“Aotea”  “, Great Barrier Island”, or “Baz” 

3 names which come to mind for the beautiful island that protects New Zealand’s largest natural harbour, our Hauraki Gulf. 

The boys found as much or more beauty than they bargained for, “This island is incredible”, one shouts, “I needed this”, the other yells fondly from his bike seat as they take their first descent full of an amazing view into Medlands beach from Tryphena. 

The trip had been on the to-do list for some time, a great book “Bikepacking Aotearoa” gave us the ins & outs of what's expected for our 110km loop. 

We considered the weather, wind & camping stops to plan and maximise the route with heading north east, aiming for Harataonga bay campsite, then leading onto the Harataonga track, which was definitely a highlight of the weekend with spectacular morning views of Rakitu Island and the infamous Okiwi sandbar. 

The second day really packed a punch from Okiwi to Fitzroy, then through the fire forest roads back to Medlands with well over 1700m of vert attained, but with the immenence of a few very cold beers inbound that late evening, we pressed on through the challenging terrain. 

Scroggin passed hands, reassuring words of encouragement and great attitudes towards elective suffering were upheld as there is a certain treasure in those hard times right before summiting an amazing peak, all before reascending into the next valley to do it all again. “Sometimes, the only way up is through,” was uttered and was a key nugget from our ride of those dry, tall forest ascents with our loaded steeds. 

Cycling out of the forests of Aotea that afternoon, the boys agreed it was a very dangerous time to be a very cold beer. 

Barrier blew us away, and taking on the island on bicycles was really an amazing way to see the place. 10/10 would recommend.