The First 5 Days of the Tour Aotearoa: Cape Reinga to Auckland | TA Episode 1

[@Rambl-n_Man]

Good bike riding buddies don't care who is pulling or not. We all have good days and bad days on the bike and it's great when buddies help you fight through it. We've all been there. What a great adventure!

[@Trekon2]

This is a wonderful start your not fit ! I meant to say it's such wonderful scenery. Great overnight stays, the party, plenty of hills, loved the cycling along the dry (almost) estuary/ river bed, also the great ferry crossing, all with great friends and humour, thanks Mat for a very entertaining and enjoyable video, take care 👍👌🏻👏👋

[@rickbargar3145]

Watched this three times and couldn't get enough of the scenery and the dialogue of you three and all the folks you come in contact with. Be safe !

[@darrintouchet4063]

Once again, random people coming out to support and or ride along. You have the “it” factor. In ur case the “it” is a proper gentleman, authentic, and very positive despite the obstacles you face on these adventures. It lends itself to people wanting for more, like me. Best of luck Matt, I’ll be following along!!!

[@alifecycles]

Great start to your ride. I know it can be difficult when you aren't feeling super strong and having the expectations of others to live up to makes it tricky. Just remember, you will only do this once. It's your trip, have fun and eat more.

[@MarTro80]

I expect three there in the morning aswell Matt. 🤣 - Best comment on YT ever.

[@nicbayley2534]

Fantastic first week, lovely to meet and ride with you, John and Rob for a bit. I will follow closely - slightly regretting I’m not doing it again this year!

[@andrewcarlson2955]

It’s difficult to move at other people’s pace! Exhausting to watch! Enjoying your trip!

[@wendym5137]

Fantastic Mat amazing scenery. Wow, thanks

[@ChuckHarris-go5nz]

Thank you so much for sharing this lovely adventure.

[@WalksInCamera]

Cool cycle touring. Looks like you have some great touring mates too. I'm sure the legs will get going after another days riding or so. Love the stories of singing Delilah! The beach riding was amazing. Looking forward to more of NZ.

[@aodhang9120]

Another fantastic video. Your drone footage is amazing. Thanks for sharing the journey on KZbin. Enjoy the next stage of your trip

[@jimerickson6036]

thanks for the map you guys are the best

[@Hawaiishelldiver]

I love how you dive head first into your adventures.

[@kathleenhart707]

Loved this video so much! The scenery, the cycling and the banter between you guys. Subscribed and will check out your other videos. The TA is on my bucket list, but at 64yo hope I'm not leaving it too late! BTW I rate those Kapiti Boysenberry icecreams amongst the best store bought in the world!❤

[@jenniferdipietro3666]

A lovely trip. And more folks coming to meet you. What a great time. Enjoy. God give you peace and strength.

[@tonypaddler]

Hi Mat. I find nothing worse than starting a long trip with a mad dash to reach something at an exact time. You soon recovered though. I'd definitely recommend waxing your Kona chain, it's not the faff some people make out. Great start to your epic trip 🚲👍

[@LeeJonesNPT]

I am driving a few days/weeks behind you and spoke to a Belgian lady today who is cycling the same route, saw her start at Cape Reinga a few days ago and saw her at Tanu Matua today, hello of a couple of climbs going up there to be fair chapeau to all who take on this route.

[@kentbutters9688]

Great video and wonderful to meet the 3 of you. Ride safe.

[@giv1234]

Matt you look like you are rushing the journey… be blessed

[@michaelobrien8661]

Always wanted to cycle NZ. Thanks for taking us along.

[@richardhampton2830]

Great video. Yes agree the first few days are tough but you get fitter as the days go by. North Island very hilly and undulating. South Island not as hilly but bigger climbs. Great to see that Carl met you along the way into Auckland. His and my paths crossed regularly on last years TA. Your video's bring back all the memories, such a wonderful journey. Ride On.

[@dachsdk1559]

Off to a fantastic start it seems, had some good laughs watching the episode 😄

[@tede.1218]

Wow!... another epic adventure and thank you so much for allowing us to follow along. Ride safe...Ted G

[@julietfitzpatrick6420]

Great to see your perspective of the ride! Nice rendition of Pokarekare Ana, sing that anywhere and a Kiwi will join in. Pity that footage of Delilah didn't make the cut : )

[@kevinquinn6874]

I’ve been checking my notifications for the last few days. Looking forward to this new episode. I hope you’re having fun and staying safe! 😊

[@zeo797]

Been waiting for this one all week! EXCITED TO SEE THE VIEWS

[@elzabethmorgan8020]

Awesome scenery, and another superb video!

[@BoredManOutdoors]

How do. Only recently found you on here. Binged the Divide trail over the weekend, part way into TransAm and now keeping up live with NZ... It's all quite excellent stuff you're producing... Thank you for sharing your adventures. 🚴🚴🚴

[@freightdawg6762]

Awesome vid!! 💯💯💯💯

[@708photog]

Mat, for saddle sore prevention try: Neosporin + Aquaphor + Benzoyl Peroxide (equal parts). Clean then apply this combination to affected areas nightly. Good luck!

[@TheMrAPRise]

Another fantastic record of the trip...wonderful..!!

[@paulhoughton5266]

All I could keep saying, was Wow, Wow, Wow because of the scenery. Mat, this has got to be the best January you have had. Stay safe.

[@donaldcaudy312]

Great videos. Keep up, the good work.

[@michaelbroyer3918]

Great first video and I am looking forward to the rest of your adventure. Be safe.

[@philipdaughtrey5455]

How good does the light look in New Zealand and the scenery looks amazing. Slightly disappointed you’re cycling from north to south and not pacing it out now though 😉

[@davidmeridith3408]

Mat, I so thoroughly enjoy your videos! I watch a lot (probably too many) KZbinrs and by far I find yours to be the most interesting. Be safe. And if you ever get to Wisconsin, you have a place to stay’

[@adx442]

I'm in the NW WI area, and I've offered him a place, too. Pretty soon, he can just house hop across the state.

[@GarryGoodall]

Mat - i love your commentary - “one of those rock things with a hole in it”. Dont think anyway could have said it better.

[@CarstenPrien-y9p]

So cool, you met my son Max on the ferry!

[@matryderadventures]

I remember Max. He was on a tight schedule. I hope he's doing well.

[@PumpkinVillage]

How awesome was that. Beautiful country and people. Take care, Al

[@char5477]

Wow, riding on the beach....I wasn't expecting that you'd be riding in water too!

[@paulbrimble8204]

This is really great Mat.

[@M_J_Hammer]

Looks like a tough start with plenty of climbing! You've got some great travel mates with you and lovely to see the hospitality from the Kiwis. Great footage from the drone and what a stunning country.

[@Indian_dann]

Damn your becoming a regular Forest Gump 😂 good riding and hope you continue to have good weather

[@reynolds8532]

Godspeed to you guys! Take care of John for us back here in Michigan. John, it was -25 today with the wind if you were thinking of us while you road the beach. ;-)

[@roberthunter5398]

Great stuff Mat. You shure land on your feet all the time with the kindness of people. Have a great time 😊

[@adx442]

Another vote for chain waxing. Start with paraffin wax and micronized tungsten disulfide as a small amount of additive, and then top up as needed with Silca emulsified or Squirt. I live in an area with fine glacial sand everywhere, and I'm never going back to oil.

[@gordonmculloch4904]

Good luck and have a great adventure. 👍

[@porourke1]

Such a beautiful place

[@berndwintjen5388]

Wow... sehr sehr gut... vielen Dank fürs Mitnehmen... VG

[@ronniebiggs4026]

Great first video Mat and a decent shift as well ..I noted a bit of sun damage on your nose maybe from the last trip but keep using the cream as one thing could lead to another 👌🚴‍♂️🎥🇬🇧🥇

[@michael-kw4tz]

Wish I could have seen Delilah!!

[@pppjourneyonabike5992]

Wonder why the description box is darkened out so much these recent days...hard to see the words...maybe an unplanned youtube after affect of an upgrade (?).

[@matryderadventures]

I've noticed this too.

[@astridvanbreenen3757]

Hahaha, you’re building a real tribe! Before you know it you will be finishing this tour with a group of 100 or so 😂 Great to see this trail. Again inspiring, it looks wonderful. Can you tell some more about the traffic? I always hear it is very busy with fast driving cars, but that doesn’t really show, except when entering towns.

[@glennwilson6249]

Well done . Enjoyed vid , haven’t been there in 20 yrs now , good memories. Thnx🍀 -6 F on my ride this AM😞

[@JB-vv9ow]

I’m new to your channel Mat .Id love to have the balls to do what you’re doing ,great people fantastic scenery.Stay strong mate.

[@philboynz]

Up the big dipper Merthyr Mawr and a quick dip at Coney beach 😅🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

[@Mark8v29]

Following your route with the official guide booklet(s). Looks like you had ambitious goals in the first week. Hoping to do this route in 2026 or 27. I'm thinking an overnight stop at Utea Park would break up the distance for someone like me. I really enjoyed New Zealand and the vibe of New Zealand when I backpacked in the 90s. Your vlog brings back fond memories. BTW were there many, what seem to be, pedestrian-only-barriers at the beginning or end of tracks? As you cycle the TA I'm doing an hour a day in my kitchen on a smart trainer trying to increase my fitness back to what it was in 2019.

[@matryderadventures]

I think a stop at Utea park is a good idea. We haven't hit many pedestrian barriers, maybe three or four. There's a technique to getting through them on the back wheel. Good luck on your TA.

[@joellevg3698]

You riding a dream

[@kevinseversonandhisvizslas8287]

I’m on a diet, and the fish and chips look so damn good!!!

[@davidn.5803]

Hi Mat, best of luck on your NZ adventure. Your friend, Dave in Colorado, USA.

[@thecycle2worker152]

Matt you’re the Forest Gump of cycling 😂

[@tim9324]

Beautiful scenery. How much road riding so far?

[@matryderadventures]

We're around 500 miles in and I would guess it's been about 70 to 80%.

[@kevinseversonandhisvizslas8287]

No 4k?

[@1bike10]

Why 2.6" tires?

[@none-ya2242]

In his prep video he said that's what he has so that's what he is going to ride. Those Mezcal tires roll great. I run the 2.35 version.

[@asbjrnkristiansen429]

"I wanted dinosaurs!" 🤣 The dry and subtle British humor, how can you not love it? 😄 NZ looks like a fantastic place to bike pack. Been checking google street view to have a peak at what's coming up and it seems EPIC is an appropriate term. Listening to John I was thinking "where have I heard this voice before?" And then it struck me. I'm a huge fan of the pioneering days of NASA and human kind's first endevaours to space and John sounds almost exactly the same as his brother in first name, the honorable astronaut and senator John Glenn 🙂Have a look at this and listen to Mr Glenn, I'm sure I'm not the only to hear the similarities 🙂 Anyway, happy trails to all of you. Cheers. kzbin.info/www/bejne/kGeZmaaMmNWBacU

[@matryderadventures]

John has an amazing voice. He could make a living with it. I'll check out the John Glenn video now. Cheers.

[@saflatty]

Need to see a video of the singing or it didn’t happen!!😂

[@justinf1343]

I trust you checked the tides before setting off down 90 mile beach. This brings back memories from my 2017 ride. Bloody covid, has screwed my fitness. I miss these trips 😢

[@getEarthlinged]

If you reach Bluff you should spent a day or five on Stewart Island. One of the most remote and beautiful places In New Zealand. You must have a safe trip under the Southern Cross Carsten from Læsø (Denmark)

[@reinhartbigl367]

Wow, thanks for bringing us along on what looks like another awesome ride Matt! I'm already stoked and feel like packing up the bike and gear, and flying to NZ to do that route right now...especially since it was -23C here this morning...🥶 How's the IPA in NZ? Looking forward to following along...cheers!!

[@johnpickett8041]

So jealous! How on earth did you learn those songs? Will pass along your KZbin link on my blog. Cheers.

[@marcusrawls2125]

Mat, love the new adventure. How do you like that Black Diamond Hoodie? Looks like you might need some sunscreen.

[@matryderadventures]

The hoodie is doing a great job. I definitely need to keep on top of the sunscreen. The sun is hot over here.

[@longrider42]

What, you went back to the Pinyon system? I thought you'd decided that a chain and derailleur system? :)

[@rottieshepcalibre9156]

Some people have just “got it.” If Mat was a presenter or some other kinda tv personality. He’d be popular as f*** 🎬💫

[@richardstoner866]

I really think you just ride at your own pace…if you are having to even slightly ride at someone else’s it’s going to be a an unpleasant experience….you won’t enjoy it as much and won’t see as much either…ride solo for most and enjoy company when it happens I think…..you’ve travelled a long way…don’t ride past it ✊👌😀👏👏

[@pppjourneyonabike5992]

Are there venomous creatures to be concerned about in the dark camping?

[@matryderadventures]

I don't think so. It's a pretty safe place, aside from the sharks.

[@montelach]

Hey Ross… how does he upload his GoPro footage to you? I haven’t seen a laptop or anything? (I know you have the GoPro cloud but how does it get there? lol)

[@Russridesagain]

What a great video, well done chaps, I know what your going through....😂 Great to meet you Mat after watching most of your videos . Safe trip going forward and maybe we will meet again. Thank you for the shout out 🇦🇺🚴‍♂️🥝

[@timparsons2741]

I didn't realize you were world famous .

[@wibblehx]

lots more bikes than your USA trips!

[@KarlKyhl]

@ 02:35 "One of those rock things with a hole innit!" haha

[@bessokeks4006]

Damn! If it would not be such a mess to go from Munich to New Zealand...

[@philboynz]

If you come through Tauranga let us know!

[@none-ya2242]

You can follow him via the location link above. It will take you to his garmin tracker. You will also be able to see the planned route so you can get ahead of him.

[@AnnetteLG]

Ha!! I was just thinking about you! Perfect timing 😊🎉❤

[@brianridley1102]

Waxed chains in wet conditions = high maintenance

[@chrisflux57]

On my ne hand it’s good to have company when cycling, so as to motivate you but on the other hand probably feel you can’t go at your own pace and enjoy it as much and take video and appreciate other things as always in the back of your head it’s like, am I annoying the others 🤔

[@Valsiphez]

3:04 beach looks like bad textures from old pc games

[@Sirgoone]

"Hi" ???? Where is my "Good mooorning" :( disapointed.

[@brad.coombes]

It makes me laugh that when Maori and Welsh people get together it always ends in a sing-off. I come from a long line of Welsh whalers who married Maori women, so you're doing well to be adopting already the very best traditions of this country. Most Maori are forgiving about pronounciation, and we'd prefer to demonstrate how it can be improved rather than rant about innacuracies. In that spirit, here are two tips to get you started. 1. Each combination of a vowel and a consonant is an individual sound. There are exceptions but generally te reo Maori is dominated by 'digraphs' (I believe that's what they're called). Hence, Tane isn't the one sound - 'Tain' as in 'pain' - but rather two sounds: Tah-neh (Tane is the same as the deity Kane in Hawaii; generally, if you learn one Polynesian language you've learned 70% of most of them). Omapere is not Oh-ma-pear, but Oh-ma-pah-ray. 2. Partly because of 1, you can leap ahead with pronounciation by learning to get the vowels right. A E I O U is Ah Eh (as in way) Eee (as in ski) Oar Ooh (as in spew). Again, putting that together to accelerate the learning.... You folk have proven adept at singing 50s/60s songs, so you can advance these things by singing the Maori alphabet to the song Stupid Cupid... A ha ka ma na pa ra ta wa nga wha E he ke me ne pe re te we nge whe I hi ki mi ni pi ri ti wi ngi whi O ho ko mo no po ro to wo ngo who A E I O U U hu ku mu nu pu ru tu wu ngu whu I hope you all sing that loud as you go through the Waikato (no te reo / language pedants there to worry about :) )

[@zeo797]

hahaha nice *dicappuccino