We’ve been coming to this area for 30+ years, starting our journey low in the valleys and progressing deeper into the wilderness as skills and experience progressed; from the Hopkins and Huxley, to Malte Brun and Aoraki. We love the Mackenzie Country.
We want to share this area to those inspired by wild beautiful places.
The finest mountain bike touring in New Zealand
The Mackenzie Country is New Zealand’s largest intermontane basin. In simple language that means a large plain surrounded by mountains.
The area has a number of long river valleys that reach deep into Kā Tiritiri o te Moana, the Southern Alps. Many of these valley are unknown to most New Zealanders. The Cass, Jollie, Macaulay, Dobson and Godley to name a few.
Not only are the valleys unknown but many of the Conservation areas we travel also remain unrecognised by most Kiwi’s. Oteake, Gamak , Irishman’s Creek , Godley Peaks, Braemar, Te Kahui Kaupeka and Ruataniwha. These sit alongside one of New Zealand’s most famous national parks, Mount Cook. It is a beautiful part of the world.
The gentle river valleys coupled with the large plain creates a relatively flat terrain that for variety and beauty makes the Mackenzie Country the finest mountain bike touring in New Zealand.
Why the electric donkey?
The river valley systems in this area are often long and require multi-day tramps. (Tramping is the New Zealand word for hiking).
We’ve discovered that by using an electric bike to carry our equipment the mountains are now so much closer!
Our backs and feet aren’t as sore either.
You still have to be reasonably fit and strong, a fully laden bike is heavy, but getting into nature just became that much more enjoyable.
