Presented by the Lake Taupo Cycle Challenge, the Virtual Tour of New Zealand on FulGaz offers a thrilling 390km ride with over 3,900m of climbing. This is your chance to explore the breathtaking beauty of the “long white cloud” from the comfort of your home.
Your adventure begins in the picturesque town of Wānaka in Otago, on New Zealand’s South Island. From here, you’ll ride through rugged landscapes and stunning natural scenery, traveling north to the charming town of Hokitika. Then, hop on a virtual ferry to continue your journey on the North Island.
Tackle New Zealand’s largest Gran Fondo event, the Lake Taupo Cycle Challenge, divided into four spectacular segments . After conquering this epic challenge, continue north to face the Tour of New Zealand’s, ‘Queens Stage’ – The Oyster Catcher. This final leg in the Coromandel features a series of breathtaking climbs that will test your limits.
New users to FulGaz can take advantage of our 14-Day free trial to get started.
This is a 15km ride from Mount Barker, south of Wānaka township in the South Island of New Zealand, ending at Lake Wānaka, on a cool winter morning.
14.76km
173m
00:41:00
This ride is from Wānaka to Glendhu Bay, on the way to Treble Cone skifield, on a cold midwinter morning.
It goes past the Rippon Vineyard on the right and the iconic Roy’s Peak on the left before arriving at the Glendhu Bay Motor Camp. Wānaka is in the southern part of the South Island of New Zealand and is a favourite hub for skiing in the winter and boating in the summer. Glendhu Bay is a popular site for camping in the summer.
11.55km
130m
00:31:00
This route was used for the 2022 Cycling New Zealand Age Group and Paracycling Road National Championships in Hokitika.
Quiet country laps, rolling NZ hills and a few cows along the way make this a pleasant ride.
32.12km
201m
01:06:00
The opening stage of the Lake Taupo Cycle Challenge 160km road category and part of New Zealand’s largest cycling event. This a stunning 41km, mainly rural route that will definitely warm up the legs. A steady climb straight out of the gate will keep you on your toes and shifting gears, so don’t get too comfortable as this whole ride is kickers, rollers, and a few quick descents.
41.63km
617m
01:29:00
This is the start of climb called Waihaha (Maori meaning – wai is water and haha noisy, so “noisy water” 1km and 75m vertical of climbing – but you may not find it very funny. On a nice clear day you will get your first glimpse of the North Island’s largest volcanoes of the Tongariro National Park – still active volcanoes today!
41.05km
583m
01:30:00
Part three of the Lake Taupo Cycle Challenge rolls in Kuratau, which is also the place of a dam, creating hydro-electric power via water flowing from the Kuratau River. A nice little climb to start this stage, an ascent of nearly 100m over 1.7km.
31.31km
296m
01:05:00
Section four is the final leg of the Lake Taupo Cycle Challenge and taking in the stunning lake views of Lake Taupo and the infamous Hatepe Hill. You’re almost home. Keep pushing!
39.50km
311m
01:27:00
Quiet country roads, calm scenery, and blue skies make this a lovely route to ride. There are a few hill sections but you’ll be rewarded with some fast descents. Take in the stunning rolling hills and quiet farm roads.
This route was used in the 2021 Cycling New Zealand road national championships
33.39km
365m
01:08:00
A lovely ride through the hills of Waikato, this route was used in the 2021 Cycling New Zealand Elite Road National Championships. Rolling hills and sunny blue skies will keep you entertained.
43.60km
750m
01:25:00
Ride from Coromandel Town, home to one of New Zealand’s largest Mussel and Oyster farming areas, across two stunning climbs to the Firth of Thames Coast and back. Look to the sea for glimpses of the working boats and beautiful islands beyond. Enjoy the uninterrupted views from the hills summits and the thrill of the descents in this quiet corner of The Peninsula.
50.49km
949m
02:20:00
