u/OttawaRuth

Two Canadian retirees - with a love of cycling - looking to spend 4 months in NZ (mid Dec to mid April). That's over 120 days!!

We want to 'live like locals' in a few locations and travel in between. The long stints will be spent exploring the area on our bikes, some day hikes, good coffee, lazing around with a book etc. 

We're seniors and are hoping to ride 30-40km at a time on quiet roads or paths, not too hilly. Probably 3 or 4 rides a week (no issues with repeating routes). 

This is what we're thinking and would love some feedback! The places I'm unsure of are shown with a '?". 

18-20 days each: Christchurch, Nelson & Napier

6-7 days each: Cromwell (Otago & Dunstan trails), Wellington, Mount Maunganui?, Paihia or Kerikeri? Auckland

3-5 days each: Queenstown, Te Anua, Wanaka, Tekapo or Twizel?, Kaikoura, Taupo, Routudo, Paeroa (Hauraki rail trail), Whitianga? 

1 day (some are just driving breaks): Greymouth, Franz Josef, Haast, Mt Cook, Geraldine?

Thanks!

We're hoping to spend 4 months in NZ (mid-Dec to mid-April).

We should be able to see most of the country in that time but we're also looking for 3 spots where we can stay for ~3 weeks at a time to 'live like locals'.

We'd like the spots to be picturesque & cyclist friendly - we'll ride 3-4x a week (half days). Can be urban riding, rail trails, forest paths etc. We're 66 & 70 years old so not into mountain biking, lots of steep hills or anything much more than 50 - 60 km.

We'll spend our non cycling time enjoying local parks/beaches, going for coffee, lazing around our Airbnb with a book, strength-training at the gym, visiting farmer's markets & other local sights etc.

Would love your recommendations!