Riding with Giants

Tour Availability

If the tour date is full and you are a group of 8 and your preferred tour date is full, OR a larger group than 10, please email us and we will work something out. 

• 2026 Departures

  • Monday 12 October 2026
  • Monday 26 October 2026
  • Monday 2 November 2026
  • Monday 16 November 2026
  • Monday 7 December 2026. SOLD OUT.

  2027 Departures

  • Monday 15 February 2027
  • Monday 1 March 2027
  • Monday 8 March 2027
  • Monday 22 March 2027
  • Monday 5 April 2027
  • Monday 19 April 2027

If the date you want is full, please still ask us, as we may be able to do an additional tours  contact us

All inclusive tours – all you need to do is book

• 5 nights quality accommodation – twin/double share. Single supplement available.
• Meals – Breakfast, lunch, dinner. From lunch on your first day to dinner on the 5th night.
• Meals are a mix of lovely cafes, hosted meals, restaurants and picnic lunches. 
• The food is of a high quality and we cater for all dietary requirements.
• E-Bikes – in peak condition, and serviced after every tour.
• All mini bus transfers during the tour.
• Fully Supported Tour – with Tour leader escorting you with a luxury minibus – Tours are not guided whilst cycling, but our tour leader is nearby if you need a hand, meeting you along the way and at the end of the day. 
• The minibus carries coffee, tea, hot chocolate, juice, water and snacks.  If you need a break you can always hop back in the van and put your bike on the trailer.  
• Entry to the Kauri Museum            

Price per person NZD$3,850 (incl GST) in a twin / double

Single Supplement NZ$600 (incl GST)

Note; Not included Alcohol, extra drinks etc.  Accommodation may change subject to availability

Around 216km cycling over 5 days

Day 1 – 51km – Into the Kauri Kingdom

The journey begins in Paihia, where guests are collected from their accommodation before travelling west across Northland toward the mighty forests of Waipoua.

The first giant awaits at Tāne Mahuta, New Zealand’s largest known living kauri tree. Standing beneath this ancient giant is a moment that stays with visitors long after the tour has ended.

From here, the ride begins through the heart of Waipoua Forest, following quiet roads to Donnellys Crossing for a relaxed lunch. The afternoon continues to Trounson Kauri Park, where a short forest walk offers another opportunity to experience these ancient ecosystems.

By late afternoon, the group arrives at the stunning Kai Iwi Lakes, home for the next two nights. After checking in, guests have free time to swim in crystal-clear freshwater, explore lakeside trails, try paddleboarding, or simply relax in the hot tub.

The day concludes with dinner on-site and the sharing of stories from the trail.

Day 2 – 48km – The Kaihu Valley Trail

Exploring one of Northland’s newest cycling experiences, the Kaihu Valley Trail.  Following a peaceful corridor through farmland and native
bush, the ride offers easy gradients, quiet roads, and a relaxed pace that allows guests to fully appreciate the landscape. Along the way, the group stops for lunch in Dargaville before visiting Delta Kumara, gaining insight into one of Northland’s most iconic crops and the industry that has helped shape the region.

Later in the afternoon, the tour returns to Kai Iwi Lakes for a leisurely ride around the network of lakeside cycle trails and additional
time to enjoy the retreat facilities.

The day finishes with a memorable dinner of fresh wood fired pizza shared back at the retreat.

Day 3 – 38km – Rivers, Backroads & Forgotten Highways

After breakfast and a farewell to Kai Iwi Lakes, the group returns to Dargaville to begin a varied and rewarding ride south toward Ruawai.
Quiet rural roads lead through productive farmland and expansive river country before arriving at the stopbank for lunch.

The afternoon features one of the tour’s most distinctive riding experiences as cyclists follow the stop bank itself, enjoying sweeping
views across the lower Kaipara. From there, the route links together a fascinating network of little-used backroads, historic routes, and an old
one-lane bridge that once formed part of the region’s main transport corridor.

A highlight of the afternoon is a visit to the Kauri Bushman’s Memorial Scenic Reserve, where a short forest walk provides another
glimpse into Northland’s rich kauri heritage.

The day finishes in historic Matakohe, with time to explore local heritage attractions before gathering for dinner and a comfortable
night’s stay.

Day 4 – 41.5km – The Kaipara Harbour Edge  

After breakfast, the ride heads toward the shores of the Kaipara Harbour, one of the largest harbours in the Southern Hemisphere.

A scenic route brings the group to the quiet waterfront settlement of Tinopai, where morning tea is enjoyed overlooking the harbour.
From here, a series of quiet rural roads showcase the remote beauty and wide-open landscapes that make this corner of Northland so special.

Continuing via Paparoa and Pahi, lunch is enjoyed beside the water before returning to Matakohe for an afternoon visit to the iconic
Kauri Museum. The museum provides fascinating insight into the kauri timber industry, early settler life, and the maritime history of the Kaipara.

That evening, dinner is served in the beautifully restored Old National Bank building, where local chef Paul Smith showcases the flavours of Northland.

Day 5 – 38km – Valley Roads to Historic Battlefields

The final day begins with a ride through the peaceful countryside of the Mangakahia district. Following quiet rural roads, guests cycle through rolling farmland and river valleys to the character-filled Parakao Store. This local institution is the perfect place to pause for coffee and enjoy a final taste of authentic rural Northland hospitality.

 The afternoon introduces another chapter of Northland’s rich history, with a visit to the historic Ruapekapeka Pā site. One of New Zealand’s most significant battlefields, Ruapekapeka played an important role in the story of the Northern Wars. Exploring the site provides fascinating insight into the events that helped shape modern New Zealand.

 With the riding complete, guests transfer back to Paihia where the Riding With Giants adventure comes to an end. Reflecting on the landscapes travelled, stories discovered, and giants encountered along the way, guests leave with a deeper appreciation for one of New Zealand’s most distinctive regions.

 Enjoy a farewell dinner and a final night in the Bay of Islands.

Day 6 – the tour has finished…but….

The Bay of Islands is one of New Zealand’s premier holiday destinations, with plenty to explore beyond the tour. From coastal walks and island cruises to kayaking, fishing, sailing and historic sites, there is no shortage of ways to continue your Northland adventure.

If you’d like to extend your stay, we’re happy to help with accommodation recommendations and local advice to make the most of your time in the region.