Thermal Cycle biking trip
Important Information

ACCOMMODATION: The Thermal Cycle is a fully-supported cycling tour of the North Island with all accommodation included, from the moment we pick you up, to when we drop you off at the end. We stay in comfortable bed and breakfasts, lodges and apartments, so while we appreciate creature comforts on our cycle tours, they’re not a scenic tour of luxury hotels of the North Island. Rooming is twin-share, although single rooms are available on request at an extra charge. We find that most solo travellers get on great sharing a room with a fellow cyclist of the same gender. We use a variety of accommodation and most places have ensuite bathrooms, but there are a couple of places where the bathrooms are shared – so we ask you to share with other group members on occasion.

RECOMMENDED FLIGHTS: If you're flying in on the first day of the trip (Tuesday) we recommend arriving at Auckland airport by 9am. If you're departing on the last day (Saturday), please plan flights that depart from Auckland after 7pm. If you're considering alternative flight times, please call us so we can make the arrangements and make sure your trip runs as smoothly as possible.

TRIP START: Tuesday - on the first day of the trip we can either pick you up from the Quest Hotel, 363 Queen St, at 9.30am, or Auckland International airport at 10am.

TRIP END: Saturday - on the last day of the trip, we can drop you at Auckland airport in time for flights after 7pm, or anywhere in central Auckland in the early evening.

FITNESS: You must have a good level of cycling fitness to enjoy yourself on the Thermal Cycle. You don’t have to be young and extremely fit (although if you are, you won’t be bored) but you should be in the habit of doing some regular cycling. Age and experience are not as important as attitude. If you're concerned about your fitness level, have a chat with us so we can help make sure you’ve chosen the most suitable trip.

EXPERIENCE: You don’t need any cycle touring experience to enjoy the Thermal Cycle tour, but if you're a seasoned cycle tourer you'll still find plenty of challenges. All we ask is that you be energetic and in good shape. We manage the challenge level to suit your experience and we have an impeccable safety record. We hold all relevant government licenses and our staff are highly trained and experienced.

FLEXIBILITY: The off-the-beaten path and non-commercial nature of some of the accommodation on this tour means we occasionally need to make changes to the itinerary. We try to make as few changes as possible, but retain the flexibility to make sure your trip is as good as it can be.

INCLUDED: The trip fare is US$2299 + 15% NZ government taxes. We quote all our prices in US dollars, so wherever you are in the world you can easily relate to your own currency. You can also join for shorter periods of time; just let us know what would work for you. The trip fare includes just about everything, specifically:

• Good quality road bikes for your entire tour. There is no extra charge for bike rental, but there is the option to upgrade to a high performance bike should you prefer.
• All guiding services. We have two guides per trip. You'll have a lead guide who drives the support vehicle and is responsible for leading the trip and maintaining the bikes. You'll also have a co-guide that will cycle with you and is responsible for your meals and accommodation. Having two guides means we have the flexibility to make sure you always have a great time! We operate with small groups and don’t hesitate to offer a second departure when our trips start getting full.
• Accommodation for the entire period you are with us. We can also organise accommodation for you if you want to arrive earlier or leave later.
• All breakfast (B), lunches (L), and dinners (D) as described in the itinerary. Alcohol is not generally included, although we do spring for a few drinks here and there!
• All cycling and activities described in the itinerary. There are many optional activities available at extra cost, particularly in Rotorua, and these are not included. None of these activities are compulsory and nor will your trip seem less awesome if you don’t do any additional options. Although some people enjoy hang gliding, bungy jumping, jet boating, skydiving, and so on, others prefer to focus on their cycling. It’s completely up to you, but we're here to help you organise whatever you want to do!

NOT INCLUDED: This is your holiday, and we are serious about not nickel-and-diming you! You'll have a few meals and drinks to cover, extra activities if you choose them, and you'll probably feel like tipping your guides at the end of a fabulous time, but you won’t be pulling out your wallet every few minutes on the Thermal Cycle tour.

DON’T BE A STRANGER! When you get back home, please let us know how you got on! We have an official ‘post-trip survey’ that we always look forward to receiving as it helps us fine tune our trips, but we like to just stay in touch too. We have other adventures, trips to other destinations and lots going on that we’d like to include you in. Also if you’d tell your friends about this little quirky New Zealand company you’ve discovered, we’d really appreciate it!