Cycling is a popular way to get around in New Zealand. There are trips that can be taken, cycling tours of the country, or it can just be used as an eco-friendly way to get back and to your place of work. Cycling is also a popular way for the people of New Zealand to keep fit. Well known for their love of sports, cyclists are becoming a very common sight in the cities as well as the countryside.

For those who are looking for a more off-road experience then the South Island is the ideal place to tour on a bicycle. The scenery is breath-taking and the trails are less formal than on the North Island where the paths are mostly paved. There are also plenty of places around the island where you can hire a bike and have repairs taken care of. You may find that the quality of bike varies depending on whether you are hiring it from a city business or one in a smaller town. Nevertheless, the locals are extremely friendly, the crime rate is low and the scenery cannot be matched anywhere else in the world, it all helps to add to a unique travelling experience.

There is around two thirds less traffic in the South Island which makes cycling there much safer, but if you are choosing to cycle in the North Island then there are many dedicated bicycle lanes on the main roads. It is also worth remembering if cycling on the roads in New Zealand that all driving is on the left and side just like in the UK. It should also be remembered that cyclists are expected to wear a helmet while out cycling.

Cycling in New Zealand can be done in many ways. You can use your own cycle or hire one; you can travel independently or with a tour company. You can choose cycle tours that are a few days long to several weeks. It is possible to see the country from top to toe when cycling, although you must remember to carry appropriate clothing as the weather in New Zealand is highly changeable, rather like in the UK. You can set off in the morning with beautiful weather and within an hour could be faced with a heavy downpour of rain.

If you choose to cycle New Zealand with a tour company then they will arrange your accommodation for you at each stop. Many people however prefer to make their own arrangements for accommodation as this means they can spend as little or as long in each place as they please.