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*Updated manually each week on Tuesdays and Wednesdays around 10 am. Last Updated on 13th January 2026
Together for nearly 45 years, Tim and Sue have built a life defined by faith, family and a drive to serve. From careers in banking and medical laboratories to running their own travel business, they have explored more than 65 countries and devoted time to humanitarian work in the Philippines.
In recent years, Tim and Sue have embraced the adventure of bikepacking. They find joy in exploring new places on their bikes and are currently planning an ambitious 3,000km cycling trip around New Zealand’s South Island, scheduled for late 2025 to early 2026.
This trip is a testament to their enduring spirit of adventure and their commitment to living life to the fullest.
Now bikepacking is their passion, combining adventure with purpose. On this epic ride, they are not just chasing kilometres, they are riding to restore hope.
31 Dec – 6 Jan: Reefton to Picton – 2523 km final distance
OUR FINAL WEEK was a good yet interesting one. As mentioned, our friends met us in Reefton and took all our gear onward to Murchison, stopping a couple of times while we cycled swiftly and unfettered from our load of gear – what a delight! One memorable stop was at Inangahua, we’re one of the main historic major NZ earthquakes occurred. We also had a coffee there at a new (hippie style) cafe. Good to see a nearly extinct town being rejuvenated as part of a main cycle way. New Year celebration was an early retire to bed after a speedy 86km day.
With January’s first day of relatively fine weather, we elected to move past Kohatu café and proceed onwards to a freedom camp site by Richmond’s foreshore and mudflats – 114km (our longest cycle day ever).
Nelson to Picton
The next morning, old friends we hadn’t seen in nearly 20 years turned up unexpectedly with a thermos of fresh coffee!! Their son has been following us and phoned them up the previous night advising them of the Facebook/Instagram showing us camping there. Then from one delightful catch-up we went to have coffee in Richmond with Sue’s relative. So a short sun-filled 27km onward bike took us to our nightspot at a YWAM base just north of Nelson.
A couple of days ago, we took another extended bike over the Whangaroa Saddle, along the scenic Rai Valley and past the DOC Pelorus Bridge campground to finish a 65km day in historic Havelock: the Green Lip Mussel Capital of the World. We stayed here two nights to position us only 35 km away from the Picton ferry terminal. A day exploring the town and museum gave an insightful overview of the area’s rich past.
A short ride today brought us to conclude our full 2,500km South Island circuit. Now we’re enjoying a coffee and cake, at a café overlooking Queen Charlotte Sounds. 2.30 we’re on the Bluebridge fery back to Wellington and early tomorrow morning our bikes on an Intercity bus back to Tauranga.
What a ride!!! We’ve battled difficult weather, bike accidents, body bashes and some challenging roads. Yet the scenery, friends and amazing people we’ve listened to, and the inspiring local settlements & history have truly outweighed the challenges. So what’s next?? A good relax and not too long before the kiwifruit season packing begins. We’re looking forward to getting home, family, friends and our own bed!
17–23 December: Wānaka to Franz Josef – 1,848 km mark
A developing cold wet day started the week as Tim and Sue followed the shorelines of Lakes Hāwea and Wānaka, stopping at Makarora Country Café for warming soup before sheltering in a cabin at Wonderland Makarora Lodge.
Crossing Haast Pass once more they admired the dramatic scenery and reflected on the late 1800s road construction through this rugged landscape.
Three nights in Haast allowed a cloudy yet rain free trip to Jackson Bay and a return to one of their favourite global food highlights, The Craypot restaurant, where they also celebrated an early Christmas dinner.
Haast to Hokitika
Leaving Haast they climbed steep hills toward Lake Paringa after learning the remarkable Ship Creek story, where timbers from the wrecked passenger ship Schomberg travelled some 2,000 kilometres across the Tasman Sea.
Short riding days followed through Fox Glacier and Franz Josef, allowing time to dry gear and rest. Snow dusted hills preceded a bitterly cold ride via Whataroa and Harihari before a long wet Christmas Day push into Hokitika for a two night cabin stay.
They will next write from the sandfly ridden shores of Lake Brunner. Merry Christmas and a reminder that, just as Hagar rescues and restores people caught in slavery, this season speaks of hope restoration and renewal.
10 to 16 December: Invercargill to Wānaka - 1,446 km mark
Another shorter week distance wise yet wilderness trails and camping made it memorable. More headwinds challenged them leaving Invercargill on Tuesday however an early departure from a rural church school campground resulted in an easy 50km road bike to Mossburn in northern Southland.
Overnighting in a cabin allowed them another quick getaway as they followed the off road Round The Mountains cycleway. Following the Ōreti River up plains and valleys to the fabulous Mavora Lakes one of the heaven on earth places.
Mavora Lakes to Lake Wakatipu
Pitching tent on moss laden beech forest ground they enjoyed one of their occasional dehydrated meals before hitting the sack early despite the 10 to 11pm twilight. Waking up to not only bird calls but small native robins hopping around their feet they packed up to head down to Lake Wakatipu's Walter Peak station.
As a good friend commented the lake and mountain vista gradually unfolds before you as you cycle through the occasional broad valley ford with majestic mountains either side. Tim found himself singing Your love O Lord is like majestic mountains Your faithfulness reaches to the skies.
Walter Peak to Wānaka
Finally a fast descent brought them to Walter Peak Farm on the banks of Wakatipu where they took a ferry to Queenstown followed by the final ride to their friends Lake Hayes holiday home.
Their week cycling concluded with the part they were least looking forward to cycling up the rocky shingly 4 wheel Toblin's Track and meeting halfway up the infamous Crown Road. Both parts were so steep for their heavy laden bikes but they got there. A lunch break at Cardrona Hotel's oasis like beer garden brought them to Wānaka for a 3 night stay in Tim's cousin's retirement village for more rest and recovery for bikes and bodies.
3 to 9 December: Balclutha to Stewart Island
This week brought fewer kilometres but a refreshing shift in pace. The ride from Balclutha through Gore and into Invercargill was steady and uncomplicated. A restful stay with friends Ian and Dayle helped them restore energy before the week took a welcome turn toward adventure.
On Saturday morning Dayle drove them to Invercargill airport for a short twenty minute flight to Stewart Island. Landing on Rakiura gave them the opportunity for three days of rest celebration and gentle exploration of this special place.
Stewart Island Highlights
Rakiura welcomed them with a slower gentler rhythm that felt like stepping back into an earlier New Zealand. They spent time on bush tracks visited the museum enjoyed the coastline and tasted local favourites including the well known Blue Cod burger. The quiet days offered their bodies a much needed recovery break.
By Tuesday they were back in Invercargill reunited with their bikes and turning north once again. The plan for the coming week is to reach Mavora Lakes travel by boat across Lake Wakatipu cycle through Lake Hayes and climb the Crown Range before ending the week at Lake Wanaka.
26 November to 2 December
Entering Southland brought a challenging yet hopeful week. The route from Waimate to Balclutha came with mixed weather unexpected detours and memorable encounters with people along the way.
A fierce headwind and a collapsed rear carrier caused Sue to collide with Tim sending her onto newly sealed road. A neighbour named Karen rushed to help guiding them off the road and arranging transport to Oamaru for repairs and rest.
Thanks to caring neighbours and a skilled mechanic the bikes were restored. They altered their plans and followed the coast through Waikouaiti Beach Dunedin and Milton before reaching Balclutha.
Before pushing north they looked forward to three restorative days on Stewart Island where a fresh chapter of their journey would begin.
12 to 25 November
Tim and Sue began their journey from Picton to Waimate. The first two weeks brought both challenges and exhilarating moments as they cycled through constantly changing terrain and weather.
They experienced tailwinds and bright sunshine as well as rain soaked gravel roads that tested their strength and determination.
Meeting kiwis and travellers along the way has been one of the greatest gifts. Many showed genuine interest in Hagar's mission and encouraged them as they rode.
In Rangiora they were welcomed by a kind couple they had met earlier. Members of Hagar's NZ operations team visited and encouraged them as they continued sharing Hagar's work.
They cycled through Springfield Rakaia Gorge and Geraldine before reaching Fairlie where they enjoyed a peaceful two night rest.
The ride carried them closer to the mountains through some of the most scenic stretches of the journey.
Camping became a rhythm of star filled nights and quiet mornings before returning to the road again.
After challenges at Molesworth and Pig Saddle Road they continued toward Waimate and Duntroon while navigating patches of heavy rain. Danseys Pass and the route south awaited next.
10 Nov – Tauranga → Wellington
11 Nov – Ferry to Picton, begin cycling
12 Nov – Picton → The Tussocks
13 Nov – The Tussocks → Camden Cookshop
14 Nov – Camden Cookshop → Cobb Camp
15 Nov – Cobb Camp → Hanmer Springs
16 Nov – Rest day, Hanmer Springs
17 Nov – Hanmer Springs → Hawarden
18 Nov – Hawarden → Rangiora
19 Nov – Rest day, Rangiora
20 Nov – Rangiora → Springfield
21 Nov – Springfield → Rakaia Gorge
22 Nov – Rakaia Gorge → Geraldine
23 Nov – Geraldine → Fairlie
24 Nov – Rest day, Fairlie
25 Nov – Fairlie → Waimate
26 Nov – Waimate → Duntroon
27 Nov – Duntroon → Naseby
28 Nov – Naseby → Middlemarch
29 Nov – Middlemarch → Lee Stream School
30 Nov – Lee Stream School → Lawrence
1 Dec – Lawrence → Milton
2 Dec – Milton → Clinton
3 Dec – Clinton → Gore
4 Dec – Gore → Invercargill
5 Dec – Rest day, Invercargill
6–8 Dec – Stewart Island (multi-day stay)
9 Dec – Stewart Island → Lumsden area
10 Dec – Camp Taringatua → Lumsden
11 Dec – Lumsden → Mavora Lakes
12 Dec – Mavora Lakes → Walter Peak
13 Dec – Queenstown → Lake Hayes
14 Dec – Lake Hayes → Wānaka
15 Dec – Rest day, Wānaka
16 Dec – Wānaka → Makarora
17 Dec – Makarora → Pleasant Flat
18 Dec – Pleasant Flat → Haast
19 Dec – Haast region (105 km day)
20 Dec – Haast → Paringa
21 Dec – Paringa → Fox Glacier
22 Dec – Fox → Ōkārito
23 Dec – Rest day, Ōkārito
24 Dec – Ōkārito → Lake Ianthe
25 Dec – Lake Ianthe → Hokitika
26 Dec – Hokitika region
27 Dec – Hokitika → Lake Brunner
28 Dec – Rest day, Lake Brunner
29 Dec – Lake Brunner → Greymouth
30 Dec – Greymouth → Reefton
31 Dec – Reefton → Springs Junction
1 Jan – Springs Junction → Murchison
2 Jan – Rest day, Murchison
3 Jan – Murchison → Rotoroa
4 Jan – Rotoroa → St Arnaud
5 Jan – Rest day, St Arnaud
6 Jan – St Arnaud → Wakefield
7 Jan – Wakefield → Nelson
8 Jan – Nelson → Pelorus Bridge
9 Jan – Pelorus Bridge → French Pass
10–11 Jan – French Pass (rest / local ride days)
12 Jan – French Pass → Pelorus Bridge
13 Jan – Pelorus Bridge → Picton
14 Jan – Picton → Wellington
15 Jan – Wellington → Tauranga (bus)
2,923 km cycled
Click on the image to expand.
Media and mayors. For timings and photos contact Tarek Nadi - [Communications Officer Hagar NZ]
