NEW Zealanders have embraced bike riding since the 1880s when velocipedes and penny-farthings were ridden on muddy and rutted roads by the daring.
Much has changed since then, but the landscape – some of the best biking countryside in the world – has remained the same.
New Zealand’s first country-wide cycle trail network was created to provide a unique way to see the landscape for riders of all levels alongside world-renowned food and wine experiences.
Heritage Hotels, including CityLife Hotels and the Heritage Collection, were quick to become a national partner with Nga Haerenga (as the New Zealand Cycle Trail is known) and now offer a range of services for guest cyclists.
These include making connections to the best cycle hire and tour operators for guests, providing information on local self-guided trails, allocating clean-down areas for the bikes at the hotel, providing secure luggage and bike storage facilities and advising on maintenance and repair services.
“We have hotel choices near many popular New Zealand cycle trails, including 50 per cent of the Great Rides,” said Heritage Hotel Management group communications manager Susan Gibson.
“Guests tell us there’s nothing quite like the promise of a luxury stay and a good meal at one of our properties after a long day’s riding.”
Ms Gibson has ridden many of the trails herself.
“For once a job in the hospitality industry has actually led to weight loss, not weight gain,” she said. “It’s very satisfying to tick each trail off, one by one, on the map.
“The multi-day Otago Central Rail Trail is one trail in particular where we see many Australian visitors. It begins not far from our Heritage Collection Lake Resort, Cromwell property.”
Trails near the Heritage properties range from the sedate to challenging.
“Fortunately, even a person with just a modicum of fitness can cycle many of the trails,” Ms Gibson said.
“If you are a fan of sauvignon blanc, the Marlborough trail, for example, weaves through many world-class vineyards, wending its way back to our Marlborough Vintners Hotel for a gourmet meal at the end.”
For those wanting to test their fitness, the Heritage Hanmer Springs is close to the St James Trail.
The 64km cycleway, suitable for intermediate to advanced riders, traverses spectacular mountain passes and river valleys, but can also be enjoyed by beginners on the abbreviated Homestead Run of just 15km.
Other inspiring cycle trail rides close to Heritage Collection properties include the Twin Coast Trail, Bay of Islands, the Great Lake Trail Taupo, Tasman’s Great Taste Trail, the Queenstown Trail, Otago Central Rail Trail and the Roxborough Gorge and Clutha Gold Trails.
1800-141-780, www.heritagehotels.co.nz/nzcycletrail
For Nga Haerenga, the New Zealand Cycle Trail, maps and information, www.nzcycletrail.com
