Bicycle & New Zealand customs

[Jeds]

I spent many years living in New Zealand, but having returned for a visit a few years ago it was very noticeable how driver behaviour has seriously deteriorated. Heavy Goods Vehicle drivers in particular, who regard cyclists as some form of parasite, and these lorries are longer, heavier, and usually faster than anything found in the UK. Unfortunately there is no real network of back roads that allow complete avoidance of the main routes. Neither is there much in the way of long distance trains which could allow cyclists to miss out the busiest roads; outside Auckland and Wellington the railway system is used almost purely for freight.

If I haven't put you off, I suggest you read Josie Dew's book "The Long Cloud Ride", and be prepared for lots of hill climbing.

[bicyclejourneys]

Baldwin Street; good one! Will except to be in Dunedin, so has to be a must see

Had a peak at her book. http://www.amazon.com/kindle/dp/B004Q9T ... eos_detail

I think sometimes the least amount of information is better! But, neither less, a good insight, and amazing journeys from Josie Drew http://www.josiedew.com/cycling/same-bi ... nt-country

Thanks,

Nigel

[RonK]

Well, I'm flying in to Dunedin on October 19 for my Gone Fishin' in New Zealand tour, so who knows, I may see you on the road Nigel.

So far, I've posted some preliminary details about my itinerary on my tour journal.

[bicyclejourneys]

Ron,

Checked your blog out. You certainly have that planned

Myself, flight to Xchurch, couple of days at a camp ground getting bike and food together, then hit the Banks Peninsular for 4 - 5 days. Yes, looks mountainous but should also be stunning. Make or break me! From there, the cycle to Queenstown (my brother lives there) for xmas. That's my planning!

I'm about to add a post onto my blog in the next week, with an update. http://nigelsbicyclejourneys.com/posts/

Is your bike a homebuilt? As it looks similar to mine. Well from a distance anyway!

How long are you touring for? Might catch you on the road.

Nigel

[bicyclejourneys]

Ron,

Just seen your Gone Fishin' tour of NZ 2012. Might see you around Dunedin.

Enjoy, and I'll follow your progress. Happy fishing

Nigel

[RonK]

Nigel, you are probably aware that the Banks Peninsula is an ancient volcano. At the end of my last tour to NZ I took a day trip there on a bus.
You ride over the rim of the volcano and down the pretty french village of Akoroa, in the caldera.
It would be quite a stiff climb on a loaded touring bike, but not so difficult that it's not worth doing. I highly recommend a visit.
Going to Queenstown you will probably want to follow the same route as I did. I suggest you go via Wanaka and then take the Crown Range Road to Queenstown, as I'm planning to do next tour. The panorama at the top of the range is breathtaking.
Yes, I build up my own bikes, as I think you have seen now from my web page.
If you have any questions you are welcome to ask.
I'm leaving on the 19th and will be on the road for a month.
Cheers, RonK.

[bicyclejourneys]

Ronk,

Not aware, but good to hear a bit about it. Will read up on it on the flight over. I just looked at g maps, and thought, right that looks a good place to start! Good to hear though you recommend it. Thanks for the tips.

I do commute to work 18 mile round trip through hilly Cornish lanes (coastal). Not quite the mountains of New Zealand, but neverless good conditioning.

Nothing more satisfying than building one's own bicycle, and that first test ride

Might catch you on the road then?

Nigel

[rualexander]

The Banks Peninsula would make a tough start to a tour, its very nice but the hills are hard going, especially if you get off the main road to Akaroa.
Crown Range road from Wanaka to Queenstown is great too and is the highest sealed road in NZ, it was better and quieter when it was gravel though!