http://www.bike-nz.com/blog/ The latest Blog feeds from www.bike-nz.com en-us Wed, 11 Nov 2026 19:58:56 +1300 Rocketspark http://www.bike-nz.com/blog/post/171679/self-guided-bike-tours-in-new-zealand-how-they-actually-work/ "Self-guided" is the most misunderstood phrase in cycle touring. It does not mean you are on your own. It means you ride at your own pace while someone else has quietly taken care of everything that is not riding. Here is exactly what that looks like on a Pacific Cycle Tours self-guided trip, after three decades of tours, family-run by Brett and Judy since 2018.... Sat, 17 Oct 2026 11:45:41 +1300 http://www.bike-nz.com/blog/#post171679 http://www.bike-nz.com/blog/post/171452/south-island-cycling-itineraries/ The most common question we are asked is not which trail, it is how many days. The answer: the South Island rewards whatever time you can give it, and the right itinerary is the one that fits your window, your legs and your idea of a holiday. Here is how the options compare, from long weekends to the full ten-night journey. On all of them, your beds are booked and your bags are moved, so you ride carrying nothing but the day.... Sun, 11 Oct 2026 15:27:54 +1300 http://www.bike-nz.com/blog/#post171452 http://www.bike-nz.com/blog/post/171211/best-time-to-cycle-south-island/ The quick answer: October to April, with January to March the warm heart of the season. Every month inside that window has its own personality, and the right one for you depends on which trail you are riding and how you like your days. Here is the honest month-by-month, from a team that has been putting riders on these trails for three decades, family-run by Brett and Judy since 2018.... Sun, 04 Oct 2026 08:44:23 +1300 http://www.bike-nz.com/blog/#post171211 http://www.bike-nz.com/blog/post/167726/what-will-the-weather-be-like-on-our-tour/ The South Island of New Zealand offers some of the most breathtaking landscapes for biking, but the weather can significantly affect your experience. Here's a breakdown of what to expect from October through March, so you can plan your bike adventure accordingly.October: Spring AwakensOctober marks the beginning of spring on the South Island. The weather is still quite variable, with cool temperatures ranging between 10-17°C (50-63°F). Expect a mix of sunny days and the occasional rain shower.... Mon, 26 Aug 2024 12:21:26 +1200 http://www.bike-nz.com/blog/#post167726 http://www.bike-nz.com/blog/post/167709/6-reasons-you-should-join-one-of-our-guided-tours/ 1️⃣ Effortless Exploration: Our e-bikes provide an extra boost of power, making it easier to conquer challenging terrains and enjoy the stunning landscapes without breaking a sweat. Whether you're a seasoned cyclist or new to biking, our e-bikes ensure an enjoyable and comfortable ride for all.2️⃣ Expert Guides: Our experienced guides are passionate about the South Island and will accompany you throughout the tour.  We have designed the tour to include some of the best parts of... Tue, 06 Jun 2023 11:38:07 +1200 http://www.bike-nz.com/blog/#post167709 http://www.bike-nz.com/blog/post/167714/improve-your-riding--better-cornering/ Cycling is a great way to stay fit, enjoy the outdoors, and reduce your carbon footprint. However, to get the most out of cycling, it’s essential to improve your cornering technique. Cornering is the process of turning while riding your bicycle, and it’s crucial to be able to do it safely and efficiently. Improving your cornering skills can increase your speed and confidence, making your rides more enjoyable. Here are some tips for improving your cornering technique.Slow down before the turn... Sun, 12 Feb 2023 08:37:31 +1300 http://www.bike-nz.com/blog/#post167714 http://www.bike-nz.com/blog/post/167724/things-to-do-in-christchurch/ Arrived in Christchurch a few days before your tour and looking for things to do?  We’ve got you covered.  Whether you are here for several days or just one day early, we have lots of ideas to get you out exploring.Christchurch is the largest city in the South Island and is home to great food and coffee (and cocktails), museums, galleries, beautiful parks, and loads of activities.  The key to discovering the heartbeat of any city is to walk it as much as you can.&... Thu, 09 Jun 2022 09:54:19 +1200 http://www.bike-nz.com/blog/#post167724 http://www.bike-nz.com/blog/post/167713/improve-your-riding--better-braking/ Braking is easy, right?  You pull the thingy (leaver) and the brakes (callipers with brake pads) clamp on the silver metal bit (rotor) and the bike slows down and eventually comes to a stop.  But is it really that simple?  Well yes, and no. Going fast is great fun, but there are some very good reasons to use those brakes and slow down: Maintaining control, especially on terrain you are not familiar with or on rougher riding conditions. Riding responsibly.&... Mon, 16 May 2022 13:24:23 +1200 http://www.bike-nz.com/blog/#post167713 http://www.bike-nz.com/blog/post/167716/lake-dunstan-trail/ We awoke in Clyde to a foggy and brisk -1°C outside but the forecast looked great, so after defrosting the car windscreen we made our way to Cromwell to start our ride on the new Lake Dunstan Trail.  I had been looking forward to this ride since it opened and despite it being winter I just couldn’t wait any longer.  On reaching old Cromwell town for the start of the ride, the fog was still heavy so decided to get a coffee at Armando’s Kitchen in the hope it would lift soon. &... Thu, 12 Aug 2021 14:32:40 +1200 http://www.bike-nz.com/blog/#post167716 http://www.bike-nz.com/blog/post/167715/is-an-e-bike-tour-right-for-me/ We kiwis are an independent bunch.  We’ve spent our lives travelling intrepidly across the globe with nothing but a few dollars in our account and an oversized backpack on our back, armed with a copy of Lonely Planet’s ‘Europe on a Shoestring’ travel guide (yes, in printed form.  An actual book that weighed a ton, but it was our bible of the day).  We’ve taken on the world one overcrowded tourist attraction at a time, so we know how to travel on ... Mon, 19 Jul 2021 10:11:00 +1200 http://www.bike-nz.com/blog/#post167715