Cycle Touring in New Zealand
When is the best weather?

Whether the weather

Whether the weather be fine,
Or whether the weather be not,
Whether the weather be cold,
Or whether the weather be hot,
We'll weather the weather
Whatever the weather,
Whether we like it or not!

The weather in New Zealand is notoriously unpredictable. That said, it means that you can come at any time of year and still get glorious days! Most people that come cycle touring in New Zealand choose to come during our summer season, which is the opposite way round for those of you reading this from the Northern Hemisphere. We can’t guarantee you constant sunshine, nothing but a light breeze or no rain, but we can promise you'll have an amazing time whatever the weather. Our biking season runs from October through April. Here’s what the biking year looks like for us in a nutshell:

January – Early-summer, warmest month, heaps going on and a great month for biking and cycling. And hiking. Or even bikepacking! There’s lots of summer events going on at this time of year, with races of all shapes and sizes most weekends. We're out and about cycling the road and trails.

February – Mid-summer and another fabulous and very popular biking month in New Zealand. Races and triathlons are all on throughout the country at the weekends, to take part in or just watch! We're all feeling good and in top biking shape, slapping on the sun tan to avoid those dodgy tan lines.

March – Late-summer, still a great time to be in the saddle. Warm days, summer breezes and long daylight hours to make the most of being outdoors. Long evening rides are the highlight of each day.

April – Start of Fall/Autumn – stunning colours as the leaves change colour on the trees. Crisp, clear days, but there may be a bite in the air some days so you'll need an extra layer or two, but all in all it’s a beautiful month to ride.

May – Early-winter, we're off the road and into the gym for spinning classes to keep those legs strong! No more biking for a while.

June – Start of winter, we're still in the gym – waiting patiently (or not) for the ski fields to open. We start glancing tentatively at the latest road and mountain bike models arriving in the stores while we're waiting for our boards and skis to be waxed.

July – Winter – ski fields open and it’s all go on the mountain! Powder days and early morning runs are what it’s all about. Apart from when we accidently walk past the bike shop and see those shiny new frames staring at us from behind the glass. They need to be released!

August – Winter still, it’s still all about the snow, but we're keeping the biking legs strong in the gym. Make decision that definitely need new bike for following season.

September – Late-winter. Still working hard at the gym and on the slopes. Realise need to save harder for new bike and partner may not appreciate spending same amount of money on bike as car.

October – We're back! Warmer weather, stunning snowy backdrops - it’s Spring at last. Time to go and buy that new bike!

November – Mid-spring, quiet on the tourist front and lots of locals out on their bikes training for various summer events and races or just enjoying life. Us included! That’s what we needed the new bike for – we'll definitely knock a good 20 mins off our PB’s this year.

December – The start of summer, warm weather and a buzz in the air leading up to the holidays. Always a fantastic month to be in New Zealand.

If you still have questions then request your free cycling guide or give us a call.