Pedaltours

From here we fly to Hue, (cost included) the one time capital of the southern part of Vietnam. The Walled Citadel is a must to visit. Our bike ride follows the coast South via the Hai Van Pass and fascinating Hoi An – where we have a rest day – to the beach resort of Nha Trang.

The Bay of Islands, known now for its good sailing, has a rich history. Named by Captain Cook, it was home of the first European early settlers, and the historic towns dotted along its coast contain the oldest wooden and stone structures in the country. Horeke, on the beautiful Hokianga Harbour, is home to New Zealand’s oldest hotel. Much of the Twin Coast Cycle Trail tour follows the disused Bay of Island’s vintage railway.

We will meet you in the morning at your hotel in Auckland and drive to Helena Bay. On our drive we pass Warkworth, Dome Valley, the Brynderwyn Hills and the outskirts of Whangarei. Upon reaching Helena Bay, we will have lunch prior to commencing cycling on quiet back roads to Russell. We will catch the car ferry that crosses the Veronica Channel to get to Opua. From here we will commence cycling on the disused railway line towards Kawakawa. Kawakawa is known for its famous Hundertwasser toilets designed by Friedensreich Hundertwasser who lived in the town from 1975 until his death in 2000. From Kawakawa we continue on the disused railway to Kaikohe.

It takes in other superb beaches – the country has 3,450km of coastline – and the cooler Central Highlands, with a rest day at Dalat, once known as Le Petit Paris.

The Coromandel Peninsula is a cycling gem lying east of Auckland, in one of New Zealand’s most diverse and breathtaking locations. Known for natural beauty and pristine golden beaches the peninsula is a relaxed and wonderful place to see by bicycle. Luxuriant forest and mountain backdrops set the scene for a nearly untouched natural paradise.  See a giant kauri tree and ride a bush railway at the quaint town of Coromandel. You will bike by superb beaches and stop for a refreshing swim at lunchtime.

Visit two of New Zealand’s favourite natural attractions, Cathedral Cove and Hot Water Beach.  Te Whanganui-A-Hei (Cathedral Cove) Marine Reserve is one of New Zealand’s most popular tourist locations. The picturesque cove is named after the large cave which features a cathedral-like archway. The cave and beach was in the movie version of The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian.

Luxuriant forest and mountain backdrops set the scene. See a giant kauri tree and ride a bush railway at the quaint town of Coromandel. Bike by superb beaches and stop for a dip at lunch time. A farm stay will give you the opportunity to meet some real “Kiwis”. At the geothermal spa town of Rotorua with the opportunity to experience the local Maori culture.

Prague is a UNESCO world heritage site – set on the Vltava river, with its magnificent architecture, medieval lanes and impressive castle, the largest in the world.

The Czech Republic has an amazing number of very impressive castles; we start our biking from Karlstejn Castle on the outskirts of Prague and make our way along the excellent network of marked bike paths crisscrossing the country.Gently rolling hills take us from one charming town to another as we make our way to stunningly attractive Cesky Krumlov where we have a rest day. Continuing south we cross the now deserted border into Austria, heading for the Danube and then the picture postcard town of Steyr, set on the confluence of the Enns and Steyr rivers. Austria is very well served by off road cycle ways that are well used by both locals and visitors.

Heading for the mountains we have an overnight at Gmunden on the shores of Lake Traunsee. Our last day of biking takes us over the one significant hill on the tour to Kamersee and Mondsee lakes as we make our way to Salzburg, a grand baroque masterpiece set on the Salzach river. Here our biking comes to an end, but the city, with cliff top fortress and little lanes and cafes selling decadent chocolate cake, is very worthy of an additional few days’ relaxation.

Here some of Vietnam’s most spectacular scenery can be found.  On several days we venture away from the tourist meccas, cycling through traditional villages and staying in small towns with modest lodgings.

Much of the area is sparsely populated and the mountains are still home to many ethnic minorities. The women wear brightly coloured skirts, tops and hats, with each ethnic group favouring its own colour variation and design. One of the highlights of the tour is the Bac Ha weekly market where villagers from miles around to buy and sell everything from crafts to horses.  There is an overnight at Sapa, a onetime French hill station; from here we take an overnight train back to Hanoi.

Your South Island Cycle Adventure starts at Picton, a picturesque fishing town at the northern tip of the South Island. It is a small town (pop.2,600) nestling under the bush-clad hills of Queen Charlotte Sound, named by Captain Cook in 1770.

We specialise in wonderful fully supported cycling vacations for cyclists of all levels. Our tours highlight the stunning scenery and fabulous lodges of our country. We have rental bikes in wide range of sizes. Our tours are great value and are the easiest way to have a relaxed cycle vacation.

Our knowledgeable, friendly local guides take pride in showcasing their country for you, while you cycle as little or as much as you want. Enjoy friendly Kiwi hospitality, superb scenery and terrain that will delight cycle enthusiasts – knowing that each evening, there is a comfortable lodge and excellent cuisine awaiting you.
We start our cycle tour with a magical ride around the Marlborough Sounds coastline, to Nelson Lakes National Park, and then down spectacular Buller Gorge to the wild West Coast. We cycle through orchards, farmland and pine plantations on our way to Nelson Lakes National Park.

We stay at Punakaiki, right by the beach and see the Pancake Rocks and Blowholes at Paparoa National Park. Pedal past picture-perfect West Coast lakes and Glaciers and stay at a Wilderness Lodge in the rain forest. Walk to the beach and you may see penguins! Over Haast Pass to sheep country and Wanaka set on beautiful Lake Wanaka, overlooked by Mt Aspiring National Park.

Our last ‘hill’ is the Crown Range – a superb descent to historic Arrowtown before reaching Queenstown, the outdoor capital of New Zealand.

Accommodation includes luxury wilderness and eco-lodges, alpine chalets and character inns.

Join Pedaltours as we cycle through villages where we will share the road with goats and camels, sacred cows – perhaps even an elephant; see local women pumping water at the communal well and be overwhelmed by magnificent Moghul forts rising above deserts and towns.

Tour can be done in either direction.

This varies from coastal canals to the highlands of the Western Ghats. It is extremely fertile and grows a huge range of spices and teas. You will see the occasional elephant, monkeys, deer and perhaps the elusive tiger. Highlights include the Thattekad Bird Sanctuary and a night on a house boat.

Get fit before your Vietnam cycling tour with a fabulous leisurely 4 day ride through the pancake-flat Mekong Delta. Easy terrain, excellent hotels. Visit the fascinating floating market at Can Tho.