Bicycle Network Victoria: Great Escapade New Zealand

We are working hard with the local communities to come up with lots of fabulous things to do and see.

Some of these activities will need to be booked to both ensure that you get a ticket and also to allow the tourist operator to be properly prepared.

Every day of the ride will provide different opportunities, from beaches, rivers, hot pools through to mountain biking, bungee jumping and cultural experiences.

We will start adding to the website as they become confirmed , in the meantime this is one of the most impressive tourist options.

After the Ride

you might be thinking of heading back to Rotorua. here are some great specials to tempt you

http://www.rotoruanz.com/hotdeals/rotorua-raft-n-soak

http://www.rotoruanz.com/hotdeals/feel-nothing-at-all-pamper-package

http://www.rotoruanz.com/hotdeals/rotorua-lakeside-stay

Gisborne

Here are some eating and entertainment ideas for Gisborne

www.gisbornenz.com/sights-and-activities/dining-guide

www.gisbornenz.com/events/view/2012-02-16/2012-02-18

There is plenty to see and do in Gisborne.

Here are some ideas

• A Maori Cultural experience       www.wakatoa.com                 www.titirangimaoriexperiences.co.nz     www.tipunatours.com
• An Eco experience                      www.divetatapouri.com          www.nzfish.com www.nmtt.co.nz           www.eastwoodhill.org.nz
• A Heritage experience                www.tairawhitimuseum.org.nz                                                               www.ecmot.org.nz
• And a Wine & Food experience:www.gisbornewine.co.nz        www.bushmere.com                               www.bruntonroad.co.nz

Or contact Katrina Duncan at  www.gisbornecycletours.co.nz . They organise great day trips around Gisborne

Here are some links for a few of the Gisborne wineries

http://www.bruntonroad.co.nz/cellar-door
http://www.kew.co.nz/about-us/cellar-door/
http://www.matawhero.co.nz/cellar-door/cellar-door-2/
http://bushmere.com/

http://www.twwines.co.nz/default.asp
http://www.spadeoak.co.nz/about-us.php

http://www.gisbornewine.co.nz/wine-centre/overview/

Here is alink for some rides around town if you arrive in Gisborne early media/vanilla/file/Great%20Escapade/New%20Zealand%202012/recreational%20cycle%20routes%20(2).pdf

Matawai

The day's ride from Matawai to Opotiki promises to be one of the best day rides ever on a Great Escapade as you travel down the gorge.

An opportunity has come up for those of you who might be interested to ride another route from Matawai to Opotiki and that is on a mountain bike  www.bushaven.co.nz . It is a sensational days riding and you can see what you are in for at  www.themotutrails.co.nz/

John and Virginia from Motu Trails Hire and Shuttle can meet you in Matawai and swap your bike for a mountain bike, and then transport your bike to Opotiki. The cost is approx $100 (NZD), if you are interested you must book by emailing John at bushaven@bigfrog.net.nz or calling +64 7 929 7564.

This is an absolutely unique opportunity and we are very excited that John has come to us with this option.

Opotiki

Lots of fabulous things to do after you have come down the gorge.

Check out Opotiki here. Please note that under Motu Trails the phone number for John Maynard at Bushaven is +64 7 929 7564 and the website is www.bushaven.co.nz.

Also the local soccer club are interested in seeing if we can find a team of riders to take on the Opotiki players, we can talk age or same sex or mixed. Could be fun.

Whakatane –Rest Day

See and read lots about Whakatane

White Island

New Zealand’s only active marine volcano a trip to the island is listed by Lonely Planet as one of the top 1000 things to do in the world. You can find more information and book tours at www.whiteisland.co.nz

Spoil yourself!

Mauria Mirimiri Services is a private mobile healing service, specialising in mirimiri (traditional Maori soft tissue massage) and mahi wairua (traditional Maori spiritual healing). All of their work is guided by working with the wairua (spirit), aroha (love) and marama (light) to bring healing to our clients on a physical, emotional and spiritual level. Visit  www.mauriamirimiri.com

Rotorua

We are staying at the famous Agrodome, they have offered some special packages as to what you can do here. We are assured that the Sheep Show is quite amazing and an absolute must see.

Whakamaru

Looking for a comfortable bed on your last night on the ride, or somewhere to come back to after the ride, you might like to try

www.awhinatours.co.nz/accommodation_in_the_south_waikato-1/

Post event

Staying on to enjoy more wonderful New Zealand, then why not check this out:

Hiking tours

Walking Legends have a trip departing Taupo on the 28th of February, that includes the Tongariro Crossing, known as the best walk in the world. This is a great opportunity to hike this track after the bike ride. Please contact Hilary Sheaff (hilary@walkinglegends.co.nz)  or have a look at the website: www.walkinglegends.co.nz if you would like more information.