Cycling in New Zealand, where should we go?

[stronzo]

So, some friends and I will be taking a trip to NZ next month, split pretty evenly between the north and south islands (3 weeks total). We're all taking bikes -- road-ish with 35-40c tires, so some off-roading/cross-type riding is definitely doable. We'll also have camping supplies for overnight trips.

Any places we definitely shouldn't miss? Kind of a long shot, I know, but anything y'all can tell me would be greatly appreciated.

[45K10]

The wife and I went to New Zealand a couple of years back, all on the south island, it was amazing! Take the ferry to Stewart Island the ferry ride is exciting especially when the swell is up and the island is so cool great camping, Milford Track is mind-blowingly awesome as well and you have to go see Mt. Cook.

IMO I wouldn't plan on road riding unless you have a local to show you around. Small curvy roads with no shoulder, a lot of tourist not used to driving on the left side of the road. If you want to ride MTB though Queenstown is the place, although Invercargill seemed to have a decent road scene. It was the only place I saw with people riding road bikes and there is a cool coffee shop that caters to roadies downtown.

Have Fun!

[Cameron]

I think anywhere in NZ will be amazing for cycling. I van-camped with my wife through both islands for our honeymoon a few years ago. I can't picture any road there we drove on that wouldn't be amazing on a bike. Might have to check local rules/laws about what roads you can ride on though. I dunno how restricted road riding on main roads is there.

Maybe not appropriate for non mountain bikes but man, the newly opened Old Ghost Road would be pretty amazing: http://www.oldghostroad.org.nz/

[Mzilliox]

Stay on the south island! West coast and te anua would be my favorite areas for cycling, hiking, fishing. The winelands up north would also work out quite well for a cycling based adventure. lots to see around there in the vineyards and orchards. Shoulders are a bit small, but traffic is very light and polite.

[Peter B]

Originally Posted by Mzilliox

Stay on the south island! West coast and te anua would be my favorite areas for cycling, hiking, fishing. The winelands up north would also work out quite well for a cycling based adventure. lots to see around there in the vineyards and orchards. Shoulders are a bit small, but traffic is very light and polite.

I spent a month solo cycle touring the South Island in 2006 and covered about 2,400 miles. Many roads are narrow w/ minimal shoulders and it took a bit to adjust to left-hand side. Also had few close calls with passing big rigs and buses. Connected with other travelers along the way and hired flights over both Doubtful Sound and Mt. Cook on my way 'round the island. Hiked a bit, kayaked for a day, camped mostly. Saw yellow-eared penguins, rode past glaciers, bungee-jumped and climbed Baldwin Road. Met lots of interesting, really kind folks. Just an amazing experience. You'll have a great time!

Here's a few photos to prime your interest.

PM me if you'd like to discuss routes and ideas in detail.

[makoti]

On the South Island, Fox Glacier & Lake Matheson (I think that's right). Get to the lake on a clear morning right before sunrise. Hike down the trail to it & wait until sunrise. It'll be worth it.

[gasman]

Peter B-

Love your photos. Me and my family lived there for 6 months in 2003. Wonderful place and wonderful people.
We lived in Dunedin about 1km from Baldwin street. Nice photo of you on top. I rode up it, walked up it and even entered the fun run up it. The guys who ran up during the real race were strong and very crazy coming down-on the edge of control.

To the OP :Anywhere on the South Island is beautiful. The roads are narrow and it's scary how close cars and trucks pass you but it always seemed to work out fine.Heck the person that almost ran you over will buy you a pint if you see them in the bar in the next town.
Some wonderful mountain biking trails around Queenstown and Wanaka.
Wanaka is much less crowded and I preferred it there. I'd be sure to hit Fiordland on the South end of the island. Milford and Doubtful Sound are very cool. Mt Cook and the Fox glacier are cool but little hard to reach.
The north end of the South Island is also beautiful. Abel Tasman park is special and has some nice hikes. I want to move to Nelson-the banana belt of that part of the island.
I can't say anything about the North Island as we were only there 3 days.
I bet a few Kiwis and others will reply to your post.
Have a great time !!

[rwsaunders]

Reach out to Tristan at Wheelworks...he posts over at VSalon.

http://wheelworks.co.nz

[weisan]

Spent a month with mum and dad in NZ exploring both the north and the south island in a self-directed tour. That was 1992.

Till this date, still the most beautiful and magical place on earth that I have ever set foot on.

Wish I could live the rest of my life there...

[stronzo]

Thanks for all the great replies so far, guys! After briefly looking up some of the places y'all have mentioned, I kind of want to rent a MTB while we're there and explore some of those trails. Geez, they look so beautiful.

Not much is really set in stone as far as the trip itinerary yet, but I know we'll be based out a house in Hawkes Bay for the second half of the trip. I've heard it's really nice in that area.

[Marburg]

We recently moved back after 8 years in Christchurch. Most of my riding was day rides out of Chch, with a little bit in and around the South Island. I know nil about the North Island.

It sounds like you're doing a mix of driving with maybe some bike overnights? As others have said, true bike touring can be an "unique" experience --- narrow road, narrow shoulders, and not that many B-roads (that go through). But lots of people do it.

There are a number of muti-day rail trails opening which might provide a good basis for a route: Alp2Ocean, Central Otago. I think they just opened one of the West Coast (Ghost Road?)

Anyway, my vote would be Christchurch to Akaroa via Summit Rd. ~100kms.

More than happy to provide other travellers tips, just post'em.

[Jellybird3]

OP- Thanks for starting this one. I leave on Monday for an 8 day mtn bike tour of the south island starting on Saturday and with absolutely no plans for the 3 weeks afterward. So I'll be paying close attention to this thread!

[tristan]

Originally Posted by rwsaunders

Reach out to Tristan at Wheelworks...he posts over at VSalon.

http://wheelworks.co.nz

I lurk here as well but only post when I can add some value I've lived here 14 years and most of my riding is in the North island.

To the OP - NZ is a small country with a small population (4m) and because of this size lacks major infrastructure especially roading. If you're coming from the States you'll be surprised to find that State Highway 1 is basically a 2 lane, poorly paved farm road - no shoulder, no divided highway etc. While the people here are very kind once they are behind the steering wheel many morph into impatient assholes. You won't have a good cycling experience if you ride the major roads (SH1, SH2, or many of the point-A-to-point-B roads.) Once you get off the major roads you'll be treated to fantastic riding, patient drivers (of the very few you'll encounter) and amazing views.

Strava's route builder is a really great tool and uses heatmap data to plot a route based on what roads local cyclists use the most. I think it's a Premium feature but well worth subscribing for a few months to use. I use this tool when travelling both in NZ and overseas and it really is good.

The Kennett Brothers are local legends and have a full range of books suggesting routes, campsites etc etc. I don't think you can get Kindle version but any NZ bookshop and many NZ bike shops will have a copy. The one you want is the Classic NZ Cycle Trails.

AirBNB hasn't caught on here but https://www.bookabach.co.nz is great.

NZ is a small island and the weather is fickle regardless of the time of year. Just because it's sunny and warm when you leave don't assume it's going to stay that way. Check the forecast and take clothing.

Some parts are fairly remote so depending on where you ride you might not have a lot of options for food and water. Regardless of how pretty the rivers look don't drink from them.

Rides I would strongly suggest:
The Forgotten World Highway. Stop in the Whangamomona pub for the night. Mainly paved but with a 12km section of gravel.

Gentle Annie: This is anything but gentle and is a tough, hilly ride through stunning scenery.

Route 52. This runs South from the Gentle Annie and this general area has plenty of amazing riding. There are plenty of gravel roads in here, most of which are well used and well maintained and are ridable on standard road bikes but would be easy on 32mm CX tires.

NZ Roads by Tristan Thomas, on Flickr

NZ Roads by Tristan Thomas, on Flickr

NZ Roads by Tristan Thomas, on Flickr


NZ Roads by Tristan Thomas, on Flickr

NZ Roads by Tristan Thomas, on Flickr

NZ Roads by Tristan Thomas, on Flickr

[jh_on_the_cape]

We lived in Christchurch last year. If you are there ride port hills then banks peninsula has lots of riding. Get to akaroa amd swim with dolphins.
I recognize so many of the spots from those pics.
Rent a camper van
Bring a mountain bike then sell it before you leave. Bike stuff is super expensive there.
Look on trademe for used stuff if you need it.
Use bookabach too.
I miss NZ.
Listen to what the others have already said.
Enjoy!

[ultraman6970]

What about visiting the Shire?