Bikepacking in New Zealand (North Island)

[cancan64]

Just in case anyone is thinking of crossing the ditch in the near future, there are a couple of multi day gravel grinds being organised this year (2017).

These are all off the Geyserland face book page https://www.facebook.com/groups/546359062233738/ and start from Rotorua.

There are 3 separate rides although last years Geyserland Gravel Grind did have a 2,3 and 4 day option. I was busy that weekend but manage to ride day 3 of the 3 day ride and then went back and rode day 1 and 2 on a separate weekend. They supply very good cue sheets and gps files, you ride at your own pace and normally meet up at the designated camp site for each night.

NEW EVENTS
Since the Geyserland Gravel Grind was so successful last year, we've thinking of running three bikepacking events this year:
The "Mini Grind" is a three-day Bikepacking ride suitable for beginners and those who don't want to ride the long distances of the other events. Each day is between 50 and 80 kilometres, and takes in the southern half of the Waikato River Trail, as well as plenty of gravel roads and quiet country riding. This will be held over Anzac weekend.
The regular Geyserland Gravel Grind will be back -- we're just waiting to see what date our Taupo friends want to use for their bikepacking event so we don't clash.
Finally, there's the "Mega Grind", a fantastic new 800 km bikepacking route that starts in Rotorua, heads out along the Waikato River Trail, the Timber Trail, and all the way to Awakino on the west coast, before heading north past Marakopa and Raglan and heading inland to Ngaruawahia, coming back south via Hamilton and Cambridge, though Arapuni and Putaruru, before returning to Rotorua via Mamaku. This is a classic self-supported brevet, taking anywhere from 3 to 6 days. Tons and tons of singletrack, remote gravel roads, and as few busy roads as we can get away with. We're planning on running this in early November -- this will be excellent training for those wanting to do the Tour Aotearoa next year.
Please let us know what you think, and if you're interested in taking part -- remember: we're volunteers, and run these events for fun.

[cancan64]

So the rides above are all on again this year with a few more option. there is now the mega mega grind at 1500km taking in some of the best that the North Islan has to offer. link to there http://geyserlandgravelgrind.nz.

I also have a blog with some of the rides I am doing over here.. for any one looking for ideas.
This is last months ride https://toastedmarshmellows.home.blog/2 ... to-kawhia/
This months bikerafting trip to the bridge to nowhere https://toastedmarshmellows.home.blog/2 ... o-nowhere/

and a few pics

[RonK]

The packrafting trip looked very interesting Calvin. Not easy getting into the water. Any pics of the rapids?

[cancan64]

sorry photos of rapids didn't turn out well and I had a video camera which failed as well

[cancan64]

Have had a few trips this month... although was hoping for more.
I flew down to New Plymouth and had planed to cycle from cape to cape but had to get back to Auckland so day 1 after flying down I went in search of gravel and tunnels of which both are in abundance around New Plymouth. Then it was a quick trip up the coast home.




Have added Strvav links which have more photos

https://www.strava.com/activities/2345759383
https://www.strava.com/activities/2345763760
https://www.strava.com/activities/2347835871

And a weekend trip up north the other week



https://www.strava.com/activities/2376111901
https://www.strava.com/activities/2378732443