The End of an Incredible Journey | Tour Aotearoa Episode 9

This is it—the final stretch of the Tour Aotearoa!

I set off from Arrowtown, heading towards Queenstown and catching a ferry across to Walter Peak, where the last leg of this incredible journey begins. From there, we’re treated to some stunning gravel trails and find the perfect secluded campsite in a valley.

The next morning, we tackle the final real climb of the route before the road gradually trends downhill all the way to the finish. We camp in Mossburn, then stop in Winton for a hotel stay on our last night, where John and I go through his bikepacking gear, reflecting on what he actually needed and what he could’ve left behind. As the trip nears its end, I realise how much I don’t want it to be over—this has been an incredible few weeks of riding, and I’ve enjoyed every minute.

After passing through Wallacetown and Invercargill, we finally arrive at Stirling Point in Bluff, the official end of the Tour Aotearoa.

🚴‍♂️ Total distance: 3,003 km (1,866 miles)
⛰ Total climbing: 32,464 m (106,509 ft)
📆 Total days on the trail: 43 (39 riding days)

This ride has been an unforgettable experience, and if you ever get the chance to take it on, find a way to make it happen.

A huge thank you to everyone who has watched these videos, subscribed, and followed along on this adventure. An extra thank you to those who have supported the channel through YouTube Super Thanks or Ko-Fi donations—your generosity helps fund more trips like this, and I truly appreciate it.

Thanks for coming along for the journey.






Links:

Ko-fi (If you want to support the channel): https://ko-fi.com/matryder

Team Cont;nue (The foundation John is riding for, and where you can register for the charity bikeride):
https://teamcontinue.org/

Review channel (where I review a lot of the gear I will be using on this trip):
   / @matryderreviews  






00:00. Leaving Arrowtown
06:02. What an amazing spot to camp
10:00. The last climb of the tour
19:36. Going through John's gear
34:46. John's shoutouts!
37:42. Start of the final day
44:25. Arriving in Bluff