If you spend time with outdoor enthusiasts, you’ll notice the language changes over the years, but the spirit stays the same. Right now, “bike packing” is the buzzword—but at its heart, it’s simply about enjoying multi-day journeys by bike, exploring a mix of landscapes and terrains.
Here in New Zealand, we’ve always been at the forefront of this movement. There are a couple of good reasons for that. First, Kiwis (New Zealanders) don’t just like the outdoors—we’re passionate about it. It’s a deep love woven into our national identity. Second, we’re blessed with an abundance of wilderness, and it’s genuinely wild—remote, rugged, and sometimes challenging to access.
Part of the magic of bike packing is it lets you squeeze real adventure into the time you have. Like many people in today’s world, most of us are tied to work during the week and have limited holidays. When we do get a break, we want to make the most of it. For me, there’s no better way than loading up the bikes and heading out for a few days of freedom.
Of course, everyone’s take on bike packing is different—and that’s something to celebrate. Sometimes it’s a smooth ride through rolling valleys. Other times, as my partner will tell you (often right after we’ve pushed our bikes through a patch of stubborn bush), it’s a bit more of a “choose your own adventure.” We like to call it “adventure biking”—it fits the New Zealand landscape and spirit.
Back in the late ’90s, our adventures were mostly on foot—what we call “tramping” here in New Zealand (known as hiking or backpacking in other countries). We’d spend days exploring vast forest parks, national parks, and scenic reserves—what we simply call “the bush.” Access has always been a challenge here. Locked gates, rough roads, and the occasional landslide (or “slip,” as we say) can turn a short drive to the trailhead into a long walk up a valley.
That’s how I first started bike packing riding my bike up river valleys—to get closer to the real action in the mountains. New Zealand might look small on a world map, but looks can be deceiving. We have about 65 million acres of wild country—mountains, forests, and rivers all packed into our “little big country.” It’s a playground for anyone with a sense of adventure.
Fast-forward a few years (picture a montage of carrying bikes over landslides, riding through beautiful valleys, and plenty of laughs along the way), and by 2007, my partner and I had really caught the bug. She’s well-travelled and has a keen eye for adventure—and for photography, too. I was a bit more local, but together we dreamed up a three-month, mostly off-road bike tour of New Zealand’s South Island. Back then, “bike packing” wasn’t even a word here. We just called it “a good mission”. You can also find our adventure photographically documented on my partners website here.
Planning these trips is half the fun. It starts with a spark of curiosity—tracing lines on a map, wondering if that old farm track really goes through, and reaching out to landowners for access. Most Kiwis are friendly and happy to share a bit of local history if you take the time to ask. Some of the best stories aren’t written down; you’ll only hear them over a fence post or a cup of tea.
Our three months and 4,300 kilometres (about 2,670 miles) on the bikes left us with memories that still feel fresh today—quiet mountain passes, sparkling lakes, and the kindness of strangers along the way. That journey didn’t just end when we rolled back into our hometown of Nelson. In fact, it opened up a whole new world of possibilities. With the confidence, skills, and love for adventure we’d built up in New Zealand, we found ourselves planning our next big ride—this time in Europe.
It was a natural progression: the wild, remote landscapes of New Zealand had prepared us for the challenges and joys of exploring the European Alps by bike. The logistics were different, the cultures new, but the spirit of adventure was exactly the same. From high mountain passes to quiet villages, we carried the lessons and stories from Aotearoa (New Zealand) with us, and discovered just how universal the love of bike packing really is.
So, why do we love bike packing? It’s in our blood. It’s a way to connect with the land, challenge ourselves, and share stories—both the highs and the “what-were-we-thinking” moments. We love encouraging others to get out there and experience some of the world-class bike packing New Zealand has to offer. And if you ever find yourself dreaming of adventure beyond these shores, know that the skills and memories you build here will serve you well wherever your wheels take you.
If you’re keen to learn more, check out our blog on the Kahurangi 500 or grab a copy of the Kennett Brothers’ “Bike packing Aotearoa.” Or, if you want to plan your own unique Kiwi adventure, get in touch—we’re always happy to help fellow adventurers find their perfect ride.
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