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
  • 16 Days
  • 12 People Per Tour
  • Fitness Level: 2 - 3
  • Fully Supported Bike Tour
  • 1100 km
  • East Cape to Cape Egmont

Experience Remote North NZ by bike, ride Cape to Cape Supported Cycle Tour

The Cape to Cape NZ - Kopiko Aotearoa is a 1100km cycle route created by the Kennett Brothers from the most eastern point of the North Island rather indirectly to the western most point at Cape Egmont. It is a ride that will take you into the thick of the North Island’s most remote, rugged and off the beaten track towns; while making sure we experience every detail of the undulating topography.

We have created a fully supported version of the Cape to Cape so that you you can ride the full width of Te Ika-a-Māui, the North Island knowing that we have got your back! Our tour closely follows this classic route and also includes plenty of quirky extras, stop-overs and special places in the true Escape Adventures’ style.

What is a “NZ Fully Supported Cycle Tour”?

We will 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 dine’n’dash 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.

Departure & Return Location

Meeting Point: Gisborne
Ride Start: East Cape
Ride Finish: Cape Egmont
Tour Ends: New Plymouth

Price Includes

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

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 Gisborne & 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 Gisborne and from New Plymouth

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: NZ, North Island, East Cape to Cape Egmont Supported Cycle Tour

DAY 1: Arrive in Gisborne

Arrive in Gisborne by mid-afternoon. Meet with your tour leaders & fellow bikers at 5pm for your pre-departure meeting and first meal together.

DAY 2: Bike from East Cape Lighthouse

In the morning we transfer by vehicle to the East Cape – approximately 4hr with stops. After a picnic lunch at the East Cape lighthouse, we ride the most stunning part of the cape. Rugged coastline, windswept landscapes and lots of horses!

Cycling Distance: 54km

DAY 3: Cycling East Cape 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 coastal settlements.

Cycling Distance: 65km

DAY 4: Cycle NZ Sea Breeze

We saver the sea breeze as we do our last ride on the coast for some time… Goodbye Ocean! 

Cycling Distance: 69km.

DAY 5: Bike The Road Less Travelled

Here begins the road less travelled. Sharing the road with only the odd farm vehicle or free range animal we leave the coast behind us and climb into the hills. 

Cycling Distance: 120km

DAY 6: Cycle to Rere Falls waterfall

Inland East Cape gets an ‘A+’ Top level experience in ‘New Zealand Country roads that are great to bike on’. This day’s bike trail Adds in a very unique river, a waterfall and a friendly farmstay.  

Cycling Distance: 80km

DAY 7: Cycle East Cape Hills

What goes up must come down. And then go back up again! Some parts of today might be the slowest you’ve ever travelled on your bike. But what the road building lacks in tact – it makes up later in the day with good looks.

Cycling Distance: 88km 

DAY 8: Bike 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 Urewera National Park and a very long down hill. Keep your eyes peeled for free roaming cows, sheep and horses.

Cycling Distance: 93km 

DAY 9: Bike from Te Urewera National Park

If ever there was a day of contrast – this is it. We leave the ultimate beauty of the Ureweras behind us and take a long straight road for a change.

DAY 10: Experience Rotorua Day

A well-earned rest day and time to explore the many attractions of Rotorua.

Your choice… read a book, go shopping, hit the hot tubs, thermal pools, get a local massage (we recommend pre-booking)

At Te Puia experience Maori culture, the amazing geothermal landscape of boiling mud pools, and the Pohutu geyser.

View treetop canopies at Rotorua’s eco-friendly zip line adventures

DAY 11: Bike King Country

Quiet country roads, small holdings, and lifestyle properties, it’s a day of contrast and change as we cycle into the mighty King Country. Named for the Māori King Tāwhiao, who lived in exile there from 1864 until the early 1880s, the remote King Country (also called Te Rohe Pōtae) was largely off-limits to Europeans until the 1880s. King Country is in the west of New Zealand, North Island, between Waikato and Taranaki. It is an area of rolling hills and valleys, with limestone landscapes featuring sinkholes and caves. 

Cycling Distance: 75km

DAY 12: Cycle Famous Timber Trail

We start this fun day cycling on quiet kiwi country roads, which then becomes a biking adventure deep into Pureora Forest Park – the centremost point of NZ’s North Island and the famous Timber Cycle Trail, featuring interesting timber industry relics and milling sites, ancient and majestic virgin rainforest, native birdlife, and cool swing suspension bridges Piropiro, Manawatu-Wanganui 

Cycling Distance: 81km

Accommodation:  Timber Trail Lodge  Great hospitality at the heart of the Timber Trail, Piropiro, Manawatu-Wanganui 

DAY 13: Bike Milling Tracks to Ongarue

Bike Milling Tracks to Ongarue

DAY 14: 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. There is an opportunity to visit the independent Republic of Whangamomona.

Cycling Distance: 127km.

DAY 15: Biking to Cape Egmont

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

Cycling Distance: 64km

DAY 16: Cycle Tour Final Breakfast

Our final breakfast together for this tour.  Stay on and explore the Taranaki region or for those heading home airport transfers can be arranged.

Photos from the NZ Cape to Cape Cycle Tour - Kōpiko Aotearoa

Map - NZ Cape to Cape Cycle Tour - Kōpiko Aotearoa

NZ Cape to Cape Cycle Tour - Kōpiko Aotearoa 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 13 days of biking.
  • This is a ‘Pedal bike-centric’ cycle tour. Riding distances and overnight stops have been designed around the needs of pedal biking. E-Bikers are welcome to join.
  • 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.
  • We encourage an early start so that you have time to recharge at the end of the day.
  • 56-104km 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?

YOU – RIDE . NAVIGATE . ENJOY . EAT . SLEEP .

WE PROVIDE:

  • Daily ride information.
  • Digital navigation and cue notes.
  • Mechanical and first aid support.
  • Carry your luggage.
  • Ride sweep.
  • Sag Wagon.
  • Breakfasts, lunches, water and riding snacks (and some dinners).
  • All the logistics.
  • And all Accommodation

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 56-104km 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 3-5 times a week with rides of 30-80km 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 six 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 your 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, lodges, a hotel and cottages. 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 has a small fleet of Trek X-Caliber mountain bikes available for hire in S M L & XL: $500 (subject to availability).
Contact us if you plan on hiring a bike.

What is the maximum size of the cycle group?

This trip has 6-12 guests, plus two experienced Escape Adventures guides and a team of local support people and businesses.

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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