Cycling is an art. It requires a desire to explore the unknown, a deep appreciation of having the wind (lots of it) in your face and it also calls for practical and stylish gear. Here’s what you need to make the most of your next cycling holiday.
Whanganui National Park, NZ
This pristine pocket of green on New Zealand’s North Island is a cyclist’s paradise. Think 231 km from Mt Ruapehu to the Tasman Sea, all across a few days of peddling. Start the Ngā Ara Tūhono journey at Pīpīriki and traverse volcanic terrain, rolling hills, steep mountains and lush rainforests. Stick out the trail for long enough and you’ll find yourself here, at the Bridge to Nowhere. Built in 1935 and used for only six years, the long-forgotten structure is sandwiched between forest and fern as far as the eye can see.
Cotopaxi Teca Half-Zip Windbreaker, $139
Made with weather-resistant repurposed materials, this highly packable lightweight jacket is perfect for breezy rides. It has a back panel vent, a Kangaroo hand pocket and internal stash pocket for your phone. Since these windbreakers are made from leftover fabric, each colourway is limited-edition.
Oakley Radar EV Path Sunglasses, $301
These sunnies are straight out of an intergalactic cinematic masterpiece, but they’d work just as well, if not better, on a biking adventure through New Zealand’s national parks. The Radar EV Path’s high-bridge means they aren’t slipping down or falling off mid-ride, plus the polycarbonate lens works overtime to protect your eyes from UV rays.
Maison de Sabré Sabrémoji Fruit Charm, $69
Apple Airtags are the ultimate travel companion; but there’s no use rummaging through bags to find yours… it almost defeats the purpose. Maison de Sabré’s new pear fruit charm is perfect to slot your tracking device into, can clip onto any backpack and won’t get lost should you bike over uneven terrain.
Polo Ralph Lauren Cotton Chino Cap, The Iconic, $99
Safety first friends. Always wear a helmet when you cycle. That said, it doesn’t hurt to have a Ralph Lauren cap to switch into when you stop to take in the views. This classic sandy hue complements any cycling outfit, is made from 100 per cent cotton twill and comes embroidered with that unmistakable polo logo.
GoPro Hero12 Black Action Camera, $649.95
Capture every moment on your cycling adventure with the newest GoPro camera. has to offer. Choose between different action settings, and try out the new 8:7 ratio which lets you film in landscape and portrait at the same time. Level it up by investing in a body strap and get some POV videos to look back on.
Uniqlo Colourful Socks, $4.90
It’s time to start treating socks as you would an accessory… they either make or break an outfit. Opt for a pair of green non-constrictive socks to pay homage to New Zealand’s brilliant national parks.
The Art of Cycling by James Hibbard, Dymocks, $22.99
You’ve gotten this far, you may as well invest in some source material to read during a quick lunch stop. Former American road racing cyclist James Hibbard has a book about how jumping on a bike gives you purpose in life. Who knew that peddling could be so philosophical?
Colorado Jackson Leather Tab Wallet, Strandbags, $59.99
Perfect for slipping into your backpack, this RFID protected wallet comes complete with an ID window, note sections, zip compartments and card slots. No matter how fast you bike, you’re not losing a thing.
Trinny London Mini Skincare Sets, from $55
These stackable skincare minis are compact, leak-proof and lightweight – perfect for throwing in a pannier on your cycling holiday. You can also customise the stack to your personal skincare needs. Ingenious.
Hydroflask Insulated Food jar, Kathmandu, from $59.99
Have lunch on the go with this leak-proof food jar that will keep ice cream cold and soup hot. They come in four different sizes, have a lifetime warranty and are BPA-Free and Phthalate-Free.
Uniqlo Airism Cropped Sleeveless bra top, $39.90 and Ultra-Stretch Biker Shorts, $29.90
Uniqlo’s AIRism fabric wicks moisture and heat away from the skin, which makes it the perfect for a cycling holiday. The cropped sleeveless bra tops and ultra stretch biker shorts are winners.