Pedaltours

In between, we will visit the delightful towns of Cambridge, Taupo and Napier. From these bases, you will enjoy scenic rides on quiet country roads taking in rolling farmland, glittering lakes, volcanic fields, vineyards and coastal vistas. Both longer and more moderate rides have been developed for each day to cater for all riding levels.

North Island is one of New Zealand’s two main islands, known for its volcanic activity, national parks, winegrowing regions and cosmopolitan cities. It’s home to about three-quarters of New Zealand’s population.

The Rural and Wine tour is based on the format of staying in one or more hubs and choosing scenic
rides out from the hub each day. We start this tour in the Northern city of Auckland which has two major harbours and is known as the City of Sails and finish in the tourist haven of Rotorua which is famous for its exciting geothermal activity including geysers and mud pools. In between we will enjoy riding around the rich rolling green pastures of the Waikato region, then through to the stunning Lake Taupo, a volcanic crater created by a super volcanic eruption which occurred 6,500 years ago.

From there we transition to Hawkes Bay on the East coast, recognised on the world stage for its award winning wines. The region includes scenic coastal land as well as a hilly interior stretching up into the Kaweka and Ruahine Ranges with five major rivers connecting the two. Three days are spent exploring this delightful area, this includes a rest day. Time for both stunning rides as well as other attractions such as the wineries and the Art deco town of Napier. Leaving Hawkes Bay we travel to Rotorua which has a prominent Maori culture and a thriving adventure tourism industry. There is also a range of mountain bike rides around the area.

The terrain is flat, the scenery excellent and your luggage will be transported in the support vehicle. Indulge your passion for good wine and fine dining and join us for a leisurely wine tour. Soak in the hot outdoor thermal spa at Hanmer Springs. Quiet country roads and our support vehicle to carry your wine purchases make for a great short break.  The tour starts in Christchurch. It is an attractive city with the river Avon winding its way through the center bordered by weeping willows, and has an excellent botanical garden at Hagley Park.

Leaving Hanmer Springs by minibus, we drive to the Hurunui Tavern to cycle delightful backroads of Horsley Downs and Hawarden to Waikari (23 km). Here we cross the highway to take the picturesque Waikari / Greta Valley road. Lunch will be at Waipara Springs Winery. After lunch it is a short ride into Waipara town, where we’ll have a wine tasting at Torlesse Winery, close to the Weka Pass steam train and Glenmark church. Whilst you are sampling the wines, your bikes will be loaded onto the trailer for the drive back to Christchurch.

There is a short section of unpaved road – a hybrid bike is more suitable than a road bike

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.

With its many ethnic minorities and 2,200 years of history, it is rich in culture and heritage. Enjoy bicycling on quiet country roads with the locals.

Included in the tour is a flight from Hanoi to the ancient capital of Hue, two nights in the lovely town of Hoi An, two nights by the sea at Nha Trang, the temperate Central Highlands with two nights at Dalat and the opportunity to ride an elephant at Buon Ma Thuot.

As with all our tours, we stay at very comfortable, character places and bike on minor roads. To avoid the highway, we drive part way most days.

Hanoi, especially the Old Quarter, deserves a full day. You may wish to arrive in Hanoi early to visit some of Hanoi’s historical sights: the beautiful Hoan Kiem lake, Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum and Ho Chi Minh’s house, where he preferred to live simply. One Pillar Pagoda, a small but significant pagoda with a Buddhist representation of the world and the Temple of Literature, originally built in 1070. We are happy to reserve additional hotel accommodation for you.

We will ride through the Dalmatia coast, from Skradin to Split. Continue along the spectacular Adriatic coast towards Dubrovnik. We will continue to the Dalmatia coast, visiting the delightful towns of Split, Mali Ston, Gradar and Dubrovnik. Taking in rolling farmland, glittering lakes, medieval towns, vineyards and coastal vistas.

Both longer and moderate rides have been developed for each day so all riding levels are catered for.

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.

From these bases, you’ll enjoy scenic rides on quiet country road taking on true pristine natural beauty. The starting point is the Postojna, the jewel in the Karst Region and finishing in Divača the biggest settlement and seat of the municipality.

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

From Launceston we head inland to Cradle Mountain where we overnight at a wilderness lodge. From here it is a long downhill to Strahan on the coast where we have a rest day, and then over King William Pass to Lake St Clair. We finish with a long downhill to our farm stay and back it is back to the attractive city of Hobart, Tasmania’s capital.

We visit two National Parks where we will enjoy a close encounter with unique Australian wildlife. You will experience early colonial history and stay at some of the very best lodges in the State. A reasonable level of fitness is required.