The Tuatara is an adventure bikepacking route that takes in central and coastal Southland while also exploring some Otago vistas. Many small towns are visited, gravel back roads explored, and plenty of southern hospitality experienced.

The Tuatara has evolved over time to now include three course options. The  1000 is around 1070km and the Tuatara Iti is around 500km long, with the  Little Iti being 300km and a great introduction to bikepacking.  

All courses Start/Finish from Gore, Southland.  An unofficial 'Grand Depart' takes place on Saturday 24 February.

There are three fantastic courses for 2024:

 1. The Original Tuatara 1000, approx 1100km

The original bikepacking adventure around the Deep South.  The  course is entirely public access and can be ridden at anytime of year,  however we recommend late Summer for more stable weather conditions.

2. The Tuatara Iti, approx 500km (brand new route for 2024)

A Deep South adventure - just on a smaller scale.  The Iti route follows the Clutha Gold trail from Lawrence to Waihola - there is no navigation file for the Milton to Waihola section. You will need a trail day pass to ride this section.

 3. The Little Iti, approx 300km (brand new event for 2024)

A great place to start.  Designed to create a nice event for those just getting into multi day bikepacking adventures.  Please note there will be logging trucks on route, and a Clutha Gold Trail pass is required

Photo by Steve Garratt - the hills above Lawrence