This self-supporting tour will
take you on 3 days of riding and sightseeing
through rural areas just outside of Auckland
to the somewhat remote North Island’s
west coast and the astoundingly rugged
Muriwai Beach, where you will have a chance
to spend a day or two exploring the surroundings
on foot. The gannet colony at Muriwai
Beach is not to be missed.
After enjoying the sightseeing at Muriwai
Beach, you will continue the tour by partially... More...
This self-supporting tour will
take you on 3 days of riding and sightseeing
through rural areas just outside of Auckland
to the somewhat remote North Island’s
west coast and the astoundingly rugged
Muriwai Beach, where you will have a chance
to spend a day or two exploring the surroundings
on foot. The gannet colony at Muriwai
Beach is not to be missed.
After enjoying the sightseeing at Muriwai
Beach, you will continue the tour by partially
retracing your route from day 1 and riding
northeast through mostly farming and horse
ranch country to the east coast. From
there you will turn south and follow the
coastline to the resort-like seaside town
of Devonport where the tour ends. Less...
The best time to ride this tour is between late September and early June. Although this route does not take you through any major tourist destinations it is likely that tourist traffic will be heavier than usual during the high summer season (December - January). Less...
How to Get There
These directions assume you have already arrived in Auckland, New Zealand by the transportation of your choice. If you have not yet figured out your travel plan to Auckland, New Zealand, you can check Air New Zealand and other major airlines for their schedules. For North American cyclists, Air New Zealand has direct/non-stop flights operating several times a week from Los Angeles and San Francisco to Auckland. If you are traveling domestically, Air New Zealand and other New Zealand regional airlines operate daily flights from within New Zealand to Auckland.
The starting destination of this tour is the town of Swanson, essentially a northwest suburb of Auckland. Take the local train transit (MAXX)
http://www.maxx.co.nz/ Western Line to Swanson. The tour begins just outside of the Swanson train station. A bicycle ticket must be purchased for each train trip at the cost of NZ$1 (as of February 2007). Carrying of bicycles onboard trains is dependent on space and at the discretion of onboard staff. Avoid travelling with bicycles at peak times, as space will be limited.
The tour ends in Devonport, a lovely little town located on a peninsula just across from Auckland on the Waitemata Harbour. From Devonport you will take the Fuller's Ferry (departs ever 30 min) to Auckland. At the time of this writing - May 2007 - the ferry fare from Devonport to Auckland is NZ$ 5.20 for a one-way trip for an adult, and less for senior citizens and children. There is no charge for transporting bicycles. Note that transporting bicycles is subject to available space, but generally that should not be an issue, unless you are traveling during commuting rush hour (8:00am - 9:00 am and 5:00pm - 6:00 pm). Tandem bicycles can also easily fit on the ferry.
The Auckland Fullers' Ferry Terminal is located across the street from the Britomart Transportation Station. From here you can take the local train transit (MAXX) http://www.maxx.co.nz/ to other locations within the larger metropolitan area of Auckland. A bicycle ticket must be purchased for each train trip at the cost of NZ$1 (as of February 2007). Carrying of bicycles onboard trains is dependent on space and at the discretion of onboard staff. Avoid travelling with bicycles at peak times, as space will be limited.
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Accommodations
Most of New Zealand's accommodations are clean, well serviced and relatively affordable. You can simply camp (if you prefer to carry your own tent), or stay in a basic hostel; or you can select a more comfortable option such as motel, hotel, private flat, or B&B (Bed and Breakfast).
You will find that many private and B&B accommodations in New Zealand offer a shared bathroom (generally for lesser rate) which may have a shower but not bath, or vice versa. If you prefer a room with private bath or shower (or both) look for accommodations advertising "ensuite" and always ask if the bathroom has a bathtub. (There is nothing more soothing than a good bath after a hard day's ride).
If you are planning to stay in a motel or B&B in Muriwai Beach, then it is suggested that you make reservations ahead of time, as accommodations are few in Muriwai Beach. Camping, on the other hand, should not be a problem. Less...
The Roads
The quality of roads on this tour is good. However, you will find that the roads on this tour are "chip seal" (most roads in New Zealand are chip seal); and therefore, somewhat less suitable for thin high pressure tires (too much vibration). Less...
Recommended Gear
Besides
the standard
touring gear & spare parts, it is
recommended that you bring at least two
extra foldable tires with strong Kevlar
casing. Clothing layers and cycling rain
gear is absolutely essential for this
tour. Additionally, if you like to use
rearview mirrors, whether they are helmet
mounted or bicycle mounted, make sure
you bring one that can be switched for
riding on the left hand side of the road.
As previously mentioned, a cycling helmet
is required by law in New Zealand and
if you ride after sunset, your bicycle
must be equipped with rear reflective
lights and front headlight. Less...
