cycling in new zealand-bike question

[Pip]

I leave mine chained to the bike rack while we're on holiday, but I have to admit that if I were parked in a secluded car park (like at the start of a popular tourist walkway) I'd prefer to try and have the bike somewhere a little more secure. Unfortunately even leaving it in the car itself would feel risky. New Zealand's normally pretty secure and safe, but there are always people who will try to take advantage of tourists. Have fun though - where abouts in the South Island are you thinking of going? There's some great cycling to be had, if you can get used to the prevalence of chip sealed roads!

[Pip]

The west coast of the South Island is great for cycling. The roads aren't too busy and there are some lovely flat to undulating stretches with the odd climb to keep you alert. If you're into wine I can recommend Central Otago, and there's even an organised race you can take part in:

http://www.cromwell.org.nz/events/su...e-classic.aspx

I'm biased about this one because my father-in-law has a vineyard not far from Cromwell in Bannockburn!

[shootingstar]

My partner took off for a solo cycling trip in both the North and South Island of New Zealand ...about 12 years ago for 6 months.

He really enjoyed it. The lst month just happened to be one of the rainiest years for NZ at that time.

[NadiaMac]

thanks for all of the input!
I am still putting the rough itinerary together, so welcome any and all riding or tramping suggestions. We'll be there for about 3 weeks, then I will continue into N island for another week or so.

Planning to start in christchurch area; one possibility is:
Arthur's Pass
Punakaiki & Paparoa
Wanaka
Te Anau
Mt Cook
back to ChCh
(note, will break up the driving with stops)

We haven't yet looked into riding options & how they fit into this rough itinerary. We are intrigued by the mountain passes of the five-passes tour and will probably try to fit in a few (riding wise). Also, the BF found an epic ride out of ChCh area out to Akaroa (http://app.strava.com/rides/2083604#) that he is interested in.

Welcome any thoughts! thanks for the heads up on chip seal-- I am going to bring my 28s!
NM

[MillieNZ]

Recommend Milford Track & Routeburn Track for hiking Queenstown is a great town (and they might still be filming "The Hobbit" around there).

enjoy.....

Now I'm homesick again !!!

[Pip]

I think that Christchurch to Akaroa ride may follow the Le Race course. http://www.lerace.co.nz/
Some good solid climbs in there, but if you're looking at riding over some passes they won't scare you!
I'd second MillieNZ's recommendations on the tramps, although you'll need to book your spot on the Milford Track because it's fairly popular. It's popular because it's stunning!
Now to go back to convincing my husband to spend New Years in Central Otago with his father ....

[NadiaMac]

thanks for the added input. Millford is indeed booked up thru March but we will try to do day hike on millford and/or routeburn- both look incredible. The Akaroa route does look pretty climby- we'll see how I do with it as I am still getting back into shape following injury. I am taking lower gears than usual and we;ll be doing it towards the end of the trip (so hopefully some fitness gains from riding during the trip).

New Years in Central Otago sounds fabulous- how cool is it to have a father in law with a vineyard in a beautiful location!

Hey, another question if you don't mind:

1) I know Jan is the high season for holiday travel. I've been getting mixed advice about the need for bookings in advance. We are hoping to camp, hopefully in DOC sites. We'd prefer to do some booking in advance (the first & last couple of days, key spots that are very popular), but then try to use DOC sites that don't accept reservations or do some short-term booking in advance while we are on the road. Folks at TripAdvisor (more car culture focused) think that I'm crazy to not book out the entire trip in advance. Folks on ThornTree (lonely planet, so more backpackers) seem to think that we'll probably be able to find places, eg at DOC or less popular campgrounds.

Any thoughts on necessity for booking in advance are appreciated!

2) also, I can't figure DOC site bookings. I've found some very popular sites can be booked on the DOC website (eg, campgrounds near the beginnings of the great walks). Then, DOC says that some OTHER sites can be booked at the local DOC office, by going in in person or calling, but I can't tell which ones and there is no info on how far in advance one can book and the like. Is there a way to figure out how the bookings work?

thanks again!
NM