Michael recently posted on our Facebook wall:
“I’d like to cycle through ALL of New Zealand. Any suggestions? ;)”
We’ve got HEAPS of suggestions, Michael! Here are the regions we highly recommend visiting. It isn’t a complete list – you’d need a lifetime to see everything New Zealand has to offer – but it should provide a good starting point. Happy planning!
NORTH ISLAND
The Far North
Highlights: Cape Reinga with its windswept lighthouse and end-of-the-world feel, bodyboarding on Ninety Mile Beach.
Cycling option: Twin Coast Cycle Trail. Once fully completed this will run from Horeka to the Bay of Islands. Sections currently open for riding can be viewed here.
Bay of Islands
Highlights: Picture-postcard coastal scenery, the Waitangi National Reserve and Treaty House.
Coromandel
Highlights: Golden sand beaches, digging a natural spa bath at Hot Water beach, Cathedral Cove.
Rotorua
Highlights: Geysers, hot springs, bubbling mud pools and a fascinating Maori heritage.
Central Plateau
Highlights: The towering mountain peaks, active volcanoes and deep blue crater lakes of the Tongariro National Park, shimmering Lake Taupo.
Cycling option: Mountains to Sea Trail. This runs from Ohakune to Wanganui along local mountain biking trails, public roads and the river.
Wellington
Highlights: Café-hopping, great restaurants and bars, Te Papa museum, Weta Cave.
Cycling option: The Rimutaka Cycle Trail which runs from Wellington Harbour through the Rimutaka Mountain Range to the southern coast.
SOUTH ISLAND
Kaikoura
Marine wildlife, whale watching.
Christchurch
Highlights: A city on the up. Check out the Gap Filler projects, the Cardboard Cathedral or walk or bike in the Port Hills.
South Canterbury
Highlights: Beautiful Lake Tekapo, Mt Cook National Park, crystal-clear night skies.
Cycling option: Alps 2 Ocean Trail which runs from Mt Cook to to Oamaru.
North and Central Otago
Highlights: The Victorian buildings of Oamaru, blue and yellow-eyed penguin spotting, Dunedin and the Otago Peninsula
The Catlins
Highlights: Remote and rugged scenery, abundant wildlife.
Fiordland National Park
Highlights: The dramatic splendour of Milford Sound, the Te Anau to Milford Highway.
Queenstown Region
Highlights: Buzzing Queenstown with its bars, restaurants and stunning mountain scenery, picturesque Glenorchy, laidback Wanaka.
Cycling option: The Crown Ranges between Queenstown and Wanaka, one of New Zealand’s classic road rides.
The West Coast
Highlights: Wild, rugged scenery and exhilarating twists and turns, the Gates of Haast, Fox Glacier, the vibrant little town of Hokitika.
Nelson region
The city of Nelson, wine-tasting at one of the many wineries, Abel Tasman National Park, swimming at beautiful Totaranui.
Cycling option: The Great Taste Trail
Cycle hire options:
If you’re planning an extended cycling tour, our buy back scheme, which refunds half the purchase price if the bike is returned in reasonable condition, could be a good option. And don’t forget, we also offer combined bike and campervan rental.
