Bicycle touring is a breathtakingly fresh way of seeing New Zealand, and it's quite popular, especially on the South Island.
Safety Tips -- Regardless of where you bike, always wear your helmet -- they are mandatory in New Zealand, and you will be fined for not wearing one. Also, remember the following: Cyclists are not permitted on motorways (freeways); they must always ride on the left side of the road; and all traffic turning left gives way to everything on the right. At night, make sure you have a working white front light and a red rear light and reflector. It doesn't hurt to have pedal and jacket reflectors.
Rentals -- If you're not interested in an organized tour and want to rent a bike when you get here, Adventure Cycles, in Auckland (tel. 0800/335-566 in NZ, or 09/940-8687; www.adventure-auckland.co.nz), offers rentals throughout New Zealand and sales with a guaranteed buyback plan. It is also part of an association of 24 operators that can arrange organized activities.
Tours -- There's an increasing number of organized bike-tour companies in New Zealand. New Zealand Pedaltours, in Parnell, Auckland (tel. 09/302-0968; fax 09/302/0967; www.pedaltours.co.nz), offers both North and South Island trips on 12 routes lasting from 3 to 19 days, on- and off-road. It creates customized tours of moderate exertion level, and a support van is always around to take the load off your pedals. Adventure South (tel. 03/942-1222; fax 03/942-4030; www.advsouth.co.nz) offers a range of 6- to 21-day cycle tours of the South Island that may also include some walking excursions.
