While all of New Zealand offers amazing cycling the majority of cycle tourists prefer the South Island for its scenery, less traffic and easier cycling. One of the best cycling trips in New Zealand is along the West Coast of the South Island. In six or seven days you'll pass through rainforests, along the edge of both rocky and sandy coastlines and see the highlights between Christchurch and Queenstown. There are less cars on the road of the South Island and there is plenty of great routes and challenging riding. Towns tend to be just the right distance apart for comfortable cycling so you have the option of camping or finding rooms to stay in and you don't have to carry huge amounts of supplies if you don't want to.

If you have more time you can do a whole loop of the South Island which will take you between four and six weeks, depending on exactly what you want to see. This kind of longer road trip can offer you a good mix between adventure and solitude and you can take side trips and walk up Mount Cook or do a days seakayaking for example. You have heaps of choice about which route to take and outfitters offer many guided or self guided trips if you need help deciding.

Written by  Hedley Wilton.

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