From Taranaki to the Pacific: Phils Epic Kopiko Aotearoa Bike packing Journey
Initially when the date for our Kopiko ride was proposed I was dubious about the climate and rushed out to upgrade my sleeping system - buying a beaut new sleeping bag and mat. Closer to the time it became apparent that we were going to have accommodation with bedding throughout and the overnight temperature concern evaporated, only to be replaced with the realisation that the daylight hours would be quite short. Still our daily ride targets allowed for relaxed days without the need for night riding.
Day 1: Ko Taranaki toko maunga [108km, 1,477m vert, 5hr 22min ride time]
Starting the day wetting our feet in the Tasman sea, followed by a scenic ride up and around the lower slopes of Mt Taranaki then down to a picturesque New Plymouth waterfront and french cafe with great food and relaxed vibe. After soaking up the sun and atmosphere we headed up into the Taranaki hinterland and “the Croft” bnb for a pampered first night.
Day 2: The forgotten highway [106km, 1,571m vert, 5hr 37min ride time]
Through the quiet and ruggard countryside, the republic of Whangamōmona for lunch and continuing on to stay at “Ohura” bnb. Recommended the mexican dinner and pack lunch for the next day.
Day 3: The timber trail [94km, 1,451m vert, 4hr 58min ride time (5 trophies 1 KOM :)]
Enjoy getting dialled into the gentle climb up the historic tramway. A squadron of 4 wild pigs came barrelling out of the bush passing both in front and behind my bike at mach 1. Sweet single track fun down to the lodge. The timber trail lodge is a slice of luxury in the middle of nowhere. It was great to see dozens of mostly e-bikes and older adventurers out enjoying the outdoors. The Historic nature of the area adds points of interest and there are some impressive swing bridge crossings.
Day 4: Through the rainforest. [85km, 1,576m vert, 5hr 11min ride time (1 trophy)]
Day started moody and damp from the Timber Trail lodge. A continuation of fun forest roads and single track through the NZ rainforest with native birds chortling. Tui, Woodpigeon heavy beat’s flying by. Lunch under majestic natives (Totara, Rimu, Kahikatea) at the centre of the North Island. Another more elegant flyby from a group of deer cross just in front as I charge down an unmanicured single track…and then another, this time sedate crossing as a frog hops in front. Coming out of the forest into some beautifully kept farmlands. Clunk - my bike has decided to start talking back.
Day 5: Waikato river trails. [121km, 1,473m vert, 6hr 18min ride time]
The day started with very pleasant riding alongside the moody, foggy Waikato river, some fantastic rural countryside on the way to the thermal area, steam, boiling mud and sulphur smells. A nice single track to avoid the highway led us to the last long long straight roads through plantation forest - 10km straight :(
Day 6: Lake Waikaremoana [96km, 1,869m vert, 5hr 23min ride time]
A beautiful road winding its way through remote and rugged terrain, the plantation giving way to native forest and the final reward being a picturesque Lake Waikaremoana. Arriving at the camp store 5 minutes before closing brought a big smile - and a pig out.
Day 7: Rural east coast. [152km, 1,833m vert, 7hr 7min ride time]
A wet muddy road to start with and a short bike carry over the remnants of a slip gave way to a smooth sealed road which followed the river valley for many km’s. Amazing to see the evidence of the recent cyclone - hard to imagine that much water. A long ride through hilly farmlands gave way to a final push down to the coast to finish at the Pacific.
Day 8: Motu bonus day. [184km, 1,696m vert, 8hr 33min ride time]
It was a relief to get off a wet highway after a 70 km stint. Motu was a different world…Vulnerable and isolated feeling on the empty roads and deserted track. Opotiki had limited options and a full motel, so with favourable conditions I pushed on to Whakatane to make the last day shorter. The final section over a farm track ended with a short ride into town in the dark with heavy rain - I checked into the first motel on the main street.
Day 9: The wet highway [98km, 574m vert, 3hr 48min (very wet)]
With storm warnings in place it was a wet and blustery dash to the airport only to have my flight cancelled due to bad weather. The only flat tyre of the whole trip on a benign road section early in the day, thank goodness it was before the rain started.
What was in the aeroe 8L Dry Bags?
Bike Shorts x2 - wear lycra
Merino T-shirt x2 - wear 1
Merino long sleeve x1
Rain jacket and pants
Long pants
Puffer
PJ’s
Socks x2 - wear 1
Undies x1
Warm gloves
Warm hat
Emergency blanket
Spoon, knife
Charging cables
Tooth brush, paste
Toilet paper - emergency
First aid kit,
Locator beacon
Nutrient rescue x6
Recovery smoothie - radix x6
Oats - plain or premix x4
Radix meals x2
What else was taken?
Bike
Tyres
Bags x2
Aero bars
Tank bag
Feed Bags x2
Knife
Water bottles x3
Helmet - wear
SweatBand - wear
Cycle shoes - wear
Glasses
Phone
Cash, card, ID
Lights
Bike lock
Chamois cream
Ibuprofen
4, 5, 6mm Allen Key
Pump and Multitool
Lube
Tube
Tyre levers
Spare brake pads
Bike cleaning rag
Electrolytes
Bars - em’s, cliff, gels
Nuts
Fruit / Dried fruit
Chocolate, biscuits
If you have any questions about a trip like this or the gear you need to take? Reach out to us at team@aeroe.com and we can sort you out!
