After more than 25 years operating guided cycling tours in New Zealand’s South Island, World Expeditions is fast-tracking its expansion to the North Island, with the launch of five new itineraries, in anticipation of robust demand following the lifting of border restrictions.
The new adventures range from an introductory level exploration of the glittering Bay of Islands to a challenging 9-day road cycle from Wellington to Auckland and follow the company’s popular format of being professionally guided and fully supported, with hotel/motel ensuite accommodation on twin share basis and including most meals.
The two shortest itineraries are suitable for entry-level riders, including families with older children: The new four day Twin Coast Hike Bike Splash is a cycling exploration of the glittering Bay of Islands along the easy 87km Twin Coast Trail, as it passes through wetlands, native forest, rolling farmland & historic townships and the three day Hauraki Rail Trail Cycle traces the flat, easy Hauraki Rail Trail between historic gold towns along the Shorebird Coast and through Karangahake Gorge, along one of New Zealand’s oldest railway corridors.
Another introductory level trip is the 6 day Wairarapa and Hawke’s Bay Backroads, which follows trails along purpose-built cycleways, quiet rural roads and easy unsealed trails with picturesque postcard views through wine country, farmland and forest. With accommodation in some delightful historic properties along the way and tastings at local wineries on route, this trip is a wonderful combination of activity and indulgence.
A moderate itinerary, the five day Timber Trail Waikato and Great Lake Trail covers almost 200 km of what is often described as the best riding the Central North Island has to offer, alongside NZ’s longest river, the Waikato River to the shores of Lake Taupo, through forest, farmland and the volcanic landscapes.
The most challenging new itinerary is the 9 day road cycling North Island Backroads, which follows a series of New Zealand’s quiet back roads from the capital in Wellington through the Hutt Valley towards the Rimutaka Ranges, through vineyards and rolling coastal and rural roads to Napier, and on through the volcanic landscapes of the Central Plateau to Rotorua and, ultimately, Auckland.
According to World Expeditions CEO, Sue Badyari, each of the new itineraries has been crafted by the company’s specialist guided NZ cycling brand, Adventure South NZ, to deliver an authentic experience in the chosen region, with all the logistics taken care of.
The new trips are in addition to the company’s popular range of South Island guided cycling adventures, including the 6 day Alps to Ocean Classic, an expertly curated exploration of some of the South Island’s most spectacular landscapes and the 7 day Alps to Ocean End to End, a 320km cycle through spectacular and diverse country along the entire length of the Alps to Ocean Cycle Trail, from the foot of Aoraki/Mt Cook to the Pacific Ocean.
Visit www.worldexpeditions.com & contact your local travel agent to book.
