Adventures in New Zealand

Bike Tour Basics - New Zealand

A bike tour in New Zealand is adventure travel at its finest. With snow-capped mountains, sparkling glaciers, smoldering volcanoes and geysers it is one of the premier destinations for outdoor enthusiasts around the world.

Before taking a bicycle tour in New Zealand and exploring its raw beauty, here are some helpful tips:

1. When to travel. New Zealand is a great year round destination although some prefer to visit during the warmer summer months. The summer season in New Zealand begins in November and ends in April.

2. Entry Requirements. To enter New Zealand you will only need a passport valid for three months beyond the intended date of departure. No special vaccination certificates are required.

3. Customs. New Zealand places heavy restrictions on animal products, fruit, plant or food products due to the agricultural emphasis of the country.

4. What to pack. If biking New Zealand in the summer months plan for the occasional insect and plenty of sun. Summer temperatures range between 20 and 30 degrees Celsius (72 and 92 degrees Fahrenheit). Also keep in mind that when traveling in New Zealand the climate becomes colder - not warmer - the further south you travel. It is rainy throughout the year; rainfall averages between 640 and 1500 millimeters. A waterproof jacket and warm clothes are advised during the colder months.

5. Arrival Cards. Inbound flights distribute arrival cards which are to be completed by each person.

6. Language. English and Maori.

7. Health Risks. New Zealand is considered a very safe and healthy travel destination with no major health risks reported.

8. Money Matters. All major credit cards are accepted. ATMs are common and currency exchange facilities are available in most airports/hotels.

9. Time. New Zealand is 12 hours ahead of GMT. New Zealand is 18 hours ahead of EST.

10. Driving. New Zealanders drive on the left.

11. Tipping is appreciated in New Zealand with rates comparable to the U.S.

Eco Friendly New Zealand Biking Adventure

When planning an eco-friendly bike tour in New Zealand, one problem you won’t have to deal with is that of a limited itinerary. New Zealand is green, clean and committed to sustainability and environmental preservation. A DuVine biking tour through New Zealand is a vacation you can feel good about. Not only does it leave a very low carbon footprint, but biking tours help support the local New Zealand economy while preserving the natural resources of the continent.

Eco-friendly attractions and activities that are not to be missed during your New Zealand bike tour include:

• Bird Watching and Sanctuaries. Bird watching is one of the fastest growing hobbies in the world but New Zealand takes it to the next level thanks to birds found nowhere else in the world. Don't miss the opportunity to see these rare beauties (such as the Hihi, Kea and Matata) first hand.
• Glowworms and Caves/Spelunking. These natural wonders are best appreciated in their native habitat which is sure to inspire appreciation and awe.
• Volcanoes, glaciers and More
• Whales, dolphins, seals, penguins and wildlife you simply must see to believe!

Descriptions don't do the unique diversity that is New Zealand justice because there is literally nothing to compare it to!

New Zealand - Nature Lovers Paradise

For the ultimate cycling adventure New Zealand is hard to beat— especially for nature lovers and environmentalists. The unique fauna and flora is only surpassed by the diversity of the land itself. Here is just a sample of what New Zealand has to offer!

• The largest flightless parrot in the world - the Kakapo
• The oldest reptile - the Tuatara
• The only true alpine parrot in the world - the Kea
• The biggest earthworm in the world...and by big we mean over a meter long!
• The heaviest insect in the world - the Giant Weta
• Several varieties of the largest snails in the world
• Flightless birds - the New Zealand Kiwi which is not one bird but actually a type of bird of two species and six varieties
• Yellow Eyed Penguins
• Living Fossils
• Giant Ancient Trees

Although most people think of New Zealand as a large island, it is actually a very small continent that is home to some of the most unique and diverse ecosystems on the planet. Biking New Zealand, and the exhilaration of seeing what few others will ever encounter, is an experience like no other.

New Zealand Adventure Travel Documentary

A great way to commemorate your New Zealand bike tour is to create your very own New Zealand adventure travel documentary. Here is what you will need to make the memories last a lifetime.

1. Plan your niche. New Zealand is so diverse that this is easier said than done. Adventure travel, extreme sports, eco-tourism, history, geography, botany, general photography, wine, ethnic folk art, bird watching and much more. Simply select an area of interest as your focal point throughout the trip.

2. Rent or purchase lightweight but rugged equipment. It doesn't need to be overly expensive but it should provide clear images and decent sound quality.

3. Write it down. There is something about putting pen to paper that allows individual expression to take hold. At the end of each day simply make a few notes about your thoughts, feelings and observations.

4. Record it. Capture quick thoughts on the run with a voice recorder.

5. Interact. Set up a time to record the thoughts and feelings of others in the group and throughout the journey. Speak to a DuVine representative about having cameo shots of your own journey taken along the way.

6. Compile, Edit, Publish. This can be as simple or professional as you desire but take time to do it right. A complete New Zealand adventure travel experience is something you and your family will treasure for a lifetime.

New Zealand Wines

One pleasure not to be overlooked when biking New Zealand is the local wine. Although not as established as other wine regions, New Zealand is making a name for itself as a serious contender in the world of wine with delightful selections not to be missed.

DuVine prides itself on creating an atmosphere of quiet luxury, superb dining and wine tasting that will thrill novices and connoisseurs alike. Make sure to experience all New Zealand has to offer by seeking out these superb wines.

Sauvignon Blanc . According to British wine expert Oz Clarke, New Zealand’s Sauvignon Blanc is "arguably the best in the world". Noted selections include:

• Top choice: Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough, 2005

• Glazebrook Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough, 2005.
• TeAwa Sauvignon Blanc, Hawke’s Bay, 2005.
• Villa Maria Private Bin Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough, 2005.

Other Wines . Not in the mood for Sauvignon Blanc? Others you might want to search out include:

• Cable Station Pinot Noir, Marlborough 2004.
• Craggy Range Merlot, Hawke’s Bay, 2003.
• Crossroads Destination Series Chardonnay, Hawke’s Bay, 2003.

Ultimate Adventure Travel: New Zealand Guide

Seeking the ultimate adventure travel experience? Try New Zealand. In addition to a cycling adventure in New Zealand, DuVine keeps up with even the most extreme adrenalin junkies. Discover what is waiting for you with our ultimate New Zealand guide for the most unsurpassed adventure travel experience available in the world!

• Aerobatic Flights. Located just outside of Queensland, aerobatic flight services like Actionflight allow you to experience G-Force first hand as expert pilots take you on the ride of your life.
• Boating. Sail, kayak, take a steamship or strap into a harness for a paraflight ride 600 feet high!
• Bungy. This is where it all got started!
• Climb. Why settle for fake rock walls when you can touch a glacier, scale the Southern Alps or ice-climb and rock climb some of the world’s most enviable destinations.
• Canyon Swings. The world’s highest rope swing is just waiting for you to freefall into the canyon below!
• Flightseeing. It's like sightseeing but from the air. The natural beauty will provide a view that will take your breath away just as surely as any G-force experience!
• Fly By Wire. This is like nothing you have ever experienced before and what sets Queenstown apart as the adventure capital of the world! Deemed the fastest adventure in the world, YOU are in complete control of the plane. By suspending the plane on an overhead suspension point you are able to fully drive the plane as it dives full speed toward the valley floor and then rushes up the other side. Nothing will prepare you for this ride!
• Heliskiing. Take it to new heights by combining your love of extreme snowboarding with helicopter access only destinations and drops.
• Hot Air Balloon. A perpetual favorite that allows you to casually experience the thrill of the open air.
• Luge. Who hasn't wanted to try this out? Take a real life luge ride!
• Para-gliding, Skydiving, Hang Gliding. How many ways are there to get a bird’s eye view? Pick your favorite or try all three. DuVine can make sure you glide and dive to your heart’s content.
• Rafting. Love whitewater? You are going to love it even more in New Zealand.
• Snowboard or Snowmobile. Better yet, why not both?
• Surf. Yes, we said surf! River boarding is surfing on steroids with roaring rapids, rock jumping, mega slides and more. Try it - You'll like it!