The Northlands by bike
Written: Oct 22 '99
|
Product Rating:
|
|
|
Pros: Friendly people, rugged landscape, beautiful oceans
Cons: It is too far away from home to see every weekend.
|
|
|
| maejohns's Full Review: Auckland |
Bike touring is, in my opinion, perhaps the best way to explore unfamiliar (and familiar) territory. If you can afford the time and can buy/borrow/find the equipment you'll need and are not afraid of having to actually be physically prepared for a trip, then I say go for it.
It was mid-December, 1997, when Katie and I found ourselves arriving to Auckland airport for our bike tour. I was to be there for 2 weeks, and she for 4. Having planned on seeing whatever we could by bike, we decided that during the time that I was there, we would venture north of Auckland to a region known as the Northlands. In the two week period, we would be able to travel to the northern most point in New Zealand, then return along a different route with plenty of time to do some sea kayaking in the Bay of Islands as well as experience a few days of the more urban lifestyle in Auckland.
Once I left the country, she would take a train from Auckland south, then a ferry to the South Island where she would continue her bike trek to Christchurch to bring in the New Year.
We had heard great stories from friends about traveling in New Zealand, whether by bike, by car, or by foot. Upon arriving to Auckland airport, we were very happy to see that on the outside of the airport, several bike mechanics' stands were permanently in place! This, already, should give you an idea of the Kiwi attitude toward adventure and bike touring. We quickly assembled our bikes and began our adventure.
I could share the entire experience with all of you, but instead I will highlight some of those observations which we made along our journey in an attempt to illustrate just how kind and gentle the people in New Zealand are; and how rugged and intense the lifestyle can be (if you choose to let it be so).
* Hitch-hiking: At one point in our journey, Katie's tire blew. Not just the innertube, but the actual tire. Not being sufficiently prepared, I was forced to hitch-hike back to the nearest town which had a bike shop. I was picked up by probably the three roughest guys in town, and
before I knew it, I had bonded with these guys. Hey, they ain't so rough. The word on the street about hitch-hiking: When someone picks you up, don't be surprised if they ask you over for dinner. They are serious. That is how nice New Zealand is.
* Sea Kayaking: In the Bay of Islands on the East side of the Northlands, Katie and I were staying in a small village named Russell. We connected with a local tour company and our guide, whose name has left me, turned out to be a transplanted Colorado native who could never return to the American way of life. Our group totaled 6; before long, we were all paddling quite well as he took us on a tour of an ancient "Pa" (an ancient fortress/homestead which was strategically positioned on a point overlooking the bay). On our return paddle, our guide was catching large fish by simply laying out a line from his kayak. How amazing to see this done so easily.
* Hostels: Katie and I were well-equipped with camping gear, having planned on camping almost every night of our trip. Little did we realize that we would have little need for this gear as their were an abundance of hostels *everywhere* whose rates were ridiculously cheap! (we're talking less than $10/night!). The hostel of choice in the Northlands is called the "Tree House",
which is located on the North side of Hokianga Harbor near Kohukohu. I hope at least one person reads this and goes there because of it. It is so pleasant.
* Cape Reinga: A northern point of the Northlands. A bear of a ride to get there -- you might opt to drive. This is where the Pacific Ocean meets the Tasman Sea. You literally can see the seam formed by the joining of these two bodies of water. Incredible.
I could go on-and-on about this trip. I just wanted to share some of the sights that were seen and would strongly encourage anyone who is on the fence about traveling New Zealand to jump on it. It is incredible.
By the way, if you decide to travel by bike, then be prepared for hills. Remember that New Zealand is a volcanic island, so things have not been "smoothed over". Lots of ups and downs. Can be very grueling. But worth it.
A book we used as reference is called "New Zealand by bike" by Bruce Ringer. This is very helpful to have, and very informative.
Enjoy.
Recommended:
Yes
|
|
|
|
Epinions.com ID:
maejohns
|
|
Member: Mark Johnson
Location: Palo Alto, CA
Reviews written: 37
Trusted by: 65 members
|
|
|
- Add to My Yahoo!: 
- Add to Google Homepage: 
© 1999-2009 Shopping.com, Inc.