New Zealand

The active travel company with the funny name, Pedalers Pub & Grille (PP&G), will host guests on three-week cycling trips of both New Zealand’s North and South islands beginning March 2009.

On the inaugural March 16 – April 4 and subsequent departures of “New Zealand – Grand Tour” cycling enthusiasts will explore colonial history and influence and delve into the native Maori culture. At the speed of two pedals guests will gawk at New Zealand’s natural wonders that qualify it as one of the most diverse ecosystems in the world.

“Our guides are all Kiwis, born and bred New Zealanders ready to reveal a few island secrets and share some tall tales over a local brew or two at day’s end.” says Tom Sheehan, founder and general manager. He notes that this is the only continuous cycle tour offered that takes in both the North & South Islands in one itinerary.

Accommodations for the 20-day adventure are in deluxe inns. Quiet coastlines, volcanoes, lakes and national parks, as well as wine tastings, are wrapped into the North Island experience. A ferry carries participants to the South Island where Queen Charlotte Sound, the Southern Alps, glaciers and the Tasman Sea treat riders to a ocean-to-sky landscape en route to historic Queenstown.

Except for international air, this active cycling adventure is all-inclusive at $5,995 (double) with a single supplement of $1,500. The tour begins in Auckland and ends in Queenstown.

The rate includes accommodations in luxury hotels, guesthouses and resorts, most meals, professional guides, full van support, daily route directions and maps, sightseeing and cultural activities, plus airport transfers. Personal departures may be scheduled for private groups and bike clubs with the most popular seasons being spring and fall.

Over the course of the trip, which is rated moderate in level of difficulty, cyclists will roll inn to inn covering 939 miles (1515 km), averaging 72 miles (116 km) per day.

More details can be found online at:
http://www.pedalerspubandgrille.com/bike_tours/new_zealand/Grand_Tour.htm