The New Zealand Cycle Trails Nga Haerenga

Book excerpt: How to enjoy New Zealand's cycle trail network, by a writer who knows them like the back of his hand. Nga Haerenga - the New Zealand Cycle Trails - began as a vision to inspire people to experience New Zealand's great outdoors by bike. This book is stuffed full of useful information on the different trails - how to get there, what you will see, level of difficulty, things to take, places to eat and places to stay. There is fascinating background information on each area - its history and the local flora and fauna - as well as on the ride itself. This new edition covers several new sections of the trails, and provides updates on any on-going construction work. There is also a highly practical section full of advice on choosing the right bike, gear to take, cell phone coverage in the different areas, weather and the best times of year for each trail, environmental care and useful websites. Written by New Zealand's top cycling writer, the book is aimed at family groups and first-time cyclists as well as more experienced groups. It's accompanied by colour photos, elevation profiles and maps of each trail. This new fully revised edition also provides an introduction to Tour Aotearoa which goes from Cape Reinga to Bluff. It's a 3000-km length of New Zealand ride, taking in many of the Great Rides, and connecting them together with the safest and most enjoyable roads and tracks available. The route is fully open to the public. It can be done in one highly adventurous hit, or divided up into shorter lengths and completed over a period of time. Don't put your bike on the bike rack without this book!