New Zealand - a holiday paradise with breathtaking coastal panoramas, attractive harbour towns, richly varied flora, hot springs, snow-covered mountains and much, much more. It is also a dream destination for bicycle tourists - for good reason. New Zealand offers beautiful and varied landscapes, friendly and hospitable people, a relatively low population density, a moderate climate and a relaxing, slow-paced lifestyle in a country with a high standard of living and an outstanding infrastructure for discovering its many attractions.

This book is designed to provide everything the bicycle tourist needs to get started on a cycling tour of New Zealand: easy-to-use maps, route descriptions, town and city detail maps and well as information about cultural attractions and tourist facilities. The one thing this guide cannot provide is fine cycling weather, but we hope you encounter nothing but sunshine and gentle tailwinds.

New Zealand
New Zealand is, without a doubt, one of the world's most popular bicycling destinations. Less experienced cycling tourists should not, however, underestimate the stamina and physical condition they will need to assure an enjoyable holiday. Hilly or mountainous stretches are common on both main islands. Riders who have never before taken a one to two-week cycling holiday or ridden 60 to 70 kilometers a day in hilly terrain carrying baggage should do some training before starting their trip. Along with the many happy cyclists that one meets in New Zealand, one also encounters those who are disappointed or discouraged because they were not prepared for the challenges presented by New Zealand's terrain. This book is designed to provide basic information to help prospective bicycle tourists prepare for what can be an exceptional cycling experience.