Kiwi Riders-Yank Needs Some Advice

JohnGalt

American looking to take a cycling trip in NZ in late November/December but cant decide between the South and North Islands. Have been reading up on your beautiful country but was wondering where do you guys go to ride, what do you consider the best riding, time to go, etc? Not a racer, just love to ride, probably 50-60 miles (90-100 kms per day). Any help appreciated.

EoinC

John, the most spectacular part of NZ (in my opinion) is Otago and the West Coast of the South Island. Excellent scenery and good roads with (usually) not too much traffic. Small towns are reasonably close together in NZ, so it isn't much of a problem to ride the kind of distances you're talking of and being able to find somewhere to stay. The weather is picking up by Nov / Dec (from total crap to just crappy), but be aware that Dec is School Holidays and camping grounds etc tend to fuill up as Christmas approaches.
If you like climbs, there are some good passes to go over (Haast, Arthurs, Lewis etc). A nice loop is to come off the North / South ferry at Picton, ride down to Nelson / Golden Bay (orchards / vineyards), then over and down the Buller Gorge to Westport on the West Coast. Next head down the coast to Greymouth. From there, climb over Arthur's Pass (there's a small town at the top) before descending to the Canterbury Plains and Christchurch. From here, you can do quite a few smaller rides to places like Akaroa out on the Banks Peninsula, before heading up the Kaikoura Coast, via Kaikoura (crayfish) and Blenheim, back to Picton.
NZ is pretty easy to get around on by bus / train, so you can just use the bike for the sections that you want to. It may be worth doing a little study on prevailing winds at the time you are there, as, in some places, it can blow its guts out for days on end.
The North Island tends to have better weather (sometimes), but the South really has the scenic bounty. If you have a taste for it, there is some truly excellent tramping (hiking) to be done over there. Many trails ranging from multi-hour to multi-week traverses. If you get the opportunity to go to Stewart Island (Rakiura) off the bottom of the South Island, grab it. It really is a beautiful place.
One place I'd like to ride, but haven't yet had the opportunity, is Northland (above Auckland) - rural with plenty of good diving.
Let us know how you get on. I'm envious, and you haven't even gone yet!

Regards,
Eoin

chch_legend

Agree with EoinC regarding the South Island, if you want to add some interesting and challenging aspects to the ride, continue down the West coast and into Queenstown, Arrowtown, Wanaka area. Then head east through Cromwell towards Dunedin and up the east coast to Christchurch.

The scenery in the South Island is stunning and if you have seen the Lord of the Rings movies you'll be able to see some of the areas they shot footage in.

The weather can be really changable so best you bring gear for all seasons.

EoinC

Haast Pass (between the West Coast & Wanaka) is one of my favourites. I haven't been over there for a few decades (it was dirt road last time), but it really is stunning. Have a look at
http://www.backpack-newzealand.com/...ast-Pass?page=1

gclark8

You will need a special rack on the front for your sheep too...

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Cheers,
George.

EoinC

I tend to hold them close to my body - aerodynamic reasons, of course!

EoinC

Whereabouts in Perth are you, George? I have a place down in Hamilton Hill.

gclark8

I'm up in Bassendean, red wine country, commute to UWA most days.

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Cheers,
George.

EoinC

I used to live over in 2nd Avenue there, not far from the train station. You're in Rolf Harris Country!

gclark8

Excellent, I had a Ham Radio friend in 2nd and an Auntie in 3rd. I walk past Rolf's place quite often on my morning exercise program.

On a seperate note, got any mates who may need a touring bike? I don't seem to be getting any bites on the new Felt Trevisa I'm selling... Pity we can't get the Yank to tour WA..

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Cheers,
George.

EoinC

Unfortunately(?), I'm in Malaysia and have lost touch with Perth riders. You could check with Fleet or a few of the other shops to see if they'd sell it on consignment. Another try might be to get onto the bike clubs and advertise it through them. I'm guessing the W.A. touring bike market is not very large (it's easier to drive there in the ute). Good luck.

gclark8

OK on OS. I have listed it with the local Felt Dealer, e-mailed CTA, advertised in Sunday Times & Quokka, put up posters in tourist internet cafe, I guess I will just have to be patient.. Must give them back the topic now...

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Cheers,
George.

EoinC

Oh, yeh!...NZ? It's a good place to ride!