New Zealand Gravel Expedition
Remote roads, variable conditions, and big riding days. This guide gets you to Blenheim smoothly, keeps you dialed in the backcountry, and drops you in Queenstown with zero loose ends.
Arrival • Blenheim
Your arrival city is Blenheim (top of the South Island). The included hotel night is on Feb 2, 2027.
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Arrival Hotel (included)
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Hotel d’Urville
52 Queen Street, Blenheim, Marlborough, New Zealand
- International flight to Auckland (AKL) or Wellington (WLG)
- Domestic connection to Blenheim (BHE)
- Plan extra time for domestic connections with bike cases
Departure • Queenstown
Our final night is in Queenstown and is included on Feb 12, 2027. Extending? Contact the hotel directly.
- Millennium Hotel Queenstown
32 Frankton Road • +64 3 450 0150
What’s Included
Comprehensive services designed so you can focus on riding and recovery.
- 11 nights accommodation
- Expertly guided rides + on-road vehicle support
- Professional mechanic support (wash, minor repairs, tune-ups)
- On-bike nutrition/hydration each day
- Laundry for cycling kit (where available) + recovery food/shakes
- 11 breakfasts / 9 lunches / 10 dinners
- Alcohol included in moderation
- All baggage + bike case transfers
- Restaurant gratuities included
- 60–90 min scenic bush flight (Day 4)
- Digital photo album
SAG Support
Full support throughout: mechanical, nutrition, hydration, and a ride option if you need it.
What’s in the van?
- Track pumps, CO₂, tubes, tires, sealant, plugs
- Pro-team tool kit + spare parts for common issues
- Hydration, gels/bars, plus real food (rice cakes, sandwiches)
- Recovery lounge most afternoons (shakes, snacks, cold local beer)
Bikes & Setup
Bikes are not included. Our mechanics will assemble and adjust your bike on arrival.
Rental bikes available (NZ)
Specialized Diverge gravel bikes available in limited quantities/sizes:
- 49cm (qty 2)
- 52 / 54 / 56
- 58 / 61
Drivetrain guidance
- 2x preferred for mixed terrain; 1x is totally workable
- Fresh tires before arrival are strongly recommended
Packing & Spares
Access to bike shops gets limited once we leave Blenheim—show up prepared.
Must-bring spares (highly recommended)
- 1–2 spare tires
- 1–2 sets brake pads (front/rear)
- Spare derailleur hanger (buy 1–2)
- Spare tubes / puncture repair + tire levers
- CO₂ head (cartridges not allowed on flights; we’ll have CO₂ onsite)
- Di2/EPS chargers; remove AXS/eTap batteries for travel
- Spare cleats + bolts
Bike packing tips
- Unmount rear derailleur, wrap, and secure inside the frame
- For disc brakes, consider removing rotors
- Secure small parts (seatpost wedges, bolts) in a labeled ziploc
- Keep a little air in tires—no need to fully deflate
- Pack helmet/shoes/pedals separately in case the bike is delayed
Weather & Conditions
New Zealand is famously changeable. Expect sun, wind, and quick shifts—pack layers.
- Typical daytime: 18–25°C (64–77°F)
- Cool evenings: bring layers
- Wind can be the main challenge
- Gravel rides fast when dry; rain can turn some roads to sticky mud
Stream crossings & footwear
- Expect ankle–knee deep stream crossings on multiple days
- Bring waterproof socks and consider a second pair of synthetic shoes
- Leather shoes take longer to dry; synthetics are more forgiving
Mosquitos (yes, they’re real)
- Bring strong repellent (DEET)
- Head nets can help in heavy conditions (goofy but effective)
Day 4 • Scenic Bush Flight
Hamner Springs → Lake Tekapo (approx. 60–90 minutes). A highlight of the expedition.
- Bring a small carry-on pack for essentials on the flight
- We’ll confirm exact weight limits once finalized
- Soft bike cases are preferred
Gravel Roads • Backcountry Tips
NZ gravel is the real deal: steep pitches, loose corners, livestock, and weather that changes its mind mid-climb.
Sharing the road
- Ride on the left. Always.
- If a dust cloud kills visibility, pull off and let it settle.
- Blind corners: sit up, scrub speed early, listen for farm trucks.
Livestock + farm dogs
- Sheep will panic-run in front of you. Slow down. Let them clear.
- Cows/bulls: keep distance. If they’re blocking the road, stop + wait. If unsure, dismount and walk with your bike between you and them.
- Working dogs aren’t pets—ask before you approach.
Cattle guards, gates, and “farm stuff”
- Cattle guards: straight line, steady speed, no sudden turns.
- Gates: leave them exactly how you found them—open or closed.
- If the group stacks at a gate: get through quickly, then roll clear.
Steep descents + loose gravel
- Brake before the corner, not inside it. Feather, don’t grab.
- Weight back, eyes up, choose smooth lines around ruts and deep marbles.
- If it feels sketchy, walk it. No hero points out here.
Water crossings + sun
- Don’t ride blind through water. If you can’t see the bottom, get off and walk it.
- The sun is brutal—SPF 50, glasses, sleeves. There’s not much shade.
- Carry extra water + calories. Some days have long gaps with no resupply.
Daily Stage Notes
Stage-by-stage readouts, logistics flags, and the good bits worth knowing before you roll.
D1 • Blenheim
Easy arrival-day spin through Marlborough vineyards. Shake the legs out, don’t go hunting KOMs, and save something for the week ahead.
D2 • Blenheim → Middlehurst Station
High-country gravel into serious remoteness. Pack light for the overnight. Ride steady. Big skies, big sheep energy.
D3 • Middlehurst → Hanmer Springs
A proper backcountry stage with climbs, gates, and a finish built for hot pools. If you’ve got a short fuse today, keep it lit—but controlled.
D4 • Scenic Flight + Tekapo → Ōhau
5kg carry-on limit on the flight. Bikes + main luggage go with support. Land, kit up, and roll straight into one of the best view-days of the trip.
Recommended Activities
If you arrive early or stay after, here are the best additions.
Blenheim (arrive early)
- Wine tasting in Marlborough (Sauvignon Blanc country)
- Explore Marlborough Sounds (boat, kayak, hikes)
- Swim with dolphins in Kaikōura (day trip)
Queenstown (stay on)
- Shotover Jet
- Bungee jumping (Kawarau Bridge / Nevis)
- Milford Sound day trip
Library • Recommended Reading
A few reads that set the tone for New Zealand.
- The Luminaries — Eleanor Catton
- A Good Keen Man — Barry Crump
- The Penguin History of New Zealand — Michael King
- The Bone People — Keri Hulme
- The Whale Rider — Witi Ihimaera
Need help? Reply to your RAID email thread or contact us directly.
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