Can I hire a bicycle?

The New Zealand Cycle Trail is a government led national project that has built a network of world class cycle trails. Over 2,500km of trails catering for a range of cycling abilities from beginners and families to more experienced and competitive riders.

Imagine riding through the cool of the New Zealand bush, dense with fern, dappled with light and the only sound is the call of native birds loud above the hum of your bike.

Or imagine a trail that rounds a wide sweeping bend to a view that simply takes your breath away – stunning snowcapped peaks mirrored in a deep, still lake.

Journeys such as these exist – they are real examples of what 'The New Zealand Cycle Trail' has on offer. And it all started with an idea...

The Great Rides are the premier rides on the New Zealand Cycle Trail. They are predominantly off-road trails that showcase the very best of New Zealand's landscape, environment, culture and heritage.

Further on-road cycle touring routes are also being added to the New Zealand Cycle Trail, with the long-term aim of developing a nationwide cycle network, enabling locals and international visitors to explore all of New Zealand by bike.

The Redwoods mountain-biking trails in Rotorua has world class trails for all levels. The Skyline in Rotorua and Queenstown and also Banks Peninsula near Christchurch have downhill tracks with cable car ascents. Woodhill in Auckland also has good mountain bike trails.

ONLY A FEW MOTORHOME HIRE OPERATORS OFFER BIKE RACKS WITH BIKES TO BE HIRED SEPARATELY FROM NATURAL HIGH OR OTHER LOCAL BIKE HIRERS.

Pacific Horizon: All Pacific Horizon vehicles have the option of bike racks. For NZ$150 these can be installed but must be requested in advance as there is limited stock. They are designed to hold 2 standard bikes, however with batteries removed can hold 2 e-bikes. The bike racks have the adjustable clips/straps for standard bikes, but e-bikes being bulkier, require more support, so it is up to the client to secure them (& at their own risk). Some clients have attached a third standard kids bike onto the twin rack also - again with additional support (& at their own risk)

Wendekreisen: A bike-rack can be added to all Wendekreisen 2-berths and comes at $75 as a one-off surcharge. The racks can hold up to 2 regular/mountain bikes but no e-bikes (due to weight limitations).

Discover Motorhomes: The Discover 4 Berth Deluxe, 4-6 Berth and 6 Berth Deluxe motorhomes can be fitted with bike racks to accomodate 2 x bikes. There is a charge of $100 per hire duration.

Road Runner Rentals (RRR): The RRR Nomad 3 Berth is the only model that all of the vehicles in the category has bike racks. There is no additional charge for the bike rack. The bike racks hold 2 bikes with a total weight limit of 40 kgs.

Bike hire:

Bike hire is available from Natural High in Christchurch, who have a relationship with a bike shop in Auckland to help facilitate One Way hires. This is by special arrangement and does incur bike relocation fees additional to our bike hire rates. Contact Natural High via contact details below for costs and bookings.

Choose from comfort model, great for country trails and town riding or mountain bike for off-road riding.

All the essentials you need are included in the per day hire price and there plenty of optional extras available for those looking for that something extra.

The bikes will be securely transported in bike racks that are fitted to the back of the campervan upon hire. Note: You would be liable for any damage the bikes may cause to the vehicle.

Below is an example of bikes/ prices available

What's included:

Helmet, flat pedals, bottle cage, rear rack, puncture repair kit, pump, spare tube, tyre levers, multi tool and lock.

How to book:

What do they cost: Mountain Bike or Comfort Bike: NZ$38-71 per day, depending on hire duration.

Bicycles are all general-purpose mountain/comfort bikes suitable for both road use and off-road conditions. Specialist bikes such as full suspension bikes, road bikes or touring bikes can be arranged for an additional charge.
Similar children's models are available on request.
Child seats are available and can be fitted on request.
A bicycle rack will be fitted to the motorhome at the campervan depot. Clients will then be required to drive to the nearby Natural High Ltd Christchurch premises to collect their bicycles (or at the bike shop in Auckland if this has been arranged with the bike shop by Natural High in advance). This enables clients to receive a quality bike of the correct size and ensures that clients receive a full briefing on the use and maintenance of the bicycles.

Their location is:

Natural High,690A Harewood Road, Harewood, Christchurch. [email protected] or +64 3 9822 966

Natural High Ltd has the following hours:
Summer: 1 October – 31 March:
Monday to Friday - 09:00 – 17:00,
Saturday - 10:00 – 16:00,
Sunday & Public Holidays - Closed

Winter: 1 April – 30 September:
Monday to Friday - 09:00 – 17:00,
Saturday & Sunday & Public Holidays - Closed

T&C’s:

Bikes must be collected and dropped off at the Natural High Christchurch premises (or at the bike shop in Auckland if this has been arranged with the bike shop by Natural High in advance).

A maximum of two bicycles can be carried on the Wendekreisen motorhomes, and a third standard kids bike onto the Pacific Horizon’s twin rack also - again with additional support (& at their own risk).

Please note that all bike bookings picking up on the weekend must be made at least 48 hours in advance.

A helmet is compulsory in New Zealand.

A cycle lock and puncture repair kit, tyre levers and multi tool are supplied with each bicycle.

The hirer is responsible for repair or replacement costs in cases of damage or loss of the bike and accessories. This includes but is not limited to scratches to bike frames, buckled wheels, damage by keas, missing pumps, locks, multi tool kits, tyre levers and computers.

No refunds will be made for early returns, late pick-ups, no shows or changing your mind on the day of the pick-up.

In order to assist Natural High with providing appropriate bike size on collection we would appreciate it if you could provide them your height in advance.

You can view hire rates at www.naturalhigh.co.nz, contact Natural High to book via email at [email protected] or phone +64 3 9822 966. When contacting them please advise your booking reference, date and location of bike pick up.

What are the Current Fuel Prices?

What is the Weather like in New Zealand?

New Zealand Weather Overview

The weather in New Zealand varies, to a degree that is difficult to describe it in just a few words. New Zealand's weather is one of the main attractions that draw in tourists all year round. The sharp contrasts between the distinctive seasons are unique and different to any other country in the world. Both the South and North Island enjoy mild temperatures, moderately high rainfall and many hours of sunshine. However, you should always be prepared for sudden climate changes, as cold fronts and tropical cyclones quickly blow in.

Weather is at times unpredictable wherever you go. Below is a basic breakdown of what you should generally expect during each New Zealand season. This will give you an idea of when the best times to travel are. This will help you plan your campervan holiday and ensure that you can enjoy the weather you are seeking.

Temperatures

New Zealand is in the southern hemisphere, so the seasons are the opposite to those in the northern hemisphere.

New Zealand generally enjoys a pleasant temperate climate, with the average temperature decreasing as you travel further south in your campervan. In general, the warmest months of the year are December, January and February (with average temperatures of 22 degrees Celcius), with the coldest weather occurring in June, July and August (with average temperatures of 9 degrees Celcius).

The North Island benefits from more of a subtropical climate, with more noticeable subtropical weather in the summer. The South Island mainly enjoys a temperate climate, with the inland alpine areas of the far south getting as cold as -10 degrees Celcius in the winter months. These sharp contrasts of temperature allow visitors to experience the best of both worlds in the one country, which is essentially what makes New Zealand's climate so unique.

New Zealand Seasons

Summer

Summer in New Zealand occurs in the months of December, January and February. During the summer months the temperatures are high and there are more hours of sunshine then in the other seasons. The days are generally long and sunny and the nights mild and pleasant. Summer in New Zealand is perfect beach weather, with tourists flocking to the many stunning beaches to soak up the rays of sunshine and enjoy the pleasant heat.

Autumn

Autumn in New Zealand occurs over the months of March, April and May bringing about cooler weather. This is one of the best times of year to visit New Zealand and explore it in a camper van. The weather is excellent and the colourful changing leaves create a pleasant atmosphere of colour and vibrancy. Autumn is the ideal time to visit the Central Otago and Hawke's Bay regions as this is when they come to life and shine. The sharp autumn colours make New Zealand a magnificent sight that is essentially beautiful from every angle.

Winter

Winter starts in June and continues through the months of July and August. This is when the mountain ranges become snow covered and the locals and the tourists take out the skis and snowboards and experience the joy and fun of the white blanketed landscape. The weather is generally very cold so it is advisable that you pack your warm clothes and be prepared to spend countless nights snuggled up in front of the heater or fireplace.

Winter in New Zealand also brings about more rain, which can at times put a damper on your outdoor adventures. When it is not raining, winter is the perfect time to discover stunning glaciers and solid lakes. New Zealand becomes a true winter wonderland over these months and the beauty is simply breath taking.

Spring

Emerging buds and blossoms signal the start of spring in the months of September, October and November. The weather can change from cold and frosty to warm and hot, with many of the mountains remaining snow capped, well into September and October. The season of spring is celebrated in Central Otago and Hastings with a blossom festival, which highlights the emerging colours and wildlife that spring brings forth. Spring is the perfect time to visit New Zealand and hire a campervan, if you are seeking pleasant weather that is not too hot and not too cold, but just right!

When are the School Holidays?

What road rules apply in NZ?

Driving in New Zealand and Road Rules

A motorhome road trip across New Zealand is the perfect way to explore this country's stunning landscapes. The scenic drives are not overly crowded which means that you can take it easy and drive at your own leisure. In New Zealand, many of the roads include hilly and windy, so although the driving distances between towns and attractions may seem short, the terrain can slow down your journey a great deal. As the passing scenery in many locations is truly awesome, you may well find you want to take your time and stop every now and then.

Always take care when you are driving on open country roads and keep a look out for native wildlife and wandering farm animals. Be sure to take notice of the road signs as these indicate road rules and changes in the road's conditions. Most roads in New Zealand are two-lanes and often narrow, with some of the country roads remaining unsealed. Although this will be indicated by road signs, always to careful when driving on the open roads and stick to the designated speed limit. Most campervans are not allowed to be driven on unsealed roads. There are some other more difficult roads which motorhome companies do not allow their campervans to be driven on. These roads are indicated in the motorhome terms and conditions and will be on your motorhome rental contract.

Driver Fatigue is a big problem on New Zealand roads. A major killer has been tourists coming off long-haul flights, collecting their campervan, and attempting to drive long distances on unfamiliar roads. Please rest before collecting your campervan if you have come off one of these long flights. Here are some other tips to help you stay alert on your driving holiday:

Take a break every two hours (Stop, Revive, and Survive)
Share the driving if possible
Avoid eating large meals
Drink plenty of fluids

Licence Requirements for Campervan Rentals

To drive a campervan in New Zealand you must hold a current non provisional drivers licence or permit. You can legally drive for up to 12 months if you have a licence or International Driving Permit (IDP). However, you must always be carrying this with you and it must be in English or at least have an English translation by an approved translator accompanying it.

Overview of Road Rules

New Zealand has an extensive set of road rules that set it apart from other countries in the world. The basic rules to keep in mind when driving along the New Zealand roads are:

Drive on the left side of the road.
The maximum speed limit on open roads is 100 km/h.
The maximum speed limit in urban areas is 50 km/h.
All vehicle occupants must wear a seat belt or child restraint.
Always use your indicators when turning.
At STOP signs, stop completely and give way to all traffic.
At GIVE WAY signs slow down and be prepared to stop.
When turning, give way to all vehicles that are not turning.
In all other GIVE WAY situations, give way to the vehicles crossing or coming from your right.
The legal alcohol limit for drivers under the age of 20 is ZERO.
The legal alcohol limit for drivers over the age of 20 is 50mg/100ml of blood.

Travelling New Zealand Info