Our experience with cycling on New Zealand covers the area around Wellington on the Northern Island, from Picton to Blenheim and Motueka on the Southern Island, as well as the Queenstown area. All these places can be strongly recommended.
The roads are usually shared with cars. Please remember to bike on the left hand side of the road, remember travel insurance, use a helmet, lock your bicycles and keep your luggage safe.
In total, we stayed in more motels and appartments than hotels. Our experiences are good, even from having to go out for breakfast.
Cycling route suggested:
The route below examplifies how nice bike paths and nice places can be combined into a vacation trip. The route can be modified suiting your own needs and interests; most vacations are improved by longer stays (2-3 days) in some places.
Round trip from Picton (map link)
Picton – Renwick – Rai Valley – Nelson – Motueka – Nelson – Rai Valley – Anakiwa – Picton