Bicycle Touring Experiences from New Zealand

New Zealand

On this page we attempt to make available the experience of individual bicycle tourists who travel to New Zealand (you can share your experiences here).



6x200 Bike Tour, South Island, New Zealand

Are you a serious cyclist looking for a big challenge in one of the most beautiful countries in the world? 6 days cycling around the spectacular South Island of New Zealand covering on average 200km per day. Last May we attempted the 6x200 tour for the first time and it was fantastic. A fully supported tour with all meals and on road nutrition supplied by a willing support crew. Like a mini tour de France we had a yellow jersey, KOM and sprint ace competition, loads of fun, but most of the time we road together enjoying the magnificant country and helping each over achieve the huge challenge of completing the distance, which we all did. Interested in an experience of a lifetime, next tour is April 2007, info at www.cisport.co.nz

Peter, June 15, 2006

Map to Auckland Airport

Maps showing the route from Auckland Airport to central city can be found on the Cycling Advocates Network (CAN) website:
www.can.org.nz/maps/

PS: there's lots of other interesting info on the CAN website too; including New Zealand cycle touring info!

Glen Koorey, September 24, 2005

Bicycle Hire - New Zealand

Mountain Bike, Road Bikes, Cycle Touring Bike and all touring accessories available for hire or purchase from Auckland and Christchurch. One way hires no problem and plenty of free advice.

Call us today for all your cycling needs in New Zealand

Natural High - Mountain Bike and Road Cycle Tourin, August 17, 2005

Qantas Airlines

I went on a flight from Auckland, NZ to Sydney Australia. My bike box, which I checked-in, weighed 25KG and I wasn't charged for any over-weight (although the luggage allowance was 20kg). Plus my hand bag weighed about 12 kg - but that was not a problem as well.

All in all a good experience.

Yaron Orenstein, June 24, 2005

Bikes on Air Canada & Air New Zealand, Vancouver to Auckland

We flew with 2 bikes in March 2005 on Air Canada and Air New Zealand, from Vancouver to Auckland via LAX, and return from Auckland to Vancouver via SFO. There was no charge for the bikes; they each counted as one piece of checked baggage, and two panniers inside a plastic bag counted as the second piece of free baggage.

I prepared each bike by: removing the pedals, removing the handlebar mirror, turning the handlebars by 90degrees, covering the chain and derailleurs with plastic bags secured by cable-ties, by lowering and reversing the saddle, and by partially deflating the tires.

At the check-in at Vancouver, Air Canada suppied us with plastic bike-bags and a roll of tape, and we bagged the bikes at the counter. We didn't see the bikes at LAX.

On arrival at Auckland, the NZ Customs asked if the bikes were clean (I had washed them before leaving home, including the insides of the mudguards), and wanted to see our bike shoes (which we were wearing), and we were waved through. We then found the 'Bicycle Assembly Area' (what a great idea) near to the 'taxi' exit doors, and prepared the bikes for riding. Following other advice on this forum, we rode from the airport into Auckland: George Bolt Memorial Drive, Kirkbride Road, Wallace Road, Church Road, old disused Mangere Bridge (now for pedestrians and cyclists only), Onehunga Harbour Road, Onehunga Mall and north into the city. A 'piece of cake', and really nice to get some exercise after the long flights. For an online map go to http://www.wises.co.nz/map/ and select 'Auckland'.

On our return from Auckland, Air New Zealand did not require us to bag the bikes, and they went on board as I had prepared them (see above). At SFO, we had to clear the bikes through US Customs (why?), and then recheck them in with Air Canada (at a different terminal); Air Canada again provided us with plastic bike-bags and a roll of tape, and we bagged the bikes at the counter.

On all flights, the bikes arrived promptly, and almost undamaged (just one bike with a bent derailleur and a bent brake-handle - easily fixed).

Michael Watson, March 04, 2005

Auckland, New Zealand

A pic of the bicycle assembly area at auckland airport ...

http://www.bikeforums.net/attachment.php?attachmentid=4315


Roy Hoogerand, November 10, 2004

Bike Rental - New Zealand

When I cycled New Zealand in '97 I rented a bike from Pedaltours. They're a touring company, but they'll also rent you a bike. The bike I had was a good quality, touring bike, which was very reasonbly priced.

Pedaltours office is in Aukland. Their web site is http://www.pedaltours.co.nz.


Paul Stockton, November 09, 2004

AirNZ now charges for Bicycles

I called Air New Zealand this morning (26 Aug 04) and was told there is a NZ$20-00 charge per bicycle (at least on domestic flights), they also prefer that they are booked in a few days in advance to make sure there will be room.

Ray, August 24, 2004

Flying with bike

Wanted to share my experience after the trip.

I flew to New Zealand (Vienna-Frankfurt-Tokyo-Christchurch) with Lufthansa, ANA and Air New Zealand with my bike. Did not box it and everything was fine. I only deflated tyres.

On the way back in Christchurch I was only asked to cover the chain with provided plastic bag.

At Sydney airport I was given a tape to wrap front wheel to the frame so it would not move.

Jerzy Bin, April 23, 2004

Tandem Cycle Touring - Malaysia, Thailand, China, Mongolia, New Zealand

Freewheelers is a non-commerical website on tandem cycling in UK, New ZEALAND, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, China and Mongolia (still in progress). Contains route description and country info, equipment ratings, travelogue.

Alistair Morris, February 29, 2004

Auckland, New Zealand

There are bike assembly points near the taxi rank outside the terminal. There is a good road heading east out of the airport that takes you to the Great South Road. If you want a campsite about 4-5km down (south) this road you will get to a Top 10 Campsite on the left up a short hill.

Alistair Morris, February 29, 2004

Wellington, New Zealand

It is an easy cycle from the Top 10 Campsite in Lower Hutt to the airport.

Follow the bike path along the harbour side of the main road into Wellington, past the interisland ferry terminal continuing straight into the centre of town.

Then take the coast road (cycle lanes for sections on footpath) around to the next bay, turn left at roundabout following signs to airport, then right at the next roundabout, up a little hill and you're at the airport.

Be warned -- it can be breezy though!

Alistair Morris, February 28, 2004

Bikes on Air New Zealand

I had a pretty ordinary experience when taking my bike from Broome to Christchurch via Perth, Melbourne and Auckland (don't ask). Broome to Perth via Qantas was fine ... no charge, no hassle. The local bike shop had boxed up the bike for me. In Perth, had to travel to the international terminal on the bus (dodgey). Perth to Melbourne on Air NZ (well, Qantas masquerading as Air NZ) I was slugged for excess weight (All up I was carrying 45kg), but at least it was all booked through to Auckland where I changed terminals again.

Coming back, I had to pay excess again on the Air NZ legs.

I was a bit surprised as I had been led to believe that bikes travelled free on Air NZ.

Jane Lodge, February 10, 2004

Survey of Rider-Bike/Driver-Car Ferry Fees

We have surveyed ferry costs in various parts of the world for transportation costs of rider/bike versus driver/car. The report is located at www.CycleCanada.com/Report/

Our survey looked at private operators that are complimentary services and not intended to be part of the basic transportation network such as the British Columbia ferry system. The obvious exception in our list is North Island /South Island in New Zealand but that was included because it was a comparable distance. In that situation there is a political imperative for the national government to connect its citizens. The ferry services across the English Channel and the Irish Sea are established transportation routes with a very high commercial value so there is some political motivation in those cases but we think that the comparisons there are valid because there is not an obvious political reason in those situations to be as favorable to cyclists as they are.

CycleCanada, December 28, 2003

Independent bicycle touring in New Zealand

ICTNZ specializes in what they call 'self-guided tours' throughout the South Island of New Zealand. The company arranges accomodation, bike rental and places of interest along the way but you just go for it...
This saves thousands of dollars on the holiday and lets you travel at your own pace, stopping where and when you like.
I highly recommend this option, as guided tours are not necessary, but having the tour laid out for you takes out all the hassles.
Should you be more comfortable with a traditional guided cycle tour, ICTNZ also provides fully guided and vehicle supported tours. 'Fully guided' tours include a guide while 'supported tours'provide transport to carry bags etc. Whatever option you choose, you stay in quality accommodation with all the hassles taken out of the trip so you can enjoy the spectacular scenery that New Zealand has to offer.

mark turner, October 28, 2003

Quantas and tandems

Qantas do not charge for bikes on their planes (as long as they are boxed, less than 180cm long, with handlebars and pedals turned around), however they were going to charge us 300 UKP for the tandem. We had spent a lot of money on fitting SS couplings and the tandem will now fit inside a standard solo bike box. So why charge us? The confusion we had arose when we let Trailfinders staff explain about the tandem to Qantas. This is quite an unusual request and perhaps it would have been better to do it ourselves. In the end I had discussions with Qantas myself, who were very helpful, and the bike goes free! (after all it is smaller than 2 solo bikes that would have gone free). We have got Qantas to put this on our ticket so there shouldn’t be problems at the airports.

The bike will need to be boxed (we have been told that boxes are available at airports) and the handlebars turned around, pedals removed and tires part deflated.

Alistair Morris, July 19, 2003

Bikes to New Zealand from UK

We went from London to New Zealand via Los Angeles with two bikes plus camping gear. The weight allowance via the US is much better than going via the far east therefore avoiding excess baggage charges.

At Heathrow and Los Angeles we removed pedals and turned handlebars through 90 degrees and wheeled the bikes on. I think baggage handlers prefer this as it is easier for them to wheel a bike than carry a large box, it is also clear that it is a bike and we had no damage to our bikes.

From Christchurch to Brisbane we had to cover the bikes with two large polythene bags supplied by Quantas.

On the return trip from Brisbane to Heathrow via Auckland & Los Angeles we were told by Quantas to check in our bags (and tools) as normal and then go and get bike boxes from the large items loading area, we had to pay for these.

I kept one allen key out to allow us to remove the handlebars (pedals had already been removed) but despite this the boxes were too small for our touring bikes. At this point the baggage handlers said we could put our bikes on the plane without boxes and we had to sign a waiver just in case they were damaged. We were refunded the cost of the boxes and our bikes arrived in London without any problem.

I lost my allen key when I went through security -- a dangerous weapon. We were then supplied with metal knives and forks with our meal and a glass wine bottle!

All in all it went well, British Airways were very good but Quantas need to have some joined up thinking.

Brian Woodward, June 30, 2003

BikeFriday since 9/11

In May 2002 I was Ride Director for a Bicycle Adventure Club ride in Holland. We had 71 participants (2 non-bikers) on three barges of Bike & Barge, Holland. Of those, there were 14 BFs, one a Tendem. I had suggested that each person with a BF case indicate to Security at various airports around the country that IT was a piece of excercise equipment. On arriving in Amsterdam, no reports were received of trouble . I cannot speak for return trips. But there must have been dozens of airlines and airports represented on this trip.
Frankly, I have literally been all-over the world with my BF on 24 trips, and the only complaint I have is that someone once stole the extra-safety belt around the Carlton case, and another time something punctured the case - no real damage. Otherwise, TROUBLE FREE

Wes Conner, June 03, 2003

Shipping Services, Worldwide

Hi folks,

From Chile and to Chile, Also to Bolivia, or through my Agents in Mexico, Colombia, Ecuador, Argentina, Perú, etc. I can help you Shipping your staf worldwide. If your comming to Chile on tours, Biking, etc. Just e-mail me, I was a Traveller and have helped friend from USA, Australia, New Zealand shipping their bikes, etc.

Francisco Herrera Barnachea, May 27, 2003

New Zealand Trains

Yes, it's a pity that more and more trains in NZ are shut down.
Regarding busses I'd strongly recommend smaller companies like Atomic (South Island) or Northliner Express (Northland) instead of Intercity. When you do a reservation with them your bike is guaranteed to go and they usually have bike racks. With intercity even with a reservation it's still up to the driver to say "no" which say easily do, especially when you try to get in in the middle of a section.

Matthias, March 25, 2003

New Zealand Trains

Adam, I went to NZ in 2001 and I had good experience with putting the bike in the train, no problem there really. Once or twice I was able to put the bike as is, fully loaded which was really nice although there is a big step to lift it in the car.

On two other occasions, I was asked to take the panniers down as the train was full and they apparently needed the room in the train (or they didn't want to deal with a loaded bike while having so many luggage. (It didn't make sense to me but I obliged)

Here is the link to my travelogue, I hope this is helpful http://cyclingnewzealand2001.crazyguyonabike.com/

Kati- I love New Zealand- Debelic

Kati Debelic, March 22, 2003

New Zealand Trains

Buses are also a great alternative:

the designs of buses in both NZ abd OZ usually allow for bikes to shipped upright w/o dis-assembly, or at most by taking off the front wheel (I would take a cheapo front Q/R axle and use it in conjunction w/ a Q/R quill to act as a spacer between fork-ends when the front wheel is off).

Paul Woloshansky

Paul Woloshansky, March 22, 2003

New Zealand Trains

The rail network was sold off a number of years ago rather underhandedly from a government department to a private enterprise ... In recent times they have consolidated their interests and focused on more profitable areas .. ie freight makes the most $$$ and passenger trains have largely disappeared from railway lines around the country ...

There are still a few train services, but these are largely scenic rides and in the north island ... the tranzscenic [Christchurch-Greymouth return] and the Taieri Gorge Train being the exceptions ...

Alas, the southerner you speak of has disappeared ... however it is ably replaced with buses and shuttles, most are happy to take bikes [generally around $10], Atomic shuttles in the south island even have bike racks on their buses/shuttles, knightrider [overnight service] has them also ...

some useful links ...

http://www.tranzrail.co.nz ... for details on remaining trains in service
http://www.atomictravel.co.nz ... Atomic shuttles
http://www.intercity.co.nz ... intercity buses

NOTE: the Taieri Gorge Train is a seperate private trust that runs a restored train service from Dunedin to Pukerangi/Middlemarch [start of Central Otago Rail Trail] return and happily have one way fares and bikes can be wheeled on and off the guards van with out removing anything, and they ride free!!! Top guys, top service!!! plus it is an awesome train journey too ... and it takes out three rather large hills to get to the start of the rail trail.

Hope this helps somewhat, please get back to me if I can be of any further help ...

cheers, Hoogie Timaru/Oamaru, NZ '10 more sleeps till my next tour!'

thought for today: It is not that the journey is difficult, just the first pedal stroke

Hoogie, March 22, 2003

Touring Cycle hire Christchurch New Zealand

City Cycle Hire have a range of fully equipped touring bikes for hire.(MTB as well)
Free phone 0800 343848 in New Zealand. or email [email protected]

Craig Banbury, June 16, 2002

Christchurch, New Zealand

Check out "Classic New Zealand Mountain Bike Rides' as a guide to where to ride etc. Can be ordered off the following website: http://www.mountainbike.co.nz/

Michael H McPhillips, June 16, 2002

Quarantine in NZ

Just a word to the wise re clearing Quarantine in NZ. If you make a false declaration you may find yourself $200 lighter in the wallet. NZ has a system of instant fine for breaches of our quarantine laws. So if you for example say you have cleaned your bike and inspection shows that to be untrue - reach for your wallet.

In extreme cases you can find yourself in a court of law.

Michael H McPhillips, June 16, 2002

Auckland, New Zealand

Hello, I have just found your site re the Phred site.

I checked the British Airways & Qantas page and think it needs to be clarified. The bridge referred to is not known as the "Old Harbour" bridge in Auckland. Locals would give totally wrong directions if asked for that. Instead, people should check the map for the non motorway route that gets to the Great South Road, then follow that NORTH . This will get them safely into central Auckland.

Follwing it south will head cyclists towards Highway 1 and on to either Hamilton or towards the turnoff for the Coromandel peninsula.

Regards, Biffy Frederikson


Biffy Frederikson , April 30, 2002

Air New Zealand

I had no trouble shipping my bike Auckland-Sydney with Air New Zealand.
Very friendly and helpful at check-in.

Asked me to estimate bike weight and no charge to carry as luggage.

David Hannett, December 04, 2001

Tandem travel

We have just completed a trip to New Zealand with some mixed experiences regarding our tandem on British Airways/Qantas. On the outbound leg from Manchester BA would only supply us with a plastic bag, something we do not like using as we feel a box gives more protection plus hides the identity of the tandem; after a long search we found that the only place in the airport that we could buy a box was at the Continental desk who charged us five pounds (paid willingly).

The bike arrived in New Zealand via LA without any damage or problems, although the man at BA in Manchester had cheerfully informed us that they would accept no liability whatsoever for damage or loss!
(There is a place just outside the main doors at Auckland to reassemble the bike).

Be wary of using Origin Pacific for internal flights in New Zealand. Although we had been assured that the bike would travel with us for a small fee of 20 NZ dollars, this proved to be rather optimistic. The tandem was packed into a single bike box, however it was simply too big to put into the hold of the aircraft (perhaps it would fit if unboxed). Luckily we had two days before our connection back home which gave us time to courier the bike to Auckland (the woman at Origin was very helpful and refunded our 20 dollars).

On the return leg to England we stopped over in LA, where it cost 18 US dollars per day if you wish to leave your bike at the airport. Thought that this was a rip off so we took it with us.

On the trip back from LA we only just caught our connection from Heathrow to Manchester, the bike and trailer did not make it. After filling out some forms BA informed us that they would courier them to our home some 100 miles away. They arrived the next day undamaged.

We have now travelled several times with the tandem using Virgin, Air France and British airways, and feel that if we can pack it into a single bike box then it seems less threatening to airline staff. So far it is undamaged and has cost us nothing in excess.

Wherever you are going have a great trip!
Ian and Annemarie.

Ian and Annemarie, March 25, 2001

Cycle Touring in New Zealand

Cheap and beautiful. Where to go is determined mostly by time. Three weeks? Head to the South Island. Highlights are seal colonies, a rail trail in Central Otago, lakes, mountains and a clean environment. Great beaches and a small population of friendly people. Good public services. Send me an e mail. I am happy to provide specific details for cycle touring.

David Stillaman, February 24, 2001

British Airways, Qantas, London-Christchurch

BA/Qantas. I flew London-Christchurch via Bangkok and Sydney and Auckland-London via Los Angeles on a mixture of BA and Qantas flights in 1995. No prep and no problems, though I didn't have much excess luggage. It is important that you clean your bike, tent, tent pegs, boots, etc, of all soil before taking them to New Zealand as they are Very Fussy about that sort of thing. You will have to wait half an hour or so while they inspect them, and you could end up paying for fumigation, or even getting them incinerated. Getting from Auckland Airport to downtown, have a look at a detailed street map which they have on the wall at the information office, the best way involves going over the old harbour bridge which is now closed to cars.
Ivan Viehoff, August 01, 2000

Auckland, New Zealand

Found on: [email protected]


All of the airport shuttles in Auckland pull trailers for luggage. I didn't look too closely at the luggage size, but I think a standard bike box would fit in them without too much trouble. The airport also had bike lanes (one of the few places in NZ with them) going into the city, so you could just bike if you wanted.


If you want to rent or buy a used bike in NZ the first place in Auckland that I'd check out is Adventure Cycles, which is downtown, right off of Queen St. I looked in quite a few bike shops in NZ, and they were the only bike shop that seemed real to me (where bike work and service were more prevalent then bicycle jewelery). I think they sold used touring bikes, but I'm not sure on prices.


Have a great trip!


alex

Alex Wetmore, April 26, 2000

Auckland, New Zealand

To ride into Auckland from the airport, you have to know there's a bikewalkway underneath the motorway bridge and where to catch it. Try and get an Auckland AA city map at the airport. I'll try and give you directions here:

Leaving Auckland Airport, head north on George Bolt Memorial Drive. Turn left at the T for a short distance on Massey Road(20) and bear left on Kirkbridge. Right on Mountain and then left on Coronation Road. (There's a hill here unfortunately.) Continue past all the shops down to the park to the water. You will see the highway bridge up and on your right. You will see a sidwalk pathway in the park area which ramps up and under the bridge (still on the west or left side of the bridge. ) The path continues all the way across to the other side. On the other side, turn right under the bridge and come out on the east side of the bridge. The path runs out on a road which merges or becomes Onehunga Harbor Road. Turn left (north) on to Onehunga Harbor Road, left on Princes Street, right on Selwyn. Turn left on Mt. Albert Road (a major thruway) .

From here if you're going to Remuera Campground: Turn right on Campbell Road, left on Wheturangi Road, right on West Green Lane (becomes Green Lane East) across the freeway. Green Lane East merges right into Remuera Road. Bear right on Remuera until you see campground sign to turn right on Minto Road ...

If this makes any sense and is of some use then you're better off. The first time we biked in we darn near killed ourselves wandering around looking for the darned bridge underpass. There are some hills that will surprise your airplane "dead legs". This info is 2 years old and road conditions and bikeshop locations may have changed. There has been a lot of construction in the city due to the 2 big international sailing competitions coming up.

If you have any questions, email me.

Cindy

Cindy Beyer, September 25, 1999

Jan Boonstra's touring site

Jan Boonstra's touring site specializes in Korea and the far east

Jan Boonstra, March 20, 1999

New Zealand Trains

Paul Smee wrote: [about the UK] "Increasingly many trains either don't carry bikes (a lot of the newer light-rail stock on the branch lines has no space at all), or carry only a seriously-limited number, maybe at seriously-restricted times."


Well you could all come to NZ where you can put your bike on any train service, without booking and with no extra cost except on urban services (bike costs the same as an adult fare). You just unload it and lift it up to the luggage handlers. On the urban services the guard will tell you where to put the bike and you lift it on yourself. Around Wellington the local electric train service is heavily used by mountain bikers to get to and from rides. No-one seems to mind the mud. I try to remember a newspaper to put under my muddy bike on the trip home. The train is the only mode of transportation where I feel my bike is as safe as if I were riding it. When I was in GB the service seemed to be exactly the same - I loaded a muddy bike onto a train after cycling the West Highland Way, and had to move it onto two different trains to get back to London - no-one seemed to mind - times have changed huh. Hope this doesn't happen here.


Brendajane



  • More From: Brendajane VEALE
  • Date: Wed, 7 May 1997


    John Marshall asked: "Is it free now?"


    It always has been. Sometimes small local stations would mistakenly charge for a bicycle as an "accompanied item of freight". I always buy a ticket before I leave Wellington, and just explain that I was told I didn't have to pay for the bike as it is baggage, if anyone hits me up for $10.


    He also wrote "I guess in the metropolis of Wellington they have luggage handlers. In Marton it was a case of helping Adrienne or Vicky (the conductor) lift it up to the baggage wagon. "


    Sorry - I guess its because I'm a local that I know that the train manager and cabin attendants double as luggage handlers - at all stations including the big metropolis of Wellington. In Christchurch and Auckland they seem to have separate people that do this. Regardless, you have to lift your bike on - the luggage handlers stand in the train and wait for it (like leaning on the shovel and waiting for the dirt to leap out of the hole ;-)). On my more "things should be different days" I wonder why the platforms are not higher so that there is no great climb onto the train, or distance to lift one's luggage up? Picky, picky, picky. I think the train service here is great - I wish there were more trains. I particularly like the way the trains in the South Island will stop anywhere to pick you up - as long as they know you will be there, or you set up some kind of "please stop the train signal" (waving torches in the dark, waving people spaced out down the line in the day).


    Then John asked: "Do they have the same area in InterCity locomotives or is it more "seriously-limited"?


    Only Auckland has intercity locomotives and I have not travelled on these. Wellington has "units" which are electric trains and there is a space by the driver's compartment where we put our bikes. We put the bikes at the end of the train where there is no driver (there are driver's compartments at both ends of these trains). When the train reaches the end of the line, the driver walks down the train and drives it back from the other end. I have always wondered if the drivers feel like mice on treadmills?


    Christchurch does not have an urban train service although several excellent long distance (for NZ) services depart from here.


    Brendajane

  • Brendajane VEALE, May 04, 1997

    Christchurch, New Zealand

    The Christchurch airport has good roads to the city, and relatively inexpensive motels are within 10 km. We were able to check our BikePro tandem case for about $5 a day at the airport's checked luggage counter, although the room we put it in was quite small. If you have a large group with lots of bike bags that take up lots of room, you may want to consider other arrangements. We were there with another tandem couple (also with a BikePro case), and they also stored it there. No problems, but if there were 2 or 3 more tandem bags, it might have been tight.


    There is a nice grass area just outside the terminal (before the carpark) where you can assemble your bikes. When we were there, there were several other cyclists assembling or breaking down their bikes.


    Make sure you know how to ride traffic circles from the left-hand side, especially if you're from the USA or continental Europe or anywhere else that we drive on the right; there are a few on the way out from the airport. Traffic was usually light, and the roads well paved with adequate shoulders.


    There is a good book by John Ringer (I think that's the right name), appropriately called Cycling in NZ. Good book for planning your routes.

    Steve Casagrande, April 07, 1997

    Auckland, New Zealand

    I've been having my vicarious scroll through the archive and saw some stuff about crossing our borders and cycle touring here. Yes we are paranoid about pests. 80% of our economy is from agriculture or forestry and we don't have many of the pests, fungi, bacteria etc that live other places - the benefits of being an island nation. You are allowed to bring your bike and used tramping / camping equipment into NZ. You will be asked if its been cleaned and if you have been on a farm, orchard or rural place in the last 30 days. If you vow and declare that you have washed your bike, boots etc, you will probably be let in without inspection (please make sure you HAVE washed your bike).

    Otherwise you'll have to unpack your bike for inspection. Last time this happened to me the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries guy helped me assemble my bike. I have bought my mountain bike and camping equipment back from Australia (where nearly every insect species is represented), Bali, Fiji, and Thailand without undue hassle from customs. Returning from Canada last week, I watched a young German man and his bike go through the Ministry of Ag and Fish check, and they seemed more interested in the fruit in his muesli than his bike. Generally the Ag and Fish queue is shorter than the "nothing to declare" queue so you get through the formalities quicker.

    They seem to have stopped that spray the inside of the plane thing for some flight originations now. I got sprayed arriving from Bali earlier this year, but not from Toronto via Honolulu and Fiji last week.

    Absolute no-nos are fresh fruit of any kind (we had a bad fruit fly scare last year) and dirty bikes, shoes or boots from areas where there is foot and mouth disease or Tsetse fly. These will be impounded, fumigated and mailed to you (takes forever). Be extra paranoid about the clean thing if you are arriving from Africa.

    Anyone who wants some info about touring in NZ, mail me and I will respond.
    Brendajane
    I spend more time on planes than on my bike!

    Veale, March 07, 1997

    Auckland, New Zealand

    As in Australia, in New Zealand there are also regulations regarding quarantine and your bicycle should be (a bit) free of dust and dirt. There are not much problems for bringing / taking your bike, because it is a very common matter in New Zealand.

    At Auckland International Airport, there is even a special place for cyclists to build up your bike after arrival. See Jan's touring site.

    Jan Boonstra, February 06, 1997

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