Tour Aotearoa Day 1: Cape Reinga to Tapotupotu Bay, 3 miles | Let’s Ride

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Kia Ora from Te Ika-a-Māui, or the North Island in New Zealand!

We made it to Cape Reinga at the tip of the North Island where we will begin our 1,900 mile ride to Bluff at the southermost tip of the South Island.

The views at Cape Reinga are stunning but its history is even more fascinating. Just yesterday New Zealanders celebrated National Waitangi Day, a day which commemorates the treaty signed between Māori chiefs and the Crown that established British sovereignty.

As we approached the lighthouse there were many people gathered there, one being a Māori man paying homage with a haka song. A local explained his purpose and more about this sacred space. Her explanation and the haka are included in the video below.

The swells of water are a mix of deep shades of blue where the Tasman Sea and the Pacific Ocean meet.

More about our bike ride: The Tour Aotearoa (TA) is considered one of the world’s fastest most spectacular bikepacking routes. We’ll be riding on mixed surfaces including gravel roads, the beach, paved roads, cycling trails with some technical single track to keep it spicy. Throw in over 132,000 feet of elevation and let’s just say although we weren’t able to train much in Indy due to snow and frigid temps, we will be well conditioned for outdoor riding when we return.🤣

Three or four boat transfers are needed with one being a 3-4 hour ferry across Cook Strait to the South Island and another jet boat ride on the Whanganui River to leave a particularly remote and technical section of the route just after crossing the Bridge to Nowhere.

As for us today we had a very short ride to Tapotupotu Bay since the tide was too high to start riding on the beach. Just three miles away from the Cape, we snagged this beachfront site for our first night.

Positively easy on the eyes but it doesn’t come with electricity, potable water, wifi, cell service or even a trash can (recycling bins yes though, and I love this!). However we’ll take this view, its tidal sound effects and sweet island aroma any day.

A simple dinner, lots of walks around the campground and we were ready for sleep. Will definitely be dreaming about finally getting a proper ride in tomorrow when we ride the first stretch of 90 Mile Beach along the Tasman Sea.

Thanks for the follow!

Click on the image below to view today’s video: