The Ultimate Cycling Challenge – Tour of New Zealand

May 30, 2012 - PRLog -- Tour of New Zealand is an ambitious cross country cycling event that has captured the hearts and minds of cycling enthusiasts everywhere. The mammoth eight day cycling-tour covering both the North and South Islands is set to raise funds for the charitable organisations like the Hikurangi Foundation, Red Cross and St John – each of which has been active in the rebuilding efforts at the wake the February 2011 earthquakes in Christchurch.

The tour gives ardent cyclists a chance to indulge in their favourite pastime and explore some of the most famous landmarks across New Zealand for a good cause! There is no compulsion to race - cyclists have the option of riding competitively or simply touring at their own pace as they take in the sights and sounds of the New Zealand countryside.

According to the organisers, the Tour of New Zealand is intended to be an epic yet accessible multi-day cycling event, raising awareness and enthusiasm for the sport, celebrating community, and fostering a bit of friendly competition along the way.

Entrants to the tour come from all walks of life, and are not limited to professional cycling clubs and racing teams. While some teams are in it to win it, like the Christchurch Boys’ High Team led by pro mountain-bike rider Anton Cooper, most cyclists in the tour are participating for "fun, fitness, and supporting community organisations."

The international cycling community has taken notice, and various sports-and-lifestyle publications from Australia, Japan, Hong Kong, China and the UK will covering the Tour of New Zealand 2012 on location. The cycling tour could be an opportunity to highlight New Zealand as the perfect active-lifestyle holiday destination for overseas visitors, according to Catherine Bates, Tourism New Zealand’s Brand and International PR General Manager.

"We know that many potential travellers show a special interest in cycling. It’s an activity that has potential for growth and offers a compelling reason for international visitors to come to New Zealand."

Bates goes on to say that since the tour covers both the North and South Islands it gives international media covering the event a chance to fully experience the diversity and beauty of New Zealand's vast landscape.

Tour participants can choose from one of two routes: Cape Te Reinga, at the tip of the North Island, or Bluff, all the way at the bottom of the South Island. The 700 kilometre tour starts at both locations at the same time, and ends at the centre of the country in Wellington.

Both routes are designed to showcase the diverse New Zealand landscape. The North Island leg of the journey highlights the distinctive limestone formations in Waitomo, active volcanic features and a whole host of world heritage conservation areas. North Island riders will be treated to ancient kauri forests, picturesque beaches, the Whanganui River and many kilometres of remote native bush.

The South Island route winds its way around the scenic Southern Alps region and passes Queenstown, Wanaka and Lake Tekapo where riders will traverse mountains and farmland, high country passes, and the clear blue waters of the Southern Lakes.

Active Cycle Tours offers several trips which emulate the “Tour of New Zealand”. They stick to the South Island, but offer amazing cycling tours covering this spectacular part of the world.

To check out what Active Cycle Tours have to offer visit http://www.cycletours.activenewzealand.com