Q What kind of pedals and seats do the bicycles have?
A choice of a standard flat pedal and the same pedal with a toe clip are available, if you prefer to ride with clipless (spd. etc.) pedals, we recommend you bring your own.  The bike seats are comfortable ladies' or mens' gel saddles.  For our multi day tours for your comfort we recommend you bring your own.  We are only too happy to fit it for you.

Q What additional expense can I expect?
As we work with you to build your bicycle tour,  we like to keep things as simple as possible so that the only extras are optional activities, like kayaking or flightseeing, and personal expenses including alcohol. We are however mindful that this is your tour and you may wish  for example to  choose where you eat on the day. In this case, some meals may be excluded at your choice. For our standard tours the only  meals not included are lunches on the Otago Rail trail tour.

Q Should I bring my own helmet?
We have quality helmets available in small, medium, large and extra large sizes; however nothing fits like your own, so for a multi-day tour we recommend you bring your own.

Q What kind of bicycle do you provide?
For our road tours, our most popular bikes are our Tiagra equipped 27 speed Specialized Sirrus touring hybrids, using 700 x 28 tyres on Shimano 550 wheels, equipped with rear rack bag, water bottle, and computer, available in sizes small to extra large.

We also have the low bar ladies frame bikes from Sarah Ulmer and Specialized Sirrus ladies specific design in small and extra small sizes. For those wanting a touring frame, we have the 27 speed Specialized Tricross available in sizes 52cm to 58cm, and the Subzero from Sarah Ulmer in  43cm and 48cm both equipped with STI shifters, rear rack bag, water bottle and computer.

We ride on the left hand side of the road and to facilitate hand signals our brake levers are the opposite to those in the USA.

Our bicycles are all fitted with large hi vis reflectors for your safety. If you have a right mounting helmet mirror please bring it with you. Handlebar mirrors are available on request.

Q How big are the hills?
Not that big.  New Zealand might be a mountainous country, but the roads generally follow the valleys, anyway what's the van for?  So if you run out of puff, we'll be there.

Q When is the best time to cycle in New Zealand?
It depends on the exact route for your tour, however for the best weather on the West Coast South Island we recommend any time between Christmas and April.  The two busy times for tourist traffic on the roads are Christmas /early January when New Zealanders and Australians are on holiday and February /early March, when most northern hemishere tourists visit.
February is usually the hottest month, but remember you are cycling through temperate rain forest and although we can't promise "four seasons in one day", its not that uncommon at any time of year!!

Q Can I get lost?
We provide detailed coloured maps, clearly showing the routes. Our guides will also be close by to assist you with
directions. To see sample maps, please email us.

Q How safe are the New Zealand roads?
Our quiet back roads are  paved and well maintained. Traffic is usually light and is very considerate to cyclists.

On some sections of our tours we have no alternative but to ride on the main road. In these cases we only ride the sections where the road is wider and follow with our trailer displaying  the international bicycle safety sign.

We recommend riding single file for your safety. Your safety is our priority.