Tour Aoteroa FAQs

• Do you supply batteries?

  Trackers come with rechargeable batteries, however you should also carry a spare set (x4) of Energizer Lithium AAAs

  We supply rechargeable batteries at the start and there will be two charging stations where you can swap out / charge your batteries

  • Pipiriki (Whanganui River Adventures) 
  • Pelorus Bridge, (DOC Window) 
• How do I mount/carry my device?

  A zip tie will be supplied with the SPOT Gen3 tracker – tie the device to your front or rear bag NB. make sure the red label faces to the sky so it can communicate with the  satellite. If you have a device that has no mounting point it will need to go in the top of your bag, again make sure the red label faces up towards the sky (it will see the satellite through the fabric of your bag but make sure nothing else will be on top of it).

• Where do I return my tracker?

  After the end of your ride drop to  Wensley Cycles, 53 Tay Street Invercargill or send via courier to MAProgress, 22 Storr Close, Halswell, Christchurch 8025.

  Late returns are an additional $25 per week. We have other riders waiting for these devices so please return them as soon as you have finished.

• Can I use a device other than a SPOT?

  Yes, we support all models of Garmin inReach. This includes the following devices

  • Garmin Inreach Mini
  • Garmin Inreach Explorer
  • Garmin Inreach Explorer +
  • Garmin Inreach SE+
  • Delorme Inreach Explorer (All models)

  Any Garmin or Delorme device that has a mapshare page is supported

  We also support YB, Zoleo, Somewear and ACR Bivy Stick.

  If you have another device that is not listed above, please contact us.

• What do I need for Tour Aotearoa?

  Every rider must carry a satellite gps tracker or at least one person in a team of three.

  Refer to rule 8 on Tour Aotearoa which mentions the following:

  You must have a Spot Tracker and be signed up with MAProgress.com. This is for your safety, and so that we know that you are following the course.

  For more information on what you need to prepare see http://www.touraotearoa.nz/p/practical-info.html

• Can I use my own SPOT Device?

  Yes, we support all models of SPOT GPS Trackers. You will need to have an active subscription on findmespot.com with a Share Page or directly through us on MAProgress Sat Connect for just the days you need.

  The following Spot devices are supported

  • SPOT Gen4, Gen3
  • SPOT X
  • SPOT Gen2, Gen1
  • SPOT Trace
• Does MAProgress pay return shipping?

  If you can’t drop your tracker back to Wensley’s Cycles at 53 Tay Street, Invercargill you’ll need to pay the cost yourself to return it via courier to MAProgress, 22 Storr Close, Halswell, Christchurch 8025.

  If you are not riding in an Official Wave then we ask that the rental device be returned via courer to us at 22 Storr Close, Halswell, Christchurch 8025

• How long will the batteries last?

   5 to 7 days depending on how long you ride each day.

  Trackers come with rechargeable batteries, however you should also carry a spare set (x4) of Energizer Lithium AAAs

• Is the SPOT device waterproof?

  Yes it is but be careful to make sure the USB cover is attached and the battery cover is attached in place. It is waterproof but if there is heavy or pessistent rain we ask that you put it in the top of your bag, red label facing up.  If water gets inside the device there is a risk that you will make it to the finish line but the device won’t!

• Can I use the device before the event in my training?

  Yes, this will be an add-on feature please contact us for more details.

• I am going with a friend, partner or mate, do we all need devices?

  No, you can use one tracker/device up to a maximum of 3 people. If there are 4 of you you will need another tracker (on the map there is one marker for up to 3 people).

• Can I extend my tracking if I take longer?

  Yes, this will be an add-on feature please contact us for more details.  Please ensure you provide us with as much notice as you can, we have other riders waiting for trackers.

• I have pulled out - do you refund?

  Full refunds are available up to 1st November.

  Please see your confirmation email you received when registering for this event or our Refund Policy. 

• Can I swap registered names as I cannot ride due to an injury?

  Yes, you can change all your registered details at anytime on MAProgress 

  Please contact us if you require assistance in changing these details.

• My device is not showing on the live event map?

  You only display on the live map from your official start date (wave date). If your wave has started and you’re still not showing please check: 

  1. your device settings have been correctly inputted, especially your ESN/IMEI number and Share Page URL
  2. your device is turned on and in tracking mode – on the SPOT Gen3 hold down the footprint button until the light flashes above
  3. the tracker is face up (red label uppermost) with a clear view of the sky
  4. your tracker has been assigned properly on the registration page

  Please contact us if you require assistance or still having issues.

• My device does not always update every 5 minutes?

  The Global Star network which SPOT uses does not have full 100% cover. Also the tracker needs a clear view of the sky to work properly – expect large gaps when riding under dense forest canopy.

• How can I test my device?

  You will receive this message when you register – on your registration form:

  Please test your tracker by placing it outside, in tracking mode, anytime after 11 Feb 2024. You should see yourself show on the map, at the start line, and in green as “Ready to Start” in the participant list. If you see yourself showing, you’re good to go!

  If you are hiring a tracker we will test it for you and will be at Cape Reinga to give it to you. If your tracker is on a short-term subscription note that you can’t test it until it is connected (we will advise you when it is).

• Will you ship the device I hire?

  No we don’t ship the tracker to you – come and collect it from us at Cape Reinga  anytime from 2 hours before your start time.

  If you’re not starting in an Official Wave (Other start date) we will courier the device to you approximately a week prior to your start date.  We ask that you courier it back to us when you finish.

  Please contact us if you questions.

• Where do I collect the device?

  You can collect from Cape Reinga.  We will be at the start 2 hours before your start time. Look for us there.  We will allocate the device to you and hand it to you and give you some instructions on how to use it on the Tour Aoteroa.

• I am not in an official wave - can I still get a tracker?

  Yes you can still get a tracker. Tracker hire includes shipping but not batteries. You will need to supply 2 sets of AAA Energizer Lithium batteries. Price is $190 for up to 30 days or $290 for up to 60 days, including shipping to and from.

• Do you have a mobile app?

  Yes. If you want to use our mobile phone app you can use this to upload photos of your adventures which will be linked to you riding.  Your friends and family will be able to see these also.

  Download MAProgress mobile app, available on Apple or Android app stores. Its free to install*.   

  * After downloading you need to assign your mobile phone under “my devices” as the tracking device under your registered account.