General Information

Adventure bicycle touring in New Zealand

Rolling down the quiet road with the stunning back drop of the Southern Alps, I can’t help but think how lucky we are to enjoy the wonders of cycling in incomparable New Zealand. With a spectacular diversity of scenery which ranges from demanding alpine rides, to stunning coastal roads, there are few places in the world which can offer as much for the cyclist as NZ. Whilst North Island scenery has plenty to offer, it is the South Island where most cyclist wisely choose to spend most their time. With the South Island population (around one million, give or take a few sheep), being around a third of the North Island, but in a larger area, traffic congestion is a world away. When you remember that the South Island’s population is spread over an area half the size of the United Kingdom, it’s not hard to see why Lonely Planet has rated NZ as “a cyclists' paradise”

Christchurch offers a great base to access rides of a few days to a few months, right on our door step. Whether you tackle the costal scenery on the way to Kaikoura and Blenheim, head South to the Southern Lakes and Queenstown, or head West through the Alps to the lush rainforests of the West Coast, you will soon realize that you are experiencing something unique.

When to go

October to April is generally accepted as the ideal time to cycle, though it’s often less windy and even less crowded in the winter months.
Being in the Southern Hemisphere, the hottest months are usually December to February, with temperatures usually 15-25 Celsius (60-77 F) during the day and 10C ( 50F) overnight.

Further information on weather conditions for cycling in New Zealand.

Important tips for cyclists in New Zealand

Being a temperate coastal climate, the weather is changeable and it is recommended that cyclists have all options covered. It is often said that in New Zealand you can get four seasons in one day, particularly in the high country (or middle earth as it is known to those who are familiar with the ‘Lord of the Rings’ movies). Due to ozone depletion above NZ and Australia, burn times are often shorter relative to elsewhere in the world, and a factor 15 or greater sunscreen to essential to avoid the discomfort (and danger) of sunburn.

Insect repellent is essential on the West Coast, Nelson regions, though the irritating sand flies can be a menace anywhere. Seeming to inhabit the most pristine scenery they offer the only real wild life risk in a land that has no snakes, few venomous spiders and no bears or such like.

You must use a helmet while cycling in New Zealand. It is the law. The police will fine you if you are not wearing a helmet. While on the subject of road rules, we drive on the LEFT over here.

Where to stay

Accommodation is generally of a high standard and a good Bed & Breakfast or Motel room is usually around $150-200NZD [75-100Euro, $100-140USD]. Due to the low population, distances can be great between towns and accommodation usually needs to be pre-booked in the summer months to be sure of a bed. In addition many smaller farm stays and Bed & Breakfasts don’t have credit card facilities. Quality meals range from NZ$20-40 [8-16 Euros, $10-20 USD], though light café style meals are often under $20NZD.

There are international Airports in Christchurch, Dunedin & Queenstown. Christchurch is the largest city in the South Island with a population of 400,000 and is based half way up the island, making it the perfect place to start your journey.

Guided tour or do it yourself?

Flying with your bike can be expensive and problematic with limiting weight restrictions and many cyclist choose to get a bike on their arrival to New Zealand. This offers the additional benefit of not being stuck with a bike when you take on other activities, such as walking, and saves the tricky job of repacking for flights.

Christchurch has the largest number of guided and self-guided tour operators and there are a number of bike rental companies based there also.
Guided on- or off-road tours generally cost $3000NZD/week [1500Euro/$2000USD].
Self guided tours tend to be half/third of the cost and offer you the chance to cycle without the constraints of a group schedule. With the incredible upsurge in tourism in the country, there are shuttle services operating between many towns that can act as support vehicles.

Bike rental ranges from $40-70 for one day, with additional days around $15-30NZD, depending on bike quality. If you are looking at an extended adventure tour you will no doubt hit some of New Zealand hills/mountains sooner or later. For this reason, a Shimano Deore specification bike or better is recommended to cope with the demands. Often bike shops are 100km’s apart and a well maintained bike and good spare part kit is essential.

What to bring

As for what to bring, I’ve listed a basic list below:- Lindis Pass traffic

Cycle shorts
Breathable quick drying shirts for cycling
Shoes for cycling and socks
Rain jacket
Thermal clothing preferably polypropylene or polar fleece
Hydration pack or water bottles
Camera
Sunscreen and insect repellent
Sunglasses and hat or cap
Torch
Toiletries and medication
First aid kit
Basic cycle repair kit (although we do supply these for your use when you hire our bikes)

If you need to buy anything, we highly recommend visiting Torpedo7.

New Zealand is one of the safest countries in the world to bike in, with a low crime rate, low traffic volumes and friendly culture. This makes New Zealand, and the South Island in particular, ideal for the self-guided cyclist. So come on over and enjoy cycling our unique country.

Paul Kelly
Independent Cycle Tours New Zealand
info@cyclehire.co.nz
http://www.cyclehire.co.nz

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