Cycling
Road cycling is possible virtually all year round in the northern North Island of New Zealand, but the best time for road cycling is generally February to April. The South Island is one of the best road cycling locations in the world, providing a good mix of people where you need them, then long peaceful stretches of sheep-dotted countryside and spectacular scenery. While road cycling is popular, mountainbiking is one of the fastest growing pastimes - largely due to the number of native bush and coastal trails developed to take advantage of New Zealand's terrain.
World-class mountainbiking tracks - suitable for all levels of biker - have been created in Christchurch, Wellington and Rotorua, for example. Cycling is a great way to explore parts of the country you wouldn't necessarily see, and excellent for meeting people along the way.
View these and more Cycling images from the Tourism New Zealand's Image Library. All images are available to download.
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On a holiday that’s all about indulgence, a little exercise is definitely a good thing. One of the best ways to explore the wineries of Hawke’s Bay is on a mountain bike - the terrain is as flat as a billiard table and the scenery is magnificent. If you aren’t up to pedalling, there are local tour operators to drive you from cellar door to cellar door.
Photo credit: Chris McLennan
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If your fitness level is as high as the terrain, you'll discover that alpine mountain biking is nothing short of amazing. Gorgeous scenery assaults the senses whenever you’re able to take your eyes off the track in front of you. Waterfalls, snow-capped mountains and massive river valleys are some of the sights to look forward to.
Photo credit: Gilbert van Reenen
The nature trails on Te Mata Peak, high above Hawke's Bay wine country, can be used by mountain bikers. It’s quite a workout going up, but the panoramic views make the effort totally worthwhile.
Other hiking and biking trails in the area lead through forest and along limestone valleys where it’s possible to find fossils in the cliffs.
Photo credit: Chris McLennan
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