First, the Kaipara Crossing only has one boat option now. That is Kaipara Cruises, which most of you have been booking with anyway. But a few of you may have booked with the Ali-Kat, which is a smaller boat, which has just been sold and won’t be operating on the Kaipara Harbour next year! So please make sure you are not booked with Ali Kat Charters!
The Hokianga Harbour boat is no problems as it runs almost all day long, seven days a week, and only costs $2 because it is subsidised by the government.
Further south, you should book your trip down the Whanganui River a day before you get there. They will run in all but the worst storm conditions.
Crossing the Cook Strait to the South Island also requires booking ahead, and we recommend two days ahead.
The only boat trip in the South Island is across Lake Whakatipu, and there are a few boat operators. You must book ahead.
Details for all the boats are in the TA Official Guides.
Here is a message from Magaret at Mangakino
“Last year I helped out with overflow from the hotel and really enjoyed the contact with the riders. I run an Airbnb here in Mangakino (I know I should have contacted you before the booklet was printed) and am happy to provide accommodation as are others. I have volunteered to be the first contact riders can use and once I am full I will give them other places to go.
I have a cottage that sleeps 8 and home stay that sleeps 4 plus plenty of room for tents.
Regards Margaret
33 Moana crescent, Mangakino
Phone 021 997274
And from the Timber Trail Lodge…
This lodge in the middle of the Timber Trail must be booked before you get there. They are likely to be booked out on some days, so we can’t assume we can just walk in and get a bed. They are a victim of their own success apparently!
A message from the lodge is “we will not be able to provide services, other than pizza and drinks between 1pm and 5pm, to anyone who hasn’t made a prior reservation.”
Bridge to Nowhere/Maungaparua Track
Contractors are currently working on this track, and all indications suggest it will be open again next week.
West Coast Highway update – and alternate
The West Coast highway opened again today, although sections of it are single lane with traffic lights, and it will be that way for quite some time. As extreme weather events close this highway quite often now we will create an ‘East of the Main Divide’ alternate and have that ready for you if needed.
Maprogress
Early Bird pricing ends on 6th Jan for GPS Tracking on Tour Aotearoa 2020, save by registering now at https://touraotearoa2020.maprogress.com/event/register
1. Purchase your own Spot Gen3 to take on the TA and other adventures, save $50 off retail until 6th Jan.
2. Spot tracker rental price increases to $230 from $190 after 6th. If you hold off and leave it last minute it will cost you more.
Find more details go to https://maprogress.com/tracking/touraotearoa
Please make sure you are all sorted with a spot tracker. It is important for your safety and enables us to know where you are on the Tour Aotearoa.
Motutapu Challenge in Queenstown
“We do have a short road closure Tobins Track (near Arrowtown) on Sunday 15th March between 8 – 11am. At this time there will be approx. 600 runners coming up the track. It would be great if you could advise your participantr to travel down the Crown Range if they happen to hit exactly that time. Appreciate your understanding!”
And… a few summaries from the last update:
Official Guide Books
The TA guides (PDF version and paper version) are out now. They describe in detail the 2020 course, and include maps, cue sheets, a list of services, and an introduction full of updated information.
For those happy to read the guide on their phone or computer, you can get a pdf version by going to https://www.kennett.co.nz/product/tour-aotearoa-official-guides-pdf
The Paper version is available at most independent bookshops, bike shops, and online at http://www.kennett.co.nz or, if you are an overseas rider, we recommend www.groundeffect.co.nz (the postage is cheaper).
Official GPS files
Paul and I have just finished updating the gpx/kml files for you to load onto your gps. Here they are:
http://www.touraotearoa.nz/p/routegpx-downloads.html
Note 1: these may be updated before your start. If they are, we will let you know.
Note 2: the GPX files have limitations. Basically, it's fine as a file to import into your GPS cycle computer, but if you try to load it into a website like Strava or RideWithGPS, those sites just can't handle the complex nature of the TA course.
Note 3: Peter Mitchell has created a little video that shows how to load KMZ to Google Maps (suitable for iPhone and Samsung), not the other platforms. Check it out here: https://youtu.be/ATfqMfNRBCY
Note 4: There is a known limitation of the Garmin system -- it expects the file you upload to consist of only one GPS "track", while the file you download from the TA website actually combines 25 separate tracks into a single GPX file. The only way to get Garmin to understand this file is to split it up into separate parts, one track per file, and import each one individually.
Entries
If for any reason you cannot take part in the event, please send me an email at touraotearoa@kennett.co.nz. This will possibly provide room for another rider.
Please check your details on this start list: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1e2VTW2D5BcBY-zlNcgmESIR0uqX3-nhgbhYDD6E61m8/
For more information…
Go to the website: http://www.touraotearoa.nz
There are also two Tour Aotearoa Facebook pages, where you can ask questions of other riders.
Until the next update, I hope your training is gaining momentum and you’re keeping it fun!
Please check your details on this start list: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1e2VTW2D5BcBY-zlNcgmESIR0uqX3-nhgbhYDD6E61m8/
For more information…
Go to the website: http://www.touraotearoa.nz
There are also two Tour Aotearoa Facebook pages, where you can ask questions of other riders.
Until the next update, I hope your training is gaining momentum and you’re keeping it fun!
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