More About Riding in NZ

When to Ride

You can ride pretty much all year round in New Zealand - the weather is generally pretty mild.  Many of the rides around Central Otago however may be out of bounds because they are simply under snow in the winter months of June to late September.

The main summer months are November to April and the summer school holidays are from just before Christmas to the end of January.  Expect everywhere to be busy!

Prices will rise and fall in the main tourist towns during the peak seasons.

Where to Ride

NZbyBIke.com lists all the best places to ride around New Zealand.  Along with the development of the fantastic Great Rides there has been a lot of work done across New Zealand in getting mountain bikers more access to trails.  Please don't spoil it by riding on closed trails or across private land without first obtaining permission.

What to Wear and Carry

There is one thing you can definitely not count on in New Zealand - the weather.  Just because the day starts hot and sunny don't bank on it being that way all day.  Always at least have a lightweight jacket and even a thermal and/or arm warmers in your backpack.  Many of the South Island rides we promote on this website are in sub-alpine landscapes.  These areas can get very cold very fast so be prepared.

Carry a small first aid kit!  Despite best intentions at some stage an accident will happen to you or someone you are riding with.  at the minimum carry some bandages, a sling, an emergency blanket and a whistle (some of the trails are remote and if you fall off the trail and can't make you way back onto it - a whistle will go along way to aiding your rescue).

Take a few spare tires!  There are any number of evils to puncture those precious tires such as sharp pinching volcanic rock in the North Island to the dreaded rubber peircing Spaniard plant in the South Island.  For any ride take at least two spare tires per rider.

Sunscreen. Wear it! There is a large hole in the Ozone layer across the Antarctica and Southern new Zealand.  This means that you are less protected from the suns harmful UV Rays in New Zealand.  Don't be a fool.  Sunburn can lead to skin cancer - the easiest protection is a hat, a shirt and plenty of sunscreen regularly.

Choosing a Bike

The newly developed Great Rides are designed to be enjoyed by all ages and abilities.  You will not need the latest full suspension mountain bike to enjoy these trails.  The harder the grades the more serious bike you will need.  Whatever you choose make sure the bike is in good condition, check the brakes and oil the chain! 

Make sure the bike fits you - your leg should be just off straight when extended at the bottom of a peddle stroke while sitting on the seat and your arms should also be slightly bent (not stretched right out).  A long day in the saddle can become a miserably long day in the saddle if the bike is too small or too large for you.