General Info

Adventure Cycles, 9 Premier Ave, Western Springs, Auckland. Freephone 0800 BIKE-TOUR (0800 2453-8687)

City Cycle Hire, 73 Wrights Road, Middleton, Canterbury 8024, mobile phone 027 222 9893

You can get a bike on a plane by (a) wrapping newspaper around the chain and turning the handlebars, (b) begging a bike box from a local bike shop, or (c) making/buying a bike bag of some sort.

• Independent Cycle Tours New Zealand

There are no bike mechanic training course in New Zealand so 99% of our mechanics are self taught - some are obsessive long-term hard-core bike nuts, others will be fresh out of high school. Obsessiveness is usually a big city thing.

• Adventure South New Zealand Cycling Tours

New Zealand has a compulsory tax payer funded health insurance system - the result of which is (a) accident-related medical expenses are covered by the government, even for visitors, and (b) people don't sue over accidents here. (It's a civilized system.)

Tap water is usually fine to drink. Sometimes it's got fluoride added. Water from rivers and streams is a bit more dangerous as we do have giardia (a parasite that can give symptoms such as; stomach pains, nausea and diarrhea) in many tourism hot spots, including National Parks. If in doubt boil the water for 5 minutes. Some say the risk of getting giardia is small if you take water from the surface of clear undisturbed streams.

See also: Safety

Online

• NZ.COM website
• New Zealand Tourism Board has office in various places around the world - check the web site for details.

• maps.google.co.nz/
• www.smaps.co.nz/

Land Information New Zealand (LINZ) produce a range of 1:50,000 which show elevation contour lines and almost all land details which make them great for off-road mountain bike trips. The 1:250,000 scale show elevation shading and are good for cycling touring throughout New Zealand. Topo maps are available from good camping and tramping stores.

• NewZealand.com
• New Zealand Government

Best to use a Kryptonite "D" type lock. In the big cities also lock it in a well lighted place (or outside a Police station if you're really worried).

Shuttle buses are large vans with an enclosed trailer or minibuses. Bikes are usually not a problem, but they may charge $10.

Inter-city buses don't like taking bikes but they will. If you try to book a bus they tell you they can't guarantee the bike will fit on - I've never had a problem. They'll probably charge $10 for the bike.

Again $10 for the bike. Trains run from Auckland down to Wellington, Picton to Invercargill (via Christchurch). There's a train that goes form Christchurch to Greymouth too. Trains are my favourite bike alternative.

Several ferry ships run form Wellington to Picton - the main one being the Tranzlink (NZ Railways) ferry. It's cost you about $35 depending on the season, plus $15 for the bike if you ride on. If it's in a bag it should count as luggage and go free, or they may try to hit you with $4 excess baggage.

Most of the roads are sealed (tar sealed, paved, blacktop) so skinny tyres are fine. There are a few more gravel (unsealed) roads in the South Island, away from the main routes. If you believe remote=interesting then bring a mountain bike with 1.75 inch wide combination road/off-road tyres. If speed and distance is important then you could use a strong road bike.

My personal preference is to stick with my beloved bike. Some airlines charge for bikes on international flights some don't. There's plenty of good bikes available to buy here though (all the usual USA brand names), so that's not a problem.

Hitch hiking

Traveling to New Zealand

Security

[[#Touring_Companies|

• Traveling to New Zealand

• Lonely Planet Cycling New Zealand

• Lonely Planet guidebooks
• NewZealand.com
• New Zealand Tourism Board

• Classic New Zealand Mountain Bike Rides guidebook

Your can pitch a tent at camping grounds around the country for about NZ$0-15. Some camp grounds are privately owned whilst others are owned by the Department of Conservation (DOC). It is also possible to free camp in many remote places (eg, picnic areas beside the road). Free camping is prohibited in some popular North Island holiday regions (Bay of Islands, Waiheke Island, Coromandel Peninsula). Camping is also prohibited in National Parks, except in designated camping areas. Many local and/or regional councils also operate camping grounds (sometimes called 'domains').

Camp grounds often have small cabins available too. This can be very handy on rainy days.

B&B's are often run by well traveled ex-professionals looking for a better life style. Find a copy of The New Zealand Bed and Breakfast Guide.

The usual assortment are available throughout the country, including the big international chains. Cost ranges from NZ$50-200+.

, 73 Wrights Road, Middleton, Canterbury 8024, mobile phone 027 222 9893

New Zealand has over 300 bike shops nationwide, ranging from huge bike "warehouses" to tiny "bike, mower and key cutting" shops. You'll find the former in Auckland and the latter in small town around the country. In remote areas you may find an isolated petrol station selling bike stuff too. In the cities you find shops mostly full of mountain bikes with all the usual USA brand names (Diamond Back, Marin, Gary Fisher, Specialized, GT, Giant, Raleigh and several others). Mountain bikes (or cheaper look-a-likes) make up about 90% of NZ bike sales. So for exotic road bike stuff you'll need look in city bike shops, rather than small town shops.

Come December, January or February for the hottest weather. Either side of that for milder weather (and fewer tourists).

We have a temperate but changeable climate. Because we're an island nation (the furthest inland you can get is about 75km.) we don't have sharply defined seasons - summer is hotter than winter but that doesn't stop us from getting lousy weather during summer or clear skies in winter. The tricky part about cycling in New Zealand is that you can get "Four Seasons in One Day".

What to bring

Take a rain jacket/coat. You're going to get rained on at some stage - no matter when you travel. It might rain for an hour or for several days straight. In summer you can expect to be fine in shorts and a t-shirt for most of the time. In the evening you might want long trousers and a sweat shirt. Unless of course you come from a hot climate - in which case bring some warmer clothes. New Zealanders have reputation for under-heating their homes in winter, so visitors may

Various companies offer nationwide dial-up and/or wifi access: http://www.tourism.net.nz/visitor-information/internet-cafes-and-travellers-internet/Internet Cafes and Travellers Internet

All cities and touristy towns have Internet Cafes where you can go in and surf for about NZ$6 per hour.

Internet Cafes often also offer cheap international phone calls.

Pre-paid phones are available in all international airports, all cities and, most towns.

There are post boxes for sending mail near most shops. You can buy stamps from most dairies and petrol stations. All cities and big suburbs and towns (anything with 1000 people or more) also have Post Offices which you can have Poste Restante mail addressed to (they'll hold it for about a month).

Spend more time in the South Island

The South Island is better. It has more remote regions, it has more mountains, it has fewer cars and fewer people.

Do a small tour at home first

Every time I ride I learn more about the optimum setup for my bike and equipment. The only way to learn that is by doing it yourself. You should spend a week riding locally to learn how your bike and equipment is going to handle a longer cycle tour.

Talk to people in your local bike club, or try the Internet in New Zealand or globally.

Dairies ("drug stores") are usually open from 8am till 8 or 9pm seven days a week - most are independently owned and operated. Dairies stock fresh milk, bread, newspapers, and groceries.

Most petrol stations are filling a similar niche as dairies - they stock the same sort of things with a bit more emphasis on junk food. Petrol stations tend to be open for longer hours than dairies or supermarkets, some 24 hrs.

The "classic" fast food outlet in New Zealand is the fish and chip shop, which will usually also sell ham burgers and chinese meals. All the cities also have Macdonald's, Kentucky Fried Chicken, Burger King, etc.

Pubs (public bars) sell crisps, chips, and meat pies and other small meals. Oh, and they sell beer too.

Coffee culture has hit New Zealand hard - most obviously in Wellington which has more cafes per capita than New York. You can get a cheap meal and a short black or hot chocolate. Mains are usually under NZ$20. Some cafes are licensed to sell wine and beer too.

The easiest way to get from Auckland Airport to town is jump in "shuttle" (a large van and trailer that will take up to a dozen passengers into town) and ask to go to your accommodation. Otherwise you'll just spend 2-3 hours riding through suburban street which are pretty much the same as any other western city in the world.

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Getting in and out of Christchurch

North

South

West

Not yet.

Getting in and out of Wellington

Lonely Planet Cycling New Zealand

Coffee culture has hit New Zealand hard - most obviously in Wellington which has more cafes per capita than New York. You can get a cheap meal and a short black or hot chocolate. Mains are usually under NZ$20. Some cafes are liscensed to sell wine and beer too.

Yep, we have restaurants with meals ranging from $20-200.

Come December, January or February for the hotest weather. Either side of that for milder weather (and fewer tourists).

TV One National Weather Summary national summary

The Christchurch Press national summary with map

Intellicast 4 day forecast for Auckland

Numerous companies (including Telecome and Clear) offer nationwide access using a combination of local numbers in about a dozen cities and a 0800 (free toll call) number for anywhear else. And there's IBM Net and Compuserve too.

New Zealand By Bike by Bruce Ringer

New Zealand has over 300 bike shops nationwide, ranging from huge bike "warehouses" to tiny "bike, mower and key cutting" shops. You'll find the former in Auckland amd the latter in small town around the country. In remote areas you may find an isolated petrol station selling bike stuff too. In the cities you find shops mostly full of mountain bikes with all the usual USA brand names (Diamond Back, Marin, Gary Fisher, Specialized, GT, Giant, Raleigh and several others). Mountain bikes (or cheaper look-a-likes) make up about 90% of NZ bike sales. So for exotic road bike stuff you'll need look in city bike shops, rather than small town shops.

There are no bike mechanic training course in New Zealand so 99% of our mechanics are self taught - some will obsessive long-term hard-core bike nuts, others will be fresh out of high school. Obsessiveness is usually a big city thing.

• Accommodation
• Bike Hire
• Bike Shops
• Climate
• Clothing
• Communications
• Cycle Touring Tips
• Equipment List
• Events
• Food
• Getting in and out of Auckland
• Getting in and out of Christchurch
• Getting in and out of Wellington
• Guidebooks
• Health
• Information Services
• Information Services Overseas
• Languages
• Maps
• Money
• New Zealand in Brief
• Other Activities
• Public Holidays
• Road Rules
• Security
• Training
• Touring Companies
• Transport within New Zealand
• Travelling to New Zealand
• Your Bike

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Accommodation

Tenting/camping

Your can pitch a tent at camping grounds around the country for about NZ$0-7. Some camp grounds are privately owned whilst others are owned by the Department of Conservation (DOC). It is also possible to free camp in many remote places (eg, picnic areas beside the road). Free camping is prohibited in some popular North Island holiday regions (Bay of Islands, Waiheke Island, Coromandel Peninsula). Camping is also prohibited in National Parks, except in designated camping areas. Many local and/or regional councils also operate camping grounds (sometimes called 'domains').

Park huts

Most National Parks have "huts" which can be used for a fee. These are well away from roads though (to avoid vandalism) so you'll only find them if you go walking/tramping.

Camp ground cabins

Camp grounds often have small crude cabins available too. This can be very handy on rainy days.

Backpackers

All cities and most big towns have "backpackers" accomidation which are often close to the town centre. The cheapest rooms offer the chance to listen to strangers snoring.

Bed & breakfast

B&B's are often run by well travelled ex-professinals looking for a better life style. Find a copy of The New Zealand Bed and Breakfast Guide.

Hotels/motels

The usual, including the big international chains. Cost ranges from NZ$50-200.

Baches & holiday homes (renting)

If you want to stay somewhere for a bit more than a night you might find a nice weekend cottage. Find a copy of New Zealand Baches and Holiday Homes to Rent.

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Bike Hire

Auckland

Adventure Cycles, 1 Fort Lane, Central Auckland, Freephone 0800-33-55-6

Christchurch

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Bike Shops

What to expect

New Zealand has over 300 bike shops nationwide, ranging from huge bike "warehouses" to tiny "bike, mower and key cutting"

 shops. You'll find the former in Auckland amd the latter in small town around the country. In remote areas you may find an isolated petrol station selling bike stuff too. In the cities you find shops mostly full of mountain bikes with all the usual USA brand names (Diamond Back, Marin, Gary Fisher, Specialized, GT, Giant, Raleigh and several others). Mountain bikes (or cheaper look-a-likes) make up about 90% of NZ bike sales. So for exotic road bike stuff you'll need look in city bike shops, rather than small town shops.

<BR> There are no bike mechanic training course in New Zealand so 99% of our mechanics are self taught - some will obsessive long-term hard-core bike nuts, others will be fresh out of high school. Obsessiveness is usually a big city thing.

NZ Yellow Pages predefined search on "bicycle"

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Climate

When to come

Come December, January or February for the hotest weather. Either side of that for milder weather (and fewer tourists).<BR>

Weather

We have a temperate but changable climate. Because we're an island nation (the furthest inland you can get is about 75km.) we don't have sharply defined seasons - summer is hotter than winter but that doesn't stop us from getting lousy weather during summer or clear skies in winter. The trick part about cycling in New Zealand is that you can get "Four Seasons in One Day". <BR> Summer runs from December to February, winter June to August. The mountainous regions get snow in winter (but also sometimes in summer too!). Temperatures are pretty much always warmer the further north you get and range from highs of 30 degrees Celsius in afternoons in mid summer down 0 degrees Celsius nights in mid winter. <BR> TV One National Weather Summary national summary<BR>

The Christchurch Press national summary with map<BR> Intellicast 4 day forecast for Auckland<BR>

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Clothing

What to take

Take a rain jacket/coat. You're going to get rained on at some stage - no matter when you travel. It might rain for an hour or for three days. In summer you can expect to be fine in shorts and a t-shirt for most of the time. In the evening you might want long trousers and a sweat shirt. Unless of course you come from a hot climate - in which case bring some warmer clothes.

Top

Communications

Internet

The two main telephone companies (Telecome and Clear) offer nationwide access using a combination of local numbers in about a dozen cities and a 0800 (free toll call) number for anywhear else. And there's IBM Net and Compuserve too.

The big cities and touristy towns have Email/Web shops where you can go in and surf for about NZ$6 per hour. Once you have access to a web browser you can use services like Yahoo Mail which can be configuired to grab mail from your home/office ISP.

Telephone

The above mentioned Email/Web shops may also offer cheap international phone calls. If not you'll find public phone booths all over the place, in towns, cities and remote petrol stations. There are three types of public phone booth; coin operated, phone card (available form daries and petrol stations), and credit card phones - and each type works with only the system it's designed for (you can't use a credit card in a phone card phone.) Doh! You can direct dial to anywhere national or international.

Off-peak billing times are from 6pm throught till 7am weekdays and all weekend.

Postal

There are post boxes for sending mail all over the place - near shops, bacisally. You can buy stamps from most dairies amd petrol stations. All cities and big suburbs and towns (anything with 1000 people or more) also have Post Offices which you can have Poste Restante mail addressed to (they'll hold it for about a month).

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Cycle Touring Tips

Take it easy

Some people ride 160 km (100 miles) a day - others 50km. Others spend a day off the bike for every four on. Some say it takes four days to get used to riding - after that your body gets used to it. Remember it's a hilly country, you might find 50 hilly km harder than 100km flat km.

SPEND MORE TIME IN THE SOUTH ISLAND

The South Island is better. It has more remote regions, it has more mountains, it has fewer cars amd fewer people.

DO A SMALL TOUR AT HOME FIRST

Every time I ride I learn more about the optimum setup for my bike and equipment. The only way to learn that is by doing it yourself. You should spend a week riding locally to learn how your bike and equipent is going to handle a longer cycle tour.

Finding ride partners

Talk to people in your local bike club, or even try the Internet or globally.

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Equipment List

Stuff to take

Here's a list, not the list:

• bike
• pannier rack [front and rear if you want to travel heavy]
• panniers (saddle bags)
• helmet
• lights
• more to come

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Events

Cycling

Mountain Bike Events Road/Track Cycling Events

Other

America's Cup Wellington Festival of the Arts

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Food

Dairies

Dairies are usually open from 8am till 8 or 9pm seven days a week - most are independantly owned and operated. Dairies stock fresh milk, bread, newspapers, and groceries.

Petrol stations

Most petrol stations are filling a similiar niche as dairies - they stock the same sort of things with a bit more emphasis on junk food. Petrol stations tend to be open for longer hours than dairies or supermarkets, some 24 hrs.

Supermarkets

You'll find a supermarket in cities, suburbs and towns. Open from 9am to 6-10pm (early for small towns, late for cities).

Fast food

The "classic" fast food outlet in New Zealand is the fish and chip shop, which will usually also sell ham burgers and chinese meals. All the cities also have Macdonalds, Kentucky Fried Chicken and Pizza Hut.

Pubs

 Pubs (public bars) sell crisps, chips, and meat pies and other small meals. Oh, and they sell beer too.

Cafes

 Coffee culture has hit New Zealand hard - most obviously in Wellington which has more cafes per capita than New York. You can get a cheap meal and a short black or hot chocolate. Mains are usually under NZ$20. Some cafes are liscensed to sell wine and beer too.

Restaurants

 Yep, we have restaurants with meals ranging from $20-200.

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Getting in and out of Auckland

Airport into city

The easiest way to get from Auckland Airport to town is jump in "shuttle" (a large van and trailer that will take up to a dozen passengers into town) and ask to go to your accomodation. Otherwise you'll just spend 2-3 hours riding through suburban stret whixh are pretty much the same as any other western city in the world.

Heading north

Not yet.

Heading south

Not yet.

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Getting in and out of Christchurch

North

Not yet.

South

Not yet.

West

Not yet.

Top

Getting in and out of Wellington

North

Not yet.

South

Not yet.

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Guidebooks

Cycle touring

Pedallers' paradise

<!-- A HREF="" -->New Zealand By Bike]] by Bruce Ringer

Tourist info

Lonely Planet guidebooks NZ.COM website New Zealand Tourism Board

Mountain biking

New Zealand Mountain Bike Web website Classic New Zealand Mountain BIke Rides guidebook

Adventure

Classic New Zealand Adventures website Classic New Zealand Adventures guidebook

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Health

Insurance

New Zealand has a compulsory tax payer funded health insurance system - the result of which is (a) accident-related midical expenses are covered by the government, even for visitors, and (b) people don't sue over accidents here. (It's a civilised system.)

Chemists

Chemists sell legal drugs.

Hospitals

In an emergency get yourself to the Accident and Emergency Ward of the nearest hospital.

Water

Tap water is usually fine to drink. Sometimes it's got flouride added. Water from rivers and streams is a bit more dangerous as we do have giardia (a parasite that can give symptoms such as; stomach pains, nausia and diarrhoea) in many tourism hot spots, including National Parks. If in doubt boil the water for 5 minutes. Some say the risk of getting giardia is neglidge if take water from the surface of clear undisturbed streams.

See <B>SAFETY

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Information Services

In New Zealand

The Information "Shop" Network, Tourist Information/Booking Agents

Overseas

NZ.COM website New Zealand Tourism Board has office in various places around the world - check the web site for details.

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Languages

English

• bach, crib   holiday cottage
• bush   native forest
• chemist   pharmacy
• dairy   neighbourhood store selling groceries
• footpath   sidewalk
• garage   petrol/gas station, also car storage building
• jandals   rubber sandals
• licensed premises   licensed - to sell alcohol
• motorcamp   commercial camping ground
• motorway   freeway (motors only - no bike allowed)
• parka   rain jacket
• petrol   gasoline
• petrol staton   gas station
• pub   bar
• sandfly   nasty little biting insect, gnat
• scrub   low bush
• sealed road   blacktop
• takeaway bar   small take-out fast food outlet
• track   trail
• tramp   hike, walk in the mountains
•  

Maori

• kia ora   hello
• tena koe   greetings to one person
• tena koutou   greetings to a group
• haere mai   welcome
• haere ra   goodbye
• ae   yes
• kahore   no
• marae   meeting place
• pa   earth fort
• pekeha   white person
• tangi   funeral, grieving
• tangata whenua   people of the land, maori

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Maps

Steet maps

Maps of the whole of New Zealand and city street maps are produced by and various commercial organisations (Mobil Tourist Guidebooks, NZ Automobile Association Route Guides). These maps are available from tourist information centres and petrol stations.

Topographical maps

produce a range of 1:50,000 which show elevation contour lines and almost all land details which make them great for off-road mountain bike trips. The 1:250,000 scale show elevation shading and are good for cycling touring throughout New Zealand. Topo maps are available from good camping and tramping stores.

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<DT><A NAME="Money|

Money

NZ dollar

Current NZ exchange rate.

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New Zealand in Brief

Check out these site for a brief overview: NewZealand.com New Zealand Government

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Other Activities

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Public Holidays

On Public Holidays government agencies are closed, also; banks, offices, many shops. Public transport runs on a Public Holiday (reduced) timetable.

• New Years Day   1 January
• Day after New Years   2 January
• Waitangi Day   6 February
• Good Friday   Easter weekend (late March or early April)
• Easter Monday   Easter weekend
• Queen's Birthday   1st Monday in June
• Labour Day   4th Monday of October
• Christmas Day   25 December
• Boxing Day   26 December
• Anniversary Day   varies by region

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#Road Rules

Road Rules

Stay left

Bicycles are classified as vehicles so you need to obey the standard road rules - most importantly ride on the left side of the road. Also, you not allowed to ride a bike on motorways. This is especially relevant to those riding in and out of Auckland which has several motorways. Find yourself a copy of the New Zealand Road Code or its cousin, the New Zealand Bicycle Code, available in libraries and bookshops.

You must wear a helmet while riding on New Zealand roads. When tuning left you must give way to all other traffic. At night you must have lights. It has been observed that New Zealanders are not very good driving - one study revealed that 80% of drivers thought they were above average drivers.

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Security

Yourself

Best to ride with a partner. The odds of any bad happening a very small, but...

Your bike

Best to use a Kryptonite "D" lock. In the big cities also lock it in a well lighted place (or outside a Police station if you're really worried).

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Training

Do a small trip at home

It's the best preparation. At least two or three days, preferably a week. At try to test your rain gear too - you'll need it at least once.

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<DT><A NAME="Touring_Companies|

Touring Companies

There are a few companies offering fully supported guided tours:

• NZ Pedaltours
• Pacific Cycle Tours

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Transport within New Zealand

Hitch hicking

If you have serious problem you can try hitching. You're bike limit the number of cars that can take you but will probably engender more sympathy.

Shuttle buses

Shuttle buses are large vans with an enclosed trailer or minibuses. Bikes are usaully not a problem, but they may charge $10.

Buses

Inter-city buses don't like taking bikes but they will. If you try to book a bus they tell you they can't garrantee the bike will fit on - I've never had a problem. They'll probably charge $10 for the bike.

Trains

Again $10 for the bike. Trains run from Auckland down to Wellington, Picton to Invercargill (via Christchurch). There's a tran that goes form Christchurch to Greymouth too. Trains are my favourite bike alternative.

The ferry

Several ferry ships run form Wellingon to Picton - the main one being the Tranzlink (NZ Railways) ferry. It's cost you about $35 depending on the season, plus $15 for the bike if you ride on. If it's in a bag it should count as luggage and go free, or they may try to hit you with $4 excess baggage.

Planes

Planes go all over the place. Bike will usually get whacked with a $25 fee. It helps if you have a bike bag.

Cars

Yep, you can rent cars from all the main centers - all the usually multinationals, plus a few Australasian companies. Check the Yellow Pages.

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Travelling to New Zealand

By air

Get on the plane. Wait a long time. Get off the plane.

By sea

Not really an option unless you (a) have a private ocean going boat/yacht, (b) you hop on a luxury cruise. Unlikely.

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Your Bike

What type

Most of the roads are sealed (tar sealed, paved, blacktop) so skinny tyres are fine. There are a few more gravel (unsealed) roads in the South Island, away from the main routes. If you believe remote=interesting then bring a mountian bike with 1.75 inch wide combination road/off-road tyres. If speed and distance is important then you could use a strong road bike.

Most cycle tourist seem to be using mountain bikes which cope with the extra stain of panniers fine.

Bring or buy?

My personal preference is to stick with my beloved bike. Some airlines charge for bikes on international flights some don't. There's plenty of good bikes avialable to buy here though (all the usual USA brand names), so that's not a problem.

You can get a bike on a plane by (a) wrapping newspaper around the chain and turning the handlebars, (b) begging a bike box from a local bike shop, or (c) making/buying a bike bag of some sort.