Riding New Zealand Solo: 1000km of the Tour Aotearoa Trail, Cape Reinga to Taumarunui 

American with an Aussie wife living in Oz-we've done a few "credit card tours" in your beautiful country. We've thought about doing the "big trail" from the top to bottom and your video is inspirational! Honest and funny, as Kiwis seem to always be. Good on ya for putting in the time and effort both on the ride, and an excellent film to chronicle it all.

Ms 11 and I are also going to be driven to that same starting point soon, also by the missus. We'll ride the tandem home... got 500 odd km more than you. Obviously we'll ride past your place(s). Good video!

Awesome thanks for sharing your journey 🚴🏻‍♂️😊

Epic mahi! I’m doing South Island in Jan🤞🏽thanks for the share

I stayed at Camp Epic when I rode the TA in 2020. I had to stop at Wellington and leave New Zealand when the lockdown was about to start. I definitely need to make my way back there soon

Oh my, such an epic journey of self-discovery and sharing for us all to enjoy and learn. My journey starts next year ..... oh my!!!! Bloody good vid man :)

Awesome man! I did it in April /May and had to take the same detour cos of the ferry not running. Felt like I was back there. That damn bridge haha. Thanks for documenting it!

Congrats on the ride. I really enjoyed the honesty (and scenery) of you great film. Thank you.

Congratulations on completing this epic ride. It took a lot of courage to commit to and execute this difficult challenge. Your videography is superb and makes me really want to return to NZ for a visit. I am looking forward to seeing your next adventure.

Hey. Just watched the video with dannielle and we are so proud of you. We both loved that bit where you came back over the bridge to get your camera. We will have to catch up when we come down one day. Keep up the amazing work. 👌👌👍

Well done mate. Love that you did the ride on your own terms, very inspiring!

congratulations on your first trip - looks an awesome adventure. good luck in your future trips.

Very nice adventure! I once lived in NZ for around 4 years! It was around 2007 to 2011. Your country is amazing! It is very cool to see some spots there I’ve been in again, Cape Reinga! Big hug from Brazil. God bless you!

Brilliant, shows the true reality of cycle trips not often shown in films!

Thanks for sharing your epic journey with us Julian. A Very Inspirational watch indeed, I have just put together my first budget hard tail MTB packing rig, and are about to venture fourth on my first solo multi day ride. (A2O) I ride as often as I possibly can, Biking has been so beneficial for me maintaining positive mental health. With an ageing body, I have a deep desire to push the envelope and challenge myself mentally and physically. You have captured the many emotions of your journey in its purest form. Mega respect and admiration to you. Cheers.

Super proud of you! Well done - great video.

Churr for this video!!! Definitely helps with the motivation and inspiration to get myself out on my bike and enjoy cycling!!

Awesome video mate. As someone who harbours dreams of riding tour Aotearoa while juggling a young family I found it really insightful and inspiring. All the best on your future adventures ✌🏼

Nice - good to see the reality of it all (and Voltaren for the win!)

So good! Thank you

Good call to skip that HW1 section at night. 👍

Great stuff mate. I really enjoyed your honesty and your ‘why’.

the distances are crazy! nice video, thanks for sharing!

You are 100% right. Bikepacking ain't easy. But damn it's such feeling of accomplishment when you finish. I went through a whole heap of emotions before during and after, and I'd do it all again. This year in fact.

Had me crying there bud! Loved this so much - definitely do the rest of the island I'll meet you at the finish line with a beer!

Well done Julian, thoroughly enjoyed this, inspiring and I hope to cross the ditch one day and ride in such a beautiful place

It's great you choose to own your own adventure. Thanks for the video.

too much bro! such a good watch 👌🏽

'You can't cheat if you make the rules' Those are words to live by haha! Thanks for the inspiring video!

Congrats, I can only say I can see how at min 15 you suddenly became a bikepacker and there was no way you gonna stop from there on. Well done! Congrats. And I really liked the drone shots when you were crossing the bridge. See you on the trails in september.

I so enjoyed this! Love your storytelling ;)

I ride from atiamuri to Taumarunui every year in early winter, you may remember when my wife calling doc last year when my tracker failed and telling all the operators to look out for a bikepacker with a green helmet, I love that part of the country

-4°c ... holy moly! ❄ Epic ride!

Awesome video Julian. Hope you enjoy some rest whilst you plan the next adventure! 🤙

Awesome stuff! Operating a drone while riding??!!

Bravo man! You became stronger!

Absolute champion, almost gave up but pushed through and completed this awesome journey, we'll have to go for a ride one day for sure. Although you might show me up 😅

And here I thought climbing Rapaki track was hard!

Beautiful!!!

Makes me want to do this mission now

Quality.

This is brilliant! "puts coffee down, and tells wife about idea" Lets see what she says 😅

Truly Amazing. Greetings from Brasil

What a Legend!

Where can I buy one of those spoons u used for dinner. 😂

Chur bro keep it up

This was cool as fuck bro. 🤙

27.5+ tire size?

Can I have a free bike? I havent watched the video