New Zealand's Cycle Holiday Experts
Independent Cycle Tours New Zealand | Phone: +64 3 329 9496 (UTC + 12.00)

10 Day Auckland to Rotorua self-guided tour

Duration: 10 Days
Location: Central North Island
Price: From NZ$2550

A tour of moderate intensity that starts with a short transfer to avoid busier roads, before riding through the beautiful native forests and coastline of the Coromandel Peninsula to Whitianga.  From Whitianga it’s onto Whangamata and then inland to the geothermal wonderland of Rotorua.  From Rotorua you have the morning to take in the sights before heading back to Auckland on the afternoon bus. More demanding 8 day tour option available on request, contact for details

  • Auckland to Thames. We will meet you at your accommodation in Auckland with bicycles and equipment and transfer you to the start of he ride at Cleveland, avoiding the busier roads of central Auckland.  From Cleveland it’s rolling terrain before several challenging hills to the small settlement of Thames.  Distance today is 80km. 
  • Thames to Coromandel.  A series of demanding hills and beautiful rolling farmland and native bush to Coromandel on the coast.  Coromandel is well worth getting in early to see the once flourishing gold mining town; now it is a centre for arts and crafts.  Distance on the bike today is 66km.
  • Coromandel to Whitianga.  Again a demanding start to the day before an undulating ride continues with magnificent coastal views and great riding down to the seaside village of Whitianga  Distance cycled is 46km.
  • Rest day in Whitianga.  A chance to rest the legs and take in the beautiful surroundings of Whitianga.
  • Whitianga to Whangamata.  A stunning days riding with vineyards to visit along the way.  Also the hot water beach or the magnificent Cathedral Cove is worth a stop.  Distance travelled today is 74km.
  • Whangamata to Karangahake Gorge or Paeroa.  Today leaves the coast and heads inland through the Karanghake Gorge, staying here or through to Paeroa in the Waikato Valley. A gentle undulating ride through beautiful countryside.  Distance today is 40-50km dependent on route.
  • Karangahake Gorge or Paeroa to Matamata.  A straightforward cycle through rolling pastureland to Matamata.  Distance cycled is 58km.
  • Matamata to Rotorua.  A long gentle climb takes you to the bush clad Mamaku Plateau and a great descent, with panoramic views, to the thermal district of Rotorua.  Distance on the bike today is 76km.
  • Rotorua loop ride to the Green and Blue Lakes.  A short ride (32km) that still allows time to take in the numerous activities Rotorua has to offer: Geysers and bubbling mud pools, a 4WD trip up Mt Tatawera, rafting, the Buried Village and fishing etc.  For the adventurous there is the awesome Whakarewarewa Forest Mountain Bike Park where hire bikes are available. 
  • Rotorua to Auckland transfer to complete tour.

Tour Pricing

  • Low Season NZ$2550 per person twin share (September, October, November, March, April & May)
  • High Season NZ$2600 per person twin share (December, January & February)
  • Single Supplement (on request basis only) NZ$875
  • Daily Luggage Cartage Your gear can be waiting for you at the end of each day. This service costs an additional NZ$950 per person (minimum of 2 people) although a discount is available for 3 or more people.

  • EQUIPMENT INCLUDED

    GT Avalanche 1.0 mountain bike for touring, 30 speed (with road tyres).
    Ortlieb rear pannier bags, front handlebar bag and comprehensive repair kit.
    Detailed itinerary, maps and notes on points of interest that you will pass.
    You can upgrade to a road bike option in combination with daily luggage transportation, contact us for further details.

  • ACCOMMODATION

    9 nights accommodation in twin rooms with ensuite [where available], in carefully selected Bed and Breakfast’s home stays and small friendly motels. (Breakfast is included each day).

  • DIFFICULTY

    Moderate  route with several 200-300m hill climbs, distances averaging 45 to 90kms per cycling day

  • SEASON

    September to May inclusive.
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Hills55%
Flat Terrain45%
Fitness Level80%


We really had the most fabulous time and I want to thank you both - having such good quality bikes and panniers, plus lights, cycle computer, maps and detailed daily ride guides made the whole trip so really enjoyable and so smooth and easy. And the B&B choices were great - each so different but all a very good standard of accommodation and all very bike friendly!
Caroline
Your equipment was superb, directions spot on and we really appreciate you putting that all together for us. Accomodation great, well placed and we enjoyed meeting some interesting people who were very generous and kindly opened their homes to us. That blew me away almost as much as the scenery (!)
Jacqui and Sean
The bike and associated gear performed perfectly - the bike in particular was very well prepared. The nightly accommodation was excellent and the hosts more than friendly - such hospitality really reflect well on the character of all New Zealanders. Thanks again for organising a most enjoyable and memorable tour. Well done.
Alan
Please accept my thanks for an exceptionally well prepared tour. The quality of documentation was outstanding and it provided for every need both on the road and at each of the waypoints at day's end.
Alan
My time in New Zealand was fantastic, due in significant part to the extraordinary bicycling trip you designed. The itinerary was perfect...
William
I just got back to the States and I wanted to shoot you a quick email to say that I thoroughly enjoyed the cycling tour you planned for me, and wanted to thank you for the planning a preparation that went into making that trip so great.  It was truly one of the best cycling experiences of my life!
Gardner Burg
We really had the most fabulous time and I want to thank you both - having such good quality bikes and panniers, plus lights, cycle computer, maps and detailed daily ride guides made the whole trip so really enjoyable and so smooth and easy. And the B&B choices were great - each so different but all a very good standard of accommodation and all very bike friendly!
Caroline
Your equipment was superb, directions spot on and we really appreciate you putting that all together for us. Accomodation great, well placed and we enjoyed meeting some interesting people who were very generous and kindly opened their homes to us. That blew me away almost as much as the scenery (!)
Jacqui and Sean
The bike and associated gear performed perfectly - the bike in particular was very well prepared. The nightly accommodation was excellent and the hosts more than friendly - such hospitality really reflect well on the character of all New Zealanders. Thanks again for organising a most enjoyable and memorable tour. Well done.
Alan
Please accept my thanks for an exceptionally well prepared tour. The quality of documentation was outstanding and it provided for every need both on the road and at each of the waypoints at day's end.
Alan
My time in New Zealand was fantastic, due in significant part to the extraordinary bicycling trip you designed. The itinerary was perfect...
William
I just got back to the States and I wanted to shoot you a quick email to say that I thoroughly enjoyed the cycling tour you planned for me, and wanted to thank you for the planning a preparation that went into making that trip so great.  It was truly one of the best cycling experiences of my life!
Gardner Burg
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