Be prepared for the cycling ride of a lifetime

Posted on 07/03/2019 by Spaceships Crew

Bring your bike (or hire one in NZ) and get a campervan road trip ready. Cycling in New Zealand is awesome! Camping out near bike trails lets you step out of the campervan and roll right onto the bike trail for that day's ride. A good place to park your campervan is at a campsite close to several bike trails. This way you have the option to stay a few days and ride the trails in proximity or, pack up camp and head on to the next trail adventure across the New Zealand countryside.

Bring your bike on the New Zealand Cycle Trail

The New Zealand Cycle Trail is a chain of 22 bike trails meandering about and linking to the Heartland Rides all over the north and south. When cycling in New Zealand on your campervan road trip, you can choose the trail with the level of expertise you are comfortable with, from levels one to five. One is easy for everyone, three is a more challenging intermediate level mostly for ages 12 and up. Level five trails are the most challenging and are for those who have expert off-road mountain biking experience.

Cycling in New Zealand: at Hoffman's Dam, St Bathans, Otago | photo: Phil Norton (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)

The trails consist of all kinds of breathtaking scenery and topography for your next great adventure or recreational riding. Bring your bike for a day trip and head back to the campervan at night. Numerous trails conveniently begin close to nearby towns where you can stock up on supplies for your outing. Check your trail map for stopping points as there may be long periods with nowhere to get water.

A bike trail for everyone when cycling in New Zealand

While on your campervan road trip, you will find there is a bike trail for everyone. The Otago Trail follows the original train tracks and bridges from Clyde to Middlemarch. Known for its blue skies and mountainous views, it became the vision of the New Zealand Cycle Trail. There are fun historical sights to see along with bridges to cross and tunnels to ride through. Typically a four-day ride, you could take it in increments and head back to your campervan after checking out the local food and wine.

While cycling in New Zealand on your campervan road trip you can relax and enjoy the finest wineries after riding all day. The Hawke's Bay Trail is known for its beautiful vineyards and outstanding wineries along the path. The trail winds between Hastings and Napier and spreads out across the Heretaunga Plains. The seaside and rustic country settings are peaceful along the path as you get closer to areas of art and amazing architecture. Then head back to your campervan and settle in for the night.

Enjoy panoramic views on your cycling road trip

The Great Lake Trail is celebrated for its spectacular bird's eye views around the biggest lake in New Zealand, Lake Taupo. Discover waterfalls and woodlands on the way to the top rocky lookout points. There are areas where you can stop and picnic or have a swim in the lake.

Hokitika's Sunset Point is a must-see while cycling in New Zealand. The West Coast Wilderness Trail offers several awesome places to watch the beautiful New Zealand sunsets. The trail is a four-day easy ride with plenty of one-day trips for those who want to head back to their campervan at night. The Hokitika's Sunset Point is a great place to watch the sunset and enjoy some fish and chips after a good days ride.

There are many campsites that are affordable where you can access the many bike trails New Zealand has to offer. Create wonderful memories with friends and family on a campervan road trip. Take your bike along to see New Zealand in an exceptional way.

Enjoy the amazing views on your NZ cycling trip | photo: Xu Wang (CC BY-NC 2.0)

Ready for the cycling adventure of a lifetime?

New Zealand truly is a versatile destination. Never a dull moment here. No matter the sports or activity you're in, you can get active in New Zealand. Now you know that New Zealand is an amazing cycling destination, when will we see you here? Oh, and if you need a bike rack for your cycling gear, bring your own or ask the Spaceships crew where to hire them. Too easy.

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