Travellers' Tales: North to South Across New Zealand

My plan was to cycle from Cape Reinga at the top of New Zealand’s North Island to Bluff at the bottom of South Island. These locations mark the north and south ends of Highway 1, but I intended to wander through the country following local advice.

I wasn’t ever disappointed.

Roughly the same size as the UK and with a population of 4 million, New Zealand is a country full of interest..."

Andrew Dickson

Having arrived in Auckland, my trip also took in the CoromandaI Peninsula, Rotorua, Tongariro National Park, Wellington, Mount Cook National Park, Dunedin, and Christchurch.

I mostly camped. New Zealand is currently developing a network of trails using old railway tracks and quiet roads, and I managed to take in several, including: the Hauraki, Rimutaka and Otago rail trails; the Te Ara Ahi trail; and the Whanganui River trail. All were manageable on my fully-laden Dawes Ultra Galaxy. 

Roughly the same size as the UK and with a population of 4 million, New Zealand is a country full of interest, with dramatic and varied coasts, wonderful forests, rugged mountains, glaciers, hot springs, interesting ferries, and undoubtedly a sense of adventure. Maori heritage is very much in evidence.

I started in mid January and spent nine weeks covering 3,500 miles. 

Do you have a travelling adventure you would like to share? Email [email protected] for advice on what's required.