this includes you, it is essential to advise us of this before your tour begins, so that the support vehicle can be stocked with the necessary supplies.

Typical Included Meals:

  •  Breakfasts – Fresh fruit, muesli, toast and spreads, hot drinks.
  •  Lunches – Picnic style lunches, fresh salads, cold meats, cheese & bread.
  •  Snacks – Fresh fruit, salty snacks, home baking.
  •  Evening Meal – Prepared by your tour leaders or local accommodation.

What kind of accommodation can I expect?

Accommodation is included for all 15 nights of the cycle tour. Our job is to explore and find the most fitting accommodation to work in with the riding route. The Cape to Cape is a very remote, rural riding route and the availability of accommodation is limited with often only basic options available. We will be staying in a combination of motels, holiday park cabins, farm stays, historic lodges and hotels. Where possible we choose accommodation with ensuite bathrooms, however for about half the nights it will be necessary to share bathrooms.

Travelling Solo? We do not charge a single supplement! 
Accommodation is on a share twin basis. If you’re traveling alone, we’ll pair you to twin-share with another biker.

However, if you do not wish to share a single supplement is available. *Single room options may be limited in some locations.

What type of bikes do we ride?

The ideal bike for the tour is a hardtail mountain bike or a touring bike with off road tyres. A gravel bike is also an option – but only if you are familiar with riding one on unpaved surfaces! You will need to be able to carry up to 1.5-2L water, a jacket and snacks in a backpack, front roll or frame bag.

Escape Adventures have a small fleet of bikes and E-bikes available for hire available for hire in S M L & XL. (Bookings Essential).
○ Trek X-Caliber mountain bikes $500
○ E-Bikes (Brand and Model TBC) – $1050

When you hire one of our bikes – they are maintained by us and kept in excellent running condition.

Contact us if you plan on hiring a bike.

What is the maximum size of the cycle group?

This trip has 8-12 guests, plus two experienced Escape Adventures tour leaders 

8 Reviews
Sort By:RatingDate

Caroline Denee

Couple Traveller

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

June 2, 2022

Annette Sweeney

Solo Traveller

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.

April 10, 2022

Annie Hudson

Solo Traveller

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!!

April 7, 2022

Stephen Holt

Solo Traveller

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.

April 1, 2022

Karen Gray

Solo Traveller

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!!!

March 2, 2022
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