"Hi all,
I'm thinking about doing a two-week trip to New Zealand sometime in Feb/Mar of 2005. Can anybody recommend bike tour operators or itineraries with which they have had good experiences? I'd probably like to tour the south island for at least one of the weeks, and would be looking for an ""A"" rider style trip. Any leads would be much appreciated.
Thanks in advance,
Jeff"
New Zealand Tours
Sun, 02/01/2004 - 1:04pm
Sun, 02/01/2004 - 2:02pm
#1
I did a 13 day tour of the South Island last February with ExperiencePlus (www.experienceplus.com) - 10 days of riding with about 500 miles and a good bit of climbing (you cross the Southern Alps twice). It was a terrific tour and challenging enough for an A rider. With this company, you ride at your own pace. Daily mileage ranged from 40-75 miles.
ExperiencePlus actually collaborates with a New Zealand tour company called PedalTours, so you might be able to book directly through PedalTours and get a different itinerary.
Tue, 02/03/2004 - 12:51pm
#2
Thanks Carol. Did your trip involve a stop at the Milford Sound? I've heard it can be difficult to bike there or find lodging if you are not with one of the hiking trips.
Jeff
Tue, 02/03/2004 - 6:51pm
#3
No
The tour itself did not go to Milford Sound. We started in Christ Church and ended in Queenstown. However, several folks in my group went there on their own at the end of the tour. I think you just have to plan well enough in advance to make reservations.
Wed, 02/04/2004 - 9:11am
#4
Bicycle Adventures
Hi Jeff,
I haven't done a trip to NZ, but I have travelled with Bicycle Adventures and they were excellent. They have a trip to NZ at the beginning of March, and I know the tour guides for that trip and a few people who are signed up to go. They are definitely A level riders, and it's a top company that I would highly recommend. I wish I could go!
Have fun, and good luck.
Thu, 02/05/2004 - 8:22pm
#5
Thanks! Anybody from the club on the March trip?
J.
Wed, 02/04/2004 - 9:19am
#6
Backroads
Jeff --
A friend I met on a bike trip in Europe raves about the Backroads NZ epic biking trip (http://www.backroads.com/trips/BNZI.html). I'd be happy to put the two of you in touch - just give me a shout off-line.
Hope all is well.
P-R
Thu, 02/05/2004 - 8:23pm
#7
Will do.
Fri, 02/06/2004 - 7:45am
#8
Backroads
Jeff,
I did a two-week South Island tour with Backroads a few years ago, and it was fantastic. We did 50 miles the first day and after that it ranged from 60 to 110 miles. It was extremely challenging because of massive hills inland and a strong headwind along the coast. But, it was well worth it because the scenery was spectacular, the roads well maintained, and the New Zealanders very friendly.
With Backroads, everyone rides at their own pace. On my trip, there were several strong riders and we pacelined occasionally. The rest of the time, people rode more casually, just enjoying the scenery and the company.
Scott Wasserman also did this tour with Backroads a few weeks before me. If you have any questions, please feel free to email me at [email protected].
Regards,
Linda
Wed, 02/04/2004 - 10:53am
#9
Pedaltours
"Jeff, I'm leaving next Saturday on a 10-day Pedaltours trip called ""The Southern Alps."" It's half the price of the Backroads southern Alps trip.
I'm back on Feb. 29 and I'll follow up with you, let you know how it went.
"
Thu, 02/05/2004 - 8:20pm
#10
Maggie,
Wow, I'm jealous. I'm dying to ride my bike outdoors for a change. Have a great trip, keep the rubber side down and I'd love to hear how it went when you get back.
Cheers,
Jeff
Wed, 02/04/2004 - 10:32pm
#11
New Z
Did NZ with VBT--everything was good except it wasn't very challenging--Backroads would be good but $$$. Try Pedaltours (based in Auckland) I just did a tour with them in Tasmania.
