Ridiing in June in New Z?

Uboat

Has anyone ever ridden the entire length of New Zealand? How are the roads in the North?

I'm thinking of taking a trip there, have ridden in Oz now want to go to Kiwiland. Are the roads rough like I hear? And the weahter in our summer? June July?

62vette

There has been a length of NZ race, my boss has done it, and another colleague does either a North Island or South Island 5 or 6 day ride during winter each year, covering 900km - 1300km or so with a bunch of friends.

The length of NZ race was a multisport event, but the majority of the distance was road cycling. http://www.sportzhub.com/wildplaces/2001/mizone.html

You're best to avoid the major highways, to get away from the heavier traffic if nothing else.

You will be looking at the cooler months of the year, with August/September being coldest. Temperatures will range from (overnight low/daytime high) 9/15C in the far north, to -5/5C down in Invercargill. With the right gear you will be warm enough, but make sure you have wet weather gear as well as warm gear. It's always a weather lottery in NZ, you could have it rain the whole time, or have clear (and cold) weather the whole time. Chances are you'll get a mix of good and bad, just try not to be on too strict a schedule in case you need to hole up for a few days, or be prepared to train or bus the odd bit.

Some North Island central plateau roads South Island alpine passes will be closed from time to time during those months with ice and snow, but closures rarely last for more than two days, and you can generally reroute around closures.

A lot of NZ roads, and particularly the secondary roads, are sealed with coarse chip. This is rough as, but you get used to it. It will be slower than riding on good smooth seal.

You may want to consider a MTB with front suspension as a touring bike. Put the best puncture proof road/touring tyres on it you can buy. Or run a road/cross bike on something like 700/35 touring tyres.

Hope you come and have a great time.