This month we feature an article from Independant Cycle Tours - New Zealand. However many times we return to New Zealand, it never ceases to astound. When your planning to see it there's no better way than from the back of a bike with these guys as support. Tell them we sent you and we'll give you a copy of 'The Essential Touring Cyclist: A Complete Guide for the Bicycle Traveler' by Richard A. Lovett.

Independent Bicycle Tours New Zealand

After a rest and sightseeing day in Hanmer, it’s on to the wine and olive growing regions of Waipara and Amberley, before a gentle ride back to Christchurch.

With self-guided cycling tours, you independently carry your own equipment and your support vehicle, if required, is public transport. This means that self-guided cycle tours are the most eco-friendly possible way to travel. Your day is yours to do at your own pace. All you need to do is follow a comprehensive daily itinerary; which suggests sites to visit, local landmarks and amenities along the way to your next stop. Put together by cyclists with excellent local touring knowledge the itinerary lets you spend your holiday seeing the scenery rather than worrying about where you’re going to stay the night.

Included in the cost of your cycling tour is the use of a quality bicycle and equipment, suited to the demands of bike touring in New Zealand. Having the bike, panniers and equipment in New Zealand means that you can avoid the hassles and costs associated with bringing your bike with you; Additionally, you aren’t left looking for safe storage for your bike when cycling is done.
Lastly, but for most of us, significantly, the cost of a self-guided bike tour is a third to half of the cost of fully guided group tours. Given that you are seeing the same countryside, on the same roads, staying in equivalent (but more user-friendly) accommodation, it’s easy to see why self-guided cycling tours are becoming the increasingly popular way to cycle around New Zealand.
Why choose Independent Cycle Tours NZ? 

Eight very good reasons...

Eco-friendly tourism
Independent Cycle Tours New Zealand self-guided cycle tours are the most eco-friendly way to travel. You use pedal power to see this beautiful country, thus minimising your carbon footprint. We strongly believe that ecotourism is an important part of New Zealand's future and are proud to be part of the growth in sustainable green tourism.
Flexibility
to do what you want without being tied to tight schedules and crowded groups that a fully guided bike tour would entail. You needn’t worry about minimum numbers and dates that may not suit.
Accommodation
One of the key differences between ICTNZ and other tour companies is the quality of the accommodation and friendliness of the hosts. We carefully check all accommodation to ensure the best possible experience for all our customers. We believe that many memorable holiday experiences are made by the friendly local people you meet. The friendliness of the hosts and the high standard of accommodation have frequently been commented on by our customers. Get to know the real New Zealand and real New Zealanders, while experiencing the beauty and majesty of our unique country.
Affordability
Costing around half that of fully-guided bicycle tour; self-guided bicycle tours allow you to spend longer biking and doing the things you want to do; making your New Zealand adventure holiday more affordable
Knowledge
ICTNZ has been set up by cycle tourers, for cycle tourers. We have extensive knowledge of bike touring in the South Island of New Zealand, gained through tens-of-thousands of kilometers cycling all the routes we recommend. We have used the knowledge we have gained to put together these self-guided tour routes because we think they offer the best experience of the spectacular scenery and unique culture that the South Island has to offer.
Equipment
that will get the job done, not leave you sitting on the side of the road. The bikes are replaced every year, and are thoroughly checked after every hire, so you can be assured of a well serviced, quality bike for your journey. To undertake a bike tour in New Zealand, you need a bike capable of standing up to the rigours of this diverse countryside. We provide cheap tours, not cheap gear. We offer well-serviced bikes with Shimano deore 27 speed componentry as minimum. We believe that anything less is not capable of dealing with the demands of bike touring in New Zealand
Safety
New Zealand is a safe place to travel in. Due to our relatively low population, particularly in the South Island, our roads are in good order with low traffic flows. You may find it uncannily eerie at times when there are so few vehicles travelling on the routes you will cycle on.
Support
Another factor that separates us from other tour operators is that we will deliver the bike and gear to your accommodation in Christchurch (or a number of other cities around New Zealand). We come to you, saving you time and hassle in an unfamiliar city. If you get stuck or need a day off, all our tours are developed so the routes are covered by a major (New Zealand-wide) shuttle service, which is able to take you and your bike to the next location. On many of our tours we provide a luggage cartage service so that your gear can be waiting for you at the end of each day instead of being carried by you on the bike.