My biggest travel regret is I haven’t made it to New Zealand yet. And it’s not for lack of effort. When I was in grad school, I found a mistake fare for a flight from LA to Auckland for $174 and booked it immediately. But I was also working full time to pay for said grad school and, unfortunately, had to cancel for work obligations.
I think about that bargain fare every time we write about New Zealand, and I dream of seeing this magnificent country by hop-on, hop-off bus or by motorhome.
Most recently, I thought about it when I was reading this piece Craig McLachlan wrote for us about how Kiwis have gone mad for long-distance cycling routes. It's an immediate yes for me.
I caught up with Craig – who has contributed to several of our books including Best Bike Rides of New Zealand – about how to make the most of a trip to New Zealand.
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Things to do
Experience Auckland’s passion for sports. Go to a New Zealand Warriors (a rugby league team) or the Auckland Blues (a rugby union team) match. Read more things to do.
There are “crowds,” but not to the degree visitors encounter in the northern hemisphere. Still, Craig suggests avoiding the Christmas and New Year summer holiday period. Read more things you should know before you visit.
Craig McLachlan has offered his expertise for many Lonely Planet books. We caught up with him to talk about his home base of New Zealand.
What is the biggest mistake you think travelers make when planning to visit New Zealand?
They don’t give themselves enough time. Aotearoa (the Māori name for the North Island) New Zealand is a long way from anywhere, way down in the South Pacific. If you’re coming long-haul from North America or Europe, this could be a once-in-a-lifetime visit, so make sure to give yourself plenty of time to make the most of your trip.
I’ve heard there are so many ways to see New Zealand – bike, camper van, hop-on, hop-off bus – do you have any recommendations or advice for the best way to see the country?
There are so many great options. Your decision will probably be based on how much time you have. Some come to walk the length of the country on the Te Araroa Trail, a 3000km (1865 miles) designated route; others drive in campervans (lots of freedom camping options!), but I like the flexibility of driving in a car.
“Look up after dark. The stars are unbelievable." Craig McLachlan
You’ve mentioned that New Zealanders have gone mad for cycling. Why has this grown in popularity?
Kiwis are mad on the outdoors. From around 2010, the government started to develop off-road cycle trails around the country to revitalize rural Aotearoa, develop tourism infrastructure and encourage Kiwis to get on their bikes and see the country. When the pandemic came along, and Kiwis couldn’t head overseas, they bought bikes and hit the trails.
You wrote for us about the routes in the Southern Lakes and Otago region – any other trails that should be on the radar of biking enthusiasts?
There are great off-road biking trails all over Aotearoa. Check out the 23 Ngā Haerenga New Zealand Cycle Trails. And just like there’s a walking trail the length of the country, Tour Aotearoa is a 3000km (1865 miles) bikepacking trail, both on and off-road. Aotearoa really has gone biking mad. E-bikes can go virtually everywhere too.
What’s the one thing you’d recommend people experience if they come to New Zealand?
Look up after dark. The stars are unbelievable. Some places, such as Lake Tekapo, have become dark sky reserves, with the small town actively reducing light interference to attract star-watchers. Go further south and you might even get to see the southern lights (the southern hemisphere aurora). Don’t forget to spot the legendary Southern Cross.
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