There’s sticking to the beaten track, and then there’s Escape Adventures. http://www.escapeadventuresnz.com
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Unforgettable Cycle Tours in New Zealand, Kenya & Tanzania, Japan, Kyrgyzstan, Colombia, Madagascar and Cambodia. Our philosophy is to steer clear of mainstream tourist attractions and get into the heart of the destinations we cycle tour, whether that involves yurt stays in Kyrgyzstan, homecooked dinner on a New Zealand high country station or camping with a Maasai family in Kenya. Our mission is
to get you a little out of your normal comfort zone and give you a whole heap of opportunities to have unique and personal experiences. Founded 20 years ago by John Etherington and Mandy Richards. It all began back in 1999 in Kenya & Tanzania, which is still one of our most popular cycle tours. Since then the business has grown, and we have cycle tours in seven different countries. Tom Kearney picked up the reins back in 2022 and is now the guardian of Escape Adventures. We are driven by the reward that comes with creating and leading tours that will touch your soul and stay in your memory forever! As for the cycling - you’ll need to be comfortable spending the day on your bike or able to chug your way up a hill or two, but you won’t be banging out huge kilometres. It is the adventure and the experience that is important - the bike just happens to be the best way to travel!
Getting excited for the fast approaching Kenya and Tanzania cycle touring season to kick off, we are ready to be hanging with Maasai around a campfire!
Think you’re missing out? This could be you! We have limited spaces still available for this season on our July 25th and August 13th departures. Get in touch today. [email protected]
Tour Aotearoa 2025 is almost full!
Full Tour, Feb 6th - March 18th, Just one place left
North Island, Feb 6th - 26th, Five places
South Island, Feb 27th - March 18th, FULLY BOOKED
Don’t miss this epic journey through New Zealand!
SNEAK PREVIEW… we are working with the very talented on a special something for our Tour Aotearoa bikers. It is so fun getting these wee updates and can’t wait to see the finished product 🤩
Check it out! Operations Manager Clare nipped down to chat with Hoops at the Ashburton Guardian about our upcoming Bike night with Stoked Cycles, Ashburton. Event linked in the comments!
https://fb.watch/rD7aFbmP6Z/
Looking back on the Tour Aotearoa North Island from earlier this year. We rode bikes on beaches, hopped aboard boats, discovered miles of beautifully quiet back roads and linked up lots of New Zealand’s amazing cycle trails. Fancy joining us to explore the North Island of NZ? Or indeed ride the full length of the country? 2025 dates are live Feb 6th - Mar 18th (Full Tour) Get in touch, [email protected]
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We’re on the road with our second tour in Japan! Hitting the road out of Kagoshima our bikers discovered a pottery studio nestled in the hills before cycling in to Fukiage for the night. Yesterday’s ride brought them to the Chiran Samurai residence and Kamikaze Museum. Check out the beautiful sunshine bridge purpose made for walking and cycling.
Arriving into our yurt camp on the shores of Lake Son Kul, we're greeted by the friendly hosts with traditional borsok (donuts) fresh cream and a cup of kumis (fermented mares milk). A polite sip is all thats required, the locals laugh at our varied reactions. We've been spotting Marmots and enjoying the vast mountain scenery as we ride from the rocky valley up onto grassy highlands, occasionally giving way as herds of sheep and horses cross the road in front of us. It's been one of our bigger days on the bikes, but nothing that cant be fixed with the camps hot shower(!) and a comfy bed in a cosy yurt.
We cant wait to be back in Kyrgyzstan this year July 1st -14th, so if you haven't got an adventure planned already.. this might be the one for you!
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Kyrgyzstan Cycle Tour itinerary, biking 580km over 11 days. Fully Supported Cycle Tour. Amazing, Soul-satisfying Biking Vacations
Got your tix to the yet?! Don’t miss out on this awesome evening of bike related entertainment! And you could be winning some super cool prizes from and …
Colombia is a dreamy cycle touring destination. With the high Andes scenery and lush tropical valleys, friendly faces around every corner and plenty of opportunity for unique, genuine interactions. Is Colombia on your 'To Ride' list?
We've been cycle touring in Colombia since 2017.. and our next departure is planned for August 1st - 14th 2024, why not join us!
📩 [email protected] for more details
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We are so so happy to have been named small business of the year 2024 in the Excellence in Customer Experience category for the Mid-Canterbury region! The judges overview was, “An outstanding business that goes above and beyond for its customers on cycle tours all over the world.” Thanks to all our bikers who join us on unforgettable cycle tours here in New Zealand and all over the world, we are excited to keep doing what we love and offer you amazing adventures off the beaten track!
Cape to Cape is DONE! Well done to our fabulous bikers who took on this challenging route across the North Island, we loved giving you the opportunity to explore these lesser travelled paths by bike.
One month to go! 🚲🇯🇵
We cant wait for our wheels to be turning in Japan next month! Our two departures are scheduled to, hopefully, coincide with the beautiful spring time Sakura (cherry blossom) displays in the southern most prefecture of Kagoshima.
Our 2024 Cape to Capers are well on their way from East to West across the North Island. Following the traditional Kōpiko route means getting off the beaten track but also enjoying some of New Zealand’s amazing cycle trails! They’ve ticked off some of the a section of the and have just completed the , plus a few of heartland and connector rides.
Aotearoa, New Zealand really is an incredible place to ride a bike!!
BLUFF!! We’ve made it, and a day earlier than scheduled… with bad weather in the forecast for today, our bikers chose to push on from Lumsden all the way to Bluff yesterday, making the most of the sunshine and the tail wind. 120km day and done by 3pm, what a way to finish this epic ride of Aotearoa, New Zealand. Congratulations everyone, thanks for joining us to explore by bike - everyone is enjoying the rest/gear admin day today!
South Island - Tour Aotearoa
Phew we’re well overdue an update! We’ve been ticking along down the South Island and are already in Haast! Mostly beautiful weather with one day of nasty rain and southerly cold hitting us between Murchison and Reefton. Some big climbs, lovely descents and epic scenery. The was a real highlight for every one and arriving into Bruce Bay in glorious sunshine was such a treat, especially when there’s coffee ready and waiting!
Riding from King country to the Whanganui region, lovely gravel roads, sun, rain and coffee stops! A day trip up the river to get see the famous bridge to no where, then one last push in to Whanganui for a day off. Up the elevator and back on the road into rural New Zealand, there is some real ‘kiwi country’ to be traversed in the next couple of days. Our riders are onto their last leg o the North Island, heading for Wellington, go team!!
Back with the Tour Aotearoa… here’s a selection of photos from today’s ride on the . This means the group have just passed the geographical centre of the North Island. How incredibly lucky are we to have such an amazing cycle trail network here in NZ, and to have them linked together to great the epic route that is Tour Aotearoa. Can’t forget the wonderful hospitality of , a welcome sight after a day of riding from Whakamaru!
Day one of our newest cycle tour.. the Canterbury Peaks to Plains. A train ride with from Christchurch to Arthur’s Pass, a walk through native forest then a pedal with spectacular mountain views.
Tour Aotearoa 2024 update. Our bikers are rolling into Auckland today, it will be their biggest day of navigation, although the cycle paths are incredible, and quite a shock after the quieter Northland roads.
Tour Aotearoa 23/24 is go! Our bikers assembled in Pukenui over the weekend, setting off from the iconic Cape Reinga lighthouse yesterday. A big day with little chance to warm up as it’s almost straight onto 90 mile beach! Great work team 🚲 🏖️ Follow along for more updates from the Tour Aotearoa!
Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and a year full of unforgettable adventures in 2024! We hope you all have a wonderful time this holiday season wherever you are in the world.
Big thanks to our awesome team of tour leaders, the local crews all over the world, the epic companies that support us and of course our bikers, the inspiration to create for these incredible journeys and explore off the beaten track come from you! 🚲
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Ground Effect Cycle Clothing POC
Our New Zealand touring season is about to kick off! We are so excited to get back on the bikes after all the planning and prep that goes into each tour.
🚲The beast that is the Tour Aotearoa is first off the blocks in January, then we've got the 'new kid' our Canterbury Peaks to Plains taking you into the stunning Canterbury High Country, Cape to Cape is rolling East to West in February and finally our Marlborough Molesworth Epic Cycle Tour loops the top of the South in March. We've got a couple of places still available on each, so if you're looking to explore Aotearoa by bike.. get in touch!
📞+64 3 545 1789
📧[email protected]
How about that for an unforgettable international touring season?!
🛖 Kyrgyzstan
🦒 Kenya and Tanzania
🐆 Namibia
🛕Cambodia
Cycle touring far off the beaten track and getting deep into the heart of destinations we are travelling is what it’s all about. Who’s joining us in 2024?!
Our Cambodia cycle tour is all wrapped up for 2023! Thanks to our awesome bikers for joining us to explore off the beaten track by bike. Dates are set for 2024 AND Electric bikes are now available to hire… 🔋 ⚡️
get in touch: [email protected]
Our season in Namibia is coming to a close, what a wild ride it’s been. This vast landscape has a lot to teach us, exploring here by bike gives you a real appreciation for all the little things that are so easy to take for granted back at home. But tour four isn’t over yet, Etosha national park is calling so time to head north and get the cameras out to capture some beautiful wild animals.
24 Sawmill Road
Nelson City
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Canterbury Peaks to Plains Cycle Tour ⛰️ A week of exploring the high country surrounding Escape Adventures base here in New Zealand. Riding on backroads, through privately accessed farmland and into the hidden corners of the region. We dodged rain, battled headwinds and faced the mountain weather head on. It only made the clear skies, tail winds and beautiful rainbows an even sweeter reward. These are the moments that truly make you appreciate the environment you are in and give you a sense of achievement like no other. #myescapeadventure #betterbybike #escapeadventuresnz #peakstoplainscycletour #nzbybike #canterburynz
The bike packing buzz is ramping up here in New Zealand and we can’t wait to get our tours on the road and join in the fun. First off the line is our fully supported Tour Aotearoa… Lets Go!!! #cycletouring #cyclingnz #nzcycletrails #betterbybike #touraotearoa #cycletournz #escapeadventuresnz #myescapeadventure
Canterbury Peaks to Plains Cycle Tour 🚲 We can’t wait to show you our little slice of high country heaven, from the towering snow capped peaks to the stunning lakes and tussock covered plains. You’ll be exploring by bike on private high country merino stations, enjoying delicious meals highlighting locally sourced produce and experience an exhilarating jet boat transfer on the mighty Rakaia river. Get in touch to secure your place, [email protected] #nzbybike #betterbybike #cyclingjourney #peakstoplainscycletour #escapeadventuresnz #cycletouring #nzcyclettrail
K E N Y A / T A N Z A N I A Better By Bike. https://escapeadventuresnz.com/cycle-tours/kenya-tanzania-cycle-tour/ --- #unforgettablecycletours #escapeadventuresnz #myescapeadventure #explorebybike #adventurebybike #exploreafrica #booknow
Rolling through Namibia! #betterbybike #namibia #namibiatravel #ontwowheels #cyclingjourney
Cycle touring Namibia! Stopping to grab some fruit and biltong on your way out of town, enjoying tailwinds on smooth salt roads, camp meals made by crew off the custom support truck, exploring salt ponds along the skeleton coast. #betterbybike #escapeadventuresnz #myescapeadventure #pedalon #explorenamibia #africacycletours
A few highlights from our Kenya and Tanzania cycle tours this season … if you’re looking for an adventure in 2024, why not join us for an unforgettable experience! 🚲 fully supported cycle tour 👍 small group 🐘 3x national park safari game drives ⛺️ camping with epic support truck setup — Kenya & Tanzania tour dates 2024 May 29 | June 17th | July 25th — Email: [email protected] for more information
And just like that our third Kenya and Tanzania Cycle Tour is done! We made it to the Indian Ocean riding in some humid coastal conditions, had our last animal sightings as we drove through Saadani National Park and enjoyed exploring the fish markets and busy beach port at Bagamoyo! Thanks everyone for joining us on this African cycling adventure, we are stoked to came to ride with us and hope to see you all again soon 🚲 #africabybicycle #explorebybike #escapeadventuresnz #myescapeadventure #betterbybike
Camp fires, red dirt rolling through tiny towns, bbq dinner and tree planting with local schools. Such a fun second week on tour in Tanzania 🇹🇿 #tanzaniabybike #africaonabicycle #explorebybike #myescapeadventure #escapeadventuresnz #pedalon
An African family adventure! It’s been an action packed couple of weeks; game drives through two National parks, riding back roads through mountain villages, grabbing samosas from roadside cafes and spotting wildlife from the saddles on our bikes. And it’s not over yet! We’re off to the Indian ocean … 🌊 #africabybike #kenyabybike #tanzaniabybike #exploremore #myescapeadventure #escapeadventuresnz #familytour
Exploring off the beaten track in Kyrgyzstan. It’s been a beautiful few days in the mountains climbing mountain passes, enjoying epic descents and staying in local guesthouses and yurt camps. We’re resting our legs in Kochkor today, exploring this funky wee Kyrgysz town. #explorebybike #betterbybike #cycletouring #kyrgyzstanbybike #cycletourkyrgyzstan #escapeadventuresnz
🇰🇪 🇹🇿 ON THE ROAD 🚴♂️ Our first tour in Kenya and Tanzania is rolling! Riding red dirt roads, camping in Kilimanjaro’s shadow and trying to spot 🦒 hidden in the acacia trees! #africabybike #unforgettablecycletours #myescapeadventure #escapeadventuresnz #visitkenya #visittanzania #travelbybike
Visiting the Cheetah Conservation Fund in Namibia is one of the highlights on our tour. To be so close to these elusive animals, find out about their struggles adapting in this fast developing world and learn about the ways they are being protected, is an amazing experience. We are very grateful to be able to bring our groups to support this organisation and help fund cheetah conservation. 🐾Check them out https://cheetah.org/about/who-we-are/ccf-mission/ #cheetahconservationfund #cheetah #ontourinnamibia #cycletouractvities #savethecheetah #cycletouring #betterbybike
Have you looked online recently? Escape Adventures is looking freshhh. Head on over to the new site and take a look around! #sofresh #newwebsitelaunch #wereexcitedareyouexcited #checkitout #cycletouring #betterbybike
Crew training weekend for our 2023 international season. A great time to reconnect with all our tour leaders, and do lots of learning. We got to meet the NZ team at @pocsports and brush up on mechanic skills with @rad_bikes . It’s not to late to get involved, if you want to join these awesome humans on tour this year get in touch; [email protected] * Kenya & Tanzania Cycle Tour, Aug 27 - Sep 11 * Kyrgyzstan Cycle Tour, July 1 - 14 * Namibia Cycle Tour, Nov 18 - Dec 3 * Cambodia Cycle Tour l, Nov 17 - 29 . #theateam #crewtraining #readytoride #cycletour #cycletourism #betterbybike #escapeadventuresnz
A reminder to slow your cadence. Take a deep breath. Enjoy the moment. . Rolling under native forest canopy on the Maruia saddle road here in Aotearoa New Zealand. #myescapeadventure #cycletouring #momentslikethese #betterbybike #allthesmallthings #itsnotarace #newzealandbybike #journeybybike
Here in New Zealand we’re not quite ready for summer to be over… BUT here at Escape Adventures we are SO READY for mornings like this in Kenya and Tanzania! Not long to go… and there’s still time to join us, we have last minute spaces available on the following departures: 🦒 June 12- 27 23 🐘 August 27-Sep 11 23 Get in touch now for more info and to book; [email protected] . #cycletouring #visitafrica #explorebybike #visitkenya #visittanzania #betterbybike #adventureholiday
It’s hard to believe some of these pictures are from the same tour… Marlborough Molesworth Epic 3 is all done and dusted and the gear explosion is HUGE after a wet last day on the @greattastetrail . Such a great ride even with the adverse weather and extra special thanks to @hopewelllodge and @thequarters_middlehurststation for such incredible hospitality and to @groundeffectclothing for the epic gear keeping us rolling through all the crazy weather.We’re looking forward to next seasons tours and have two dates one to book, November 23 and March 24! Who’s coming?! #betterbybike #newzealand #cycletouring #myescapeadventure #marlboroughmolesworthepic @groundeffectclothing @nzcycletrail @monsroyale_nzaus @scottsportsaunz
It’s Halftime! So grab an orange segment and rehydrate cos the Tour Aotearoa is heading for the South Island! It’s been a great time up North, riding cycle trails, visiting cafes and exploring the lesser known towns of Aotearoa New Zealand. Now we’re in Picton, rest, refuel and repeat! Bluff here we come!! #touraotearoa #myescapeadventure #newzealand #betterbybike #pedalon #nzcycletrail #groundeffectclothing
We personally research, create and lead all of our cycle tours. Our tours are NOT contracted out to a ground operator.
All our cycle tours are led by two of our own wonderful New Zealand based Escape Adventures leaders. We pride ourselves on the calibre and resourcefulness of these great people who you will be spending your holiday with. Our leaders are all passionate about biking and the outdoors, great foodies, bike fixer-uppers, trained for health support, and they are focused on making sure that your cycle tour is a fun, safe adventure of a lifetime. All of our tours also have a wonderful local support team - an interpreter and drivers who are your first hand source of local knowledge and culture.
You will join a fun bunch of 6-12 bikers from around the world and will travel as a relaxed, fun and intimate group that feels like a 'bunch of mates on tour'. Our personalised groups are small enough to integrate into local communities without taking over and mean that we can offer the best of ourselves and pay attention to the little things that make a difference.
Getting to know the locals is always a very special and unforgettable part of our journeys. Because we've personally designed all of our tours, we've developed our own network of incredible locals, who support us, house us, feed us and love interacting with us as much as we do with them.
Things are going to happen that are NOT on the itinerary - we deal with all of it, and you're going to love the surprises that add real flavours to our adventure! Because we built your tour, because we travel with you and because we are experts in the field - there is nothing we cant handle.
A lot of people want to help developing communities, but don't know how. By supporting local accommodations, restaurants and small businesses grow with us is the best way to help.
We are John Etherington, Mandy Richards (& Kier) from Golden Bay in New Zealand. We are Escape Adventures. Our full time passion is creating and leading adventurous cycle tours in stunning and interesting locations around the world. We are driven by the reward that comes with creating and leading tours that will touch your soul and stay in your memory forever.
Unforgettable Cycle Tours. In Kenya, Tanzania, China, Cambodia, Fiji, Kyrgyzstan and Madagascar. http://www.escapeadventuresnz.com
