Bikepacking New Zealand
On February 12th, I’ll board a flight from Adelaide to Auckland via Melbourne, stepping into my next adventure—bikepacking across New Zealand. This journey is one I’ve been eagerly anticipating, a shift back to simplicity, movement, and the kind of freedom that only the open road (or trail) can bring. Here’s what I know so far about what’s to come.
Settling into Auckland & Gearing Up
Upon arrival, my first priority will be getting to my housesit, where I’ll be staying until February 28th. I’ll be taking care of one dog and two cats, which means in exchange for some pet care, I’ll have a place to stay, a kitchen, a shower, and a base to prepare everything I need for the ride ahead. This was an incredible find, allowing me to transition smoothly into the adventure without rushing into the unknown.
One of my first stops will be 99 Bikes in Glenn Innes, where my new bike is waiting for me. I’ll likely pick up the bike first and a basic lock before gradually piecing together the rest of my setup. From there, I’ll head to Amy at Paper Roads, who is custom-making bikepacking bags for me. We’ll take measurements for the frame bag, and at the same time, I’ll collect the rest of my bags. Once I have those, I’ll start testing my packing system, figuring out what fits where and what else I need.
Some key additional gear I’ll be sorting out:
A bike computer for navigation
A helmet
Bike lights
Repair and maintenance tools
A bike rack for mini panniers
During this time, I’ll also be reconnecting with a friend on Waiheke Island who is setting off on a similar bikepacking adventure. I’ll also meet a contact my mother made through Couchsurfing who will help me with logistics, including sending my extra luggage down to Queenstown for when I eventually arrive there.
The Journey: Aotearoa by Bike
The main route I’ll be following is the Tour Aotearoa, a well-established bikepacking route from Cape Reinga to Bluff. However, I’ll be starting from Auckland and making my way south to Queenstown, which means I’ll be riding roughly 2000-2500 km in total.
Unlike the official Tour Aotearoa, which is often treated as a race, I have no interest in speed or competition. This trip is about slowing down and embracing the journey at whatever pace feels right. I’ll navigate using GPX tracks and the Kennett Brothers’ guidebooks, but I’ll allow myself the flexibility to stray off the main path whenever curiosity leads me elsewhere. If someone mentions a must-see spot or invites me to stay a night, I’ll have the freedom to say yes. If I feel the need to push further one day or take an extended break another, I’ll listen to that.
There’s no deadline. No rush. My only real constraint is the changing seasons—by the time I reach Queenstown, the cold will likely dictate my next steps.
The Simplicity of Bikepacking
I did my first bikepacking trip two years ago from Bruges to Strasbourg, and what I loved most about it was its simplicity. The days were stripped down to the essentials: wake up, pack up, start cycling, eat good food, meet good people, and just be. There’s no pressure but my own.
That’s what excites me about this trip. I’ll be cycling for 5-10 hours a day, completely immersed in nature, moving forward under my own power. There’s something profoundly freeing about that. The rhythm of pedaling, the sights rolling by, the deep sense of presence that comes from long hours on the road—it’s an experience unlike any other.
The Gear Setup
I’ll do a more detailed breakdown of my gear once everything is finalized, but for now, here’s my general setup:
Bike: Marin Pine Mountain 1, a hardtail mountain bike with front suspension. New Zealand’s terrain is hilly and has plenty of off-road sections, so this seemed like the best choice over a gravel or touring bike.
Storage Setup:
Waterproof roll on the handlebar with a small bag in front
Two small top tube bags (one near the seat post, one near the handlebars)
Frame bag in the bike’s main triangle
two treat bags
Rear rack with mini panniers (needed since I’ll be carrying a drone)
Food & Water:
Starting with no stove, relying on wraps, raw food, and easy meals
Hydration vest with two soft flasks
Large bottle attached to the frame & an additional squirt bottle in a treat bag
Potential to carry 4-6 liters if needed
I’ll likely adjust my setup along the way, but this should give me a good starting point.
Challenges & Unknowns
I know the transition into this lifestyle will be a challenge. Going from a stable, comfortable routine to living fully on the bike is a big leap. But I’ve made these kinds of jumps before—I get myself to the start point, and before I even process what’s happening, I’m already doing it.
A big part of this trip will be about observing fear and letting go of what doesn’t serve me.
I’ve had passing worries: What if it rains for days? What if my gear fails? What if I feel isolated? But I remind myself—there are always options. I can get a room somewhere. I can stay in a library to dry out. I can adapt. There’s no reason to push myself to the extreme; I’m here to experience, not suffer.
The Ethics of Camping & The Cost of Sleep
New Zealand has strict rules about free camping, but I’m planning to stealth camp when necessary. Not because I want to break rules, but because I don’t resonate with the idea that sleep should cost money. I leave no trace, I respect the land, and I’ll prioritize staying in people’s gardens with permission or in truly remote areas where my presence won’t impact anything.
What Comes After Queenstown?
Once I reach Queenstown, I’ll need to make a decision: Do I stay or do I go?
Option 1: Stay in New Zealand—Find a housesit or WWOOFing opportunity to settle for a few weeks and see if I want to stay for the winter season. If I stay, I’d likely look for work around Queenstown or Wanaka, with a focus on skiing, hiking, and outdoor adventure.
Option 2: Go Home to Belgium—After nearly two years away, I’ve felt small moments of longing for home. I don’t remember some faces as clearly anymore, and the idea of returning to rebuild a life around Europe has started to sound more appealing. If I leave New Zealand, I’ll focus on finding a balance between adventure and a stable network of people to rely on.
Right now, I don’t need to know which path I’ll take. That’s something I’ll figure out when I get there.
For Now, I Just Relax
So that’s the plan—bikepacking New Zealand with no rush, no set end date, just the road ahead and whatever comes with it. Right now, I’m still in the preparation phase, but soon enough, I’ll be out there, rolling through landscapes I’ve never seen before, meeting people I never expected, and learning whatever this journey has to teach me.