Cycling the Mainland.....

While we were away last year cycling around Asia and Europe we realised that we had neglected our own backyard. We were constantly meeting other travellers who raved about the South Island, and all we could do was nod and agree as both of us have only visited a couple of places in the South Island. So when we moved back to Auckland at the start of the year we made a pledge to ourselves that our next cycle tour would be the South Island.

So for most of the year, we were often distracted from our work by planning our forthcoming tour. We learnt alot about cycle touring on our last tour, both about equipment requirements and also the style we like to travel in. But things will be vastly different this time, travelling in our own country and being able to speak the language. Plus the unpredictable NZ weather!!
Nick has built up a new bike, a Surly Long Haul Trucker, a classic steel frame built specifically for touring (will post some photos soon....) and Nat still has her trusty Trek that we bought in Bangkok. We will be fully sulf sufficient, carrying all our camping gear and food and water as required. We plan to camp for the whole tour although this may be weather dependent, judging by the huge storms they had in Nelson last week with 30cm of rain in 24 hours!!!!

So after a year of planning we are about to catch the train down from Auckland to Wellington then start our cycle tour of the South Island. We plan to be cycling for about seven weeks, completing a loop of the South Island.

Keep posted for further entries!! Viva la velorution!!