12 Aug 2022
So what is Kōpiko Aotearoa?
kōpiko (verb) to go alternatively in opposite directions, go back and forth, meander, wander
The map actually tells it all! But the Kōpiko Aotearoa is cycling route developed by the Kennett Brothers from Wellington, famous for developing a Tour of Aotearoa (a cycling route from Cape Reinga to Bluff and for the Big Coast rides).
The idea of the Kōpiko is to ride, in either direction, across the widest part of the country, either from East Cape to Cape Egmont or the other direction. We’re going west to east.
The route takes in gravel roads, some highway and single track, starting in sight of Mt Taranaki, through the Forgotten World Highway, stopping at the Republic of Whangamomona, then up the Timber Trail (in the wrong direction), stopping at the Centre of the North Island, through the Waikite Valley (no paragliding this time), around Waikaremoana, down the Motu and finally along the coast to East Cape.
Some fit young things do the ride in a week; others meander as the definition above suggests. I’m aiming for 12 days.
The route is through remote country, with some lodges and motels along the way. We will be camping for a few nights, depending how the progress goes, and we’ll eat whatever is available! It does mean carrying tents, and sleeping gear, food and cookers.
There is an organised departure from both ends. We will be a few weeks later, making our own way.
If you wish to support this adventure, and the Leukaemia and Blood Cancer Group, its easy. Just go to the fundraising page, here.
