Here’s four, classic road rides to add to your bucket list…

The Kauri Coast
Highway 12 from Dargaville to Rawene is a great cycling route that gets you up close with New Zealand’s biggest and oldest kauri trees. These impressive trees can reach 60 metres and have trunks 5m or more in diameter. The road passes though two forests: the Trounson Kauri Park and the Waipoua Kauri Forest.

Queen Charlotte Sounds
Most cyclists explore this scenic region via the Queen Charlotte track but you can also take the road. It’s up and down (and narrow in places) but with plenty of accommodation options along the route, you can choose to take your time. Slip a bottle of Marlborough’s finest sauvignon in your panniers, to sip while you admire the gorgeous water views. Note: the section between Kenepuru Head and Titirangi Bay is largely unsealed.

Queenstown to Wanaka over the Crown Range (or vice versa)
A tough slog between two of the South Island’s biggest resort towns – but well worth the effort for the sweeping lake vistas and thrilling downhill finish. Stop for a Speights at the historic Cardrona Hotel along the way.

West Coast of the South Island
The coastal road between Greymouth and Haast is an exhilarating ride, packed full of coastal scenery, lush rainforests and quirky townships. Highlights include the delights of Hokitika, the former goldmining town of Ross, the icy splendour of Franz Josef and Fox Glacier and delicious smoked salmon at the Salmon Farm.

Want to explore this route as part of a guided tour? Lots of our all-inclusive trips take in all or part of the West Coast road, including:
5 Day Road Cycle Tour Christchurch to Christchurch
6 Day West Coast Queenstown to Christchurch Cycle
9 Day Road Cycle Tour Christchurch to Queenstown
10 Day Road Cycle Tour Christchurch to Queenstown T1
10 Day Road Cycle Tour Christchurch to Queenstown T2

Have a great week,
Andrew Hunt