New Zealand North Island: Hubs and Scenic Loops

† Explanation of BAC Ride Fee – This fee is not included in the Estimated Cost and is non-refundable once submitted. The Ride Fee for US and Canada is $85 and $100 for all other countries, both are per participant.

Ride Description

OVERVIEW

The design of this tour is intended to give a more relaxed bicycling experience utilizing a reduced number of moving days while giving the variety of four different base towns and 2 days of point to point riding to experience some exceptional areas. The “hubs” are each unique in their own way and offer great tourism opportunities. Initially there are four days of loop riding to allow us shake off their winter legs. There will be options for the daily loops from the hubs that range from 2B to 3C. However, the two days of sequential point to point riding are rated at 3B and 3C.

Experience New Zealand’s North Island spectacular and varied scenery: small towns, farms, forest, volcanoes, vineyards and the Forgotten World Highway through a country within a country. Finish in the wonderful city of Rotorua, the volcanic wonder city of New Zealand.

We will gather in Auckland on March 13 where bike assembly and fitting will be completed. After a lunch, we will be transferred to Cambridge which is about a two hour drive south. We will have time to ride to the NZ National Training Center for Velodrome prior to the welcome dinner. 

We stay three nights in Cambridge allowing time to explore the region. Choices for loop riding of various distances will be available. Local points of interest include Hobbiton which was the set of Lord of the Rings and Sanctuary Mountain which has restored NZ natural habitat. The area is famous for race horse breeding and training.

On March 16, we will transfer to New Plymouth on the Tasman Sea. This jewel of a town sits below the majestic 8261 foot volcano Mt. Taranaki. We have 3 nights in New Plymouth and there is a good network of roads for the rides in that area. We will ride around Vol. Taranaki to Stratford for the night of March 19 (3C).

March 20, we will tackle a scenic challenging section of the Forgotten World Highway.(3B). We ride to Whangamomona which has declared itself to be an independent republic. We will be transferred from “Whanga” to Ohakune on the side of Tongariro volcano.

After a single night in the village of Ohakune, we transfer to Napier. We have 3 nights in a hotel featuring Napier's famed art deco architecture. The area has many wineries and many loops are available from this location.  

March 24, we will transfer to Rotorua. Rotorua displays an incredible array of volcanic activity. We will do loop rides from Rotorua and enjoy local activities with an opportunity to visit an authentic Maori community as it existed in colonial times.

March 27 is your departure day.

RIDE RATING

This ride is 2B based on a ride potential of the loop rides of an average of 2000 feet of ascent and 45 miles per day. The daily sections will be refined to give the best experience possible for the level of riders that join the ride. On the two point to point days, there are long and challenging climbs passing the Taranaki Volcano (3C) and again on the Forgotten World Highway (3B). Extended loop routes will also be available that would rate at the 3C level.

WEATHER
March is late summer in New Zealand: the day time temperature is likely to be mid 70F. As always, rain can occur and it will be cooler in the mountains

LODGING & MEALS

Our accommodations are in hotels. We have chosen bicycle friendly 3 and 4 star hotels that represent the character of the towns and provide good access to local attractions and restaurants.

LOGISTICS

Our transfers will be done with minibuses and bicycle trailers through a contracted company. This is a Directed tour and SAG is not provided for loop or point to point rides.

Bicycle rentals of high end road bikes are available in Auckland and all rentals must be arranged directly. For those using personal bikes, bike boxes will be stored in Auckland and will be brought to Rotorua at additional individual cost. Luggage must be kept to 40 pounds per person. Items not needed for the tour can be stored with the bike boxes.

The tour ends at the hotel in Rotorua.  There will be one van transfer with luggage, packed bikes and rental bikes to Auckland at additional individual cost . Alternatively, participants can fly from the Rotorua airport. 

COST & ADMINISTRATION

In addition to the non-refundable $100 BAC ride registration fee, the tour cost per person is estimated at $3300 (based on an exchange rate 1 NZ Dollar to 0.70 US Dollars). This is based on two per room AND 20 cyclists. The initial deposit is $2000.00 due on acceptance. The final payment which may be adjusted due to currency fluctuations, is due on October 1, 2018.

The tour cost includes 14 breakfasts, 2 lunches and 7 dinners and BAC Happy Hours. All riders will receive daily maps with cue sheets and profiles and .gpx files. The tour fee does not include tips for the drivers.

Excluded are airfares and airport taxes, alcohol other than specified, cycle hire, laundry and sightseeing.

SINGLES & SOLOS POLICY

It is recommended that singles who want a roommate try to find their own. However, after receipt of the initial deposit, a single without a roommate will be placed on the ride and given two weeks to find a roommate. If they are unable to find a roommate, they will have the option to receive a full refund (minus the BAC fee) or pay the $2300 single supplement and stay on the ride.  This amount may be adjusted due to currency fluctuations.  If a single pays the supplement, they may continue to seek a roommate, but must plan to participate without a roommate if necessary.  The Ride Leader will assist by attempting to match singles who apply for the ride. Solo supplement payments need to be sent to the BAC office.  Checks should be made out to "BAC" with a notation of the tour name included on the check.  They should be mailed to Bicycle Adventure Club, PO Box 23998, San Diego, CA 92193.

CANCELLATION POLICY

The BAC ride registration fee and payment processing fee are not refundable unless the entire tour is cancelled.  Refunds of tour payments will depend upon whether a replacement rider signs up, and on costs that can be recouped.  The amount refunded will be based on the principle that the tour’s remaining participants will not incur any additional cost as a result of cancellations.  If the cancelling participant is replaced, a refund will be made at that time.  If the cancelling participant can't be replaced, any refund will be determined after the ride and final expense report are completed.  If a single participant cancels and another roommate cannot be found, in addition to other costs that cannot be recouped the cancelling roommate may also be liable for the single supplement fee of the roommate remaining on the tour.  BAC encourages members to purchase trip cancellation insurance.

Ride Participant Responsibility

Please remember that BAC Ride Leaders are volunteers, and that successful tours depend on participants providing much of their own support.  Participants are expected to come to the ride well trained, in good health and ready to accomplish the required daily riding using well-maintained bicycles.   All participants should accept responsibility for a safe and enjoyable tour.  We encourage you to read the ride description carefully and respond to requests from Ride Leader.  While on the ride, support your Ride Leader with offers to help with various tasks such as happy hour preparation and clean-up.  Please do not interfere with the ride by inviting non-participants onto any portion of the ride or tour.  Please keep the Ride Leader informed of any special request you may have and respect the Ride Leader’s decisions.

SIGN-UP

To register for this ride, use the sign-up links just above the Ride Description. After preliminary acceptance, you will be moved to the pending list and receive an email requesting you to go back to the BAC site to digitally accept the terms of the Release of Liability (ROL), and pay the nonrefundable BAC fee and tour deposit by credit card. As soon as your deposit has been processed, your name(s) will be added to the Participant List. BAC members with questions may contact the Ride Director by "clicking" the name at the top of this Ride Description.