I'm starting to get some info together for a one week trip to NZ.
It's very much in the early stages, currently trying to work out where and how much. I really want to go to Christchurch, if only to try and support the community with my small bit of tourist activity, an have always loved the look of rotorua, but beyond that I'm none the wiser.
Throw some ideas at me, how would I get around and where is the best bike friendly accommodation?
Anyone want to come? I'm loosely thinking mid-year, maybe August?
Rotorua has great riding, as does Nelson, Queenstown etc, depending on what you want. Queenstown has Gondola access to a good variety of trails, but there are also other local trails worth checking out too. Getting your hands on the Kennet Brothers MTB tail book is well worth it, would let you read up about areas before you commit to anything.
rotorua/taupo are basically rideable all year round ... another thought is eskdale park in hawkes bay or woodhill in auckland ...
south island: nelson area ... i think quite a few of the port hills tracks in christchurch are still out of action due to earthquake related rockfalls [they are still getting plenty of aftershocks and a few new ones] ... there is some good riding in queenstown, wanaka, naseby, hanmer springs and the west coast, but things are still cold and damp in august, definitely do-able, but could be a mission if you are unlucky and the weather is bad ... last year we had a heap of snow and cold weather in august ...
they are touristy centres but you can happily do your own thing and avoid the touristy bits, but definitely not tourist traps though ... i have stayed in rotorua many times over the last 5-6 years or so and haven't had any problems ...
we stay at the alpin motel in sala st, edge of town, non-touristy, cost effective, warm outdoor pool, bike friendly and more importantly only a 3km easy bike ride from the forest trails!
queenstown and wanaka are way worse touristy places though
I went to Rotorua and Taupo last year from Los Angeles. Both were very fun: good trails, ok rental bikes, great people. We rented a van and camped. The country is built for that, super easy and less expensive than hotels. If you only have a week, you will be happy there, especially in August. Nothing super long but you can link trails together and have fun. Plus, being there long enough to get in with the locals will get you to less touristy trails - although we were the only riders we saw on the days we rode.
Hi
Recommend basing yourself in Rotorua and taking a day to check out the Moerangi trial about an hour from Rotorua. Its 38km through native bush and is one of the best all days rides in the North Island.
Hope I'm not over-stepping the mark here but the company I work for often does rental bike and car or campervan combos for people in a similar situations to you.
From Auckland there is a good week-long road trip that could include Woodhill-Hunua-Te Aroha-Rotorua (at least 2 days)-Whirinaki-Moerangi-Taupo (couple of options here)
It's been pretty much covered, but 1 week is not a lot. Do the Redwoods in Rotarua and then head over to Mt Maunganui for a day trip for some great views and some chilled out riding around the local are.
Rotorua, Taupo and Napier. Plenty of riding and sight seeing in the greater area of those three centres. Drop of Napier if you don't have time. But still a nice area to do a day trip.
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