Has anyone cycled the length of New Zealand? Looking at doing a road cycle tour next year. I've found some companies that offer it as guided tours but just can justify the price.
Any advice would be great.
Me and the wife circumnavigated NZ about 9 years ago.
Easiest place in the world to tour as not many roads to choose. Most of state high ways have nice shoulders to ride in except sh2 unless things have changed. But you go the arrow town route anyway round there.
Worst roads were north of Auckland we found. Narrow single track short sharp hills on the west. The east side of that part not so bad.
Don't know if they have been kept up to date but pedallers paradise books were great at the time.
Camping on route easiest thing ever as most campsites have propper hostel style kitchens and many have rec rooms.
Done the south island, but a while ago now. Easy peasy to self organise and navigate. Wanaka was nice. Watch out for swooping birds - a white helmet was a bad idea....
Yes, not in one session. Best route inc some nice offroad stuff is here http://www.touraotearoa.nz/p/home.html, GPX files etc. Route was created by Simon K et al over time and represents the best sections of all the new bike trails etc. North section needs a bit of logistics for stuff like 90 mile beach and across Kaipara harbour but well worth it.