Our mountain bike holiday in New Zealand

Bob and I returned from our mountain biking holiday in New Zealand on Monday night.

We had a great time! We managed to ride everyday we were away. We took our own bikes with us, which was great once we arrived and were actually riding them. Excess baggage can be a problem when carrying bikes though, so no shopping allowed!

We rode the Central Otago Railtrail for 4 days. We had perfect weather for the entire ride with cool mornings, 1 or 2 degrees, and warming up to about 20 degrees by the afternoon. The scenery was absolutely stunning and we could not resist taking so many photos of the snow capped mountains as they stood out against the clear blue skies.

Each night our bags were waiting for us, transfered to our accomodation by Trail Journeys. They did a terrrific job! Every place we stayed was spot on, with a VERY comfortable bed, a luxuriously hot bath and a delicious meal. Exactly what you need after riding for around 50 kms each day.

Along the trail we passed about 22 million sheep! It was lambing season so each sheep had twin lambs, a very cute sight….two sets of tiny woolly ears curiously peaking up at you as we ride by!

There were heaps of bridges to traverse over deep craggy gorges and a few dark tunnels to walk through.

About 10,000 people a year ride the Rail Trail, the busiest time being Easter. So for us it was a great time to do the trail as we had it mostly to ourselves!  We arrived on Day 4 at Middlemarch to the fanfare of a Steam Train and all the excitement that goes along with that! A Scottish Pipe band, market stalls and heaps of people! Bit of a shock after riding 167kms through the country side and talking mostly to the sheep!

After the Rail Trail, we went to Queenstown, where we had rain and snow! The next day the weather was yet again glorious and perfect for another bike ride. We found a track out to Jack’s Point and spent the morning riding and taking photos.

I have been asked what was the best bit about our trip and I would have to say the time on the rail Trail when we rode our bikes each day, exploring the country side up close and personal! We have all had holidays where you spent quite a bit of time driving and sitting int he car as the scenery goes whizzing past. Taking the time to slow down and enjoy it was really worth the effort!

First stop, day one Rail Trail ride